Sri Lanka Cycling Holiday

£2,795 per person

Tour Dates

22 November 2026 – 5 December 2026 – £2995 per person – Spaces available

Tea, beaches, wildlife, cultural landmarks…join us cycling around the perfect island cycling destination and take in the infectious joie de vivre of its peoples.

Cycling

Cycling: Welcome to our two-week cycling itinerary in Sri Lanka, a land of ancient civilizations, lush green landscapes, pristine beaches, and exotic wildlife. Our cycling adventure will take you through some of the most scenic and culturally significant regions of this island nation.

From the west coast to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura and the wildlife-rich national parks, our journey will showcase Sri Lanka’s incredible diversity and beauty. You will cycle through verdant tea plantations, rainforests, floodplains, and coastal plains, encountering friendly locals, stunning temples, and breathtaking vistas along the way. With comfortable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and expert local guides and support staff, this cycling tour is an unforgettable way to experience the best of this island. Get ready to pedal your way through this tropical paradise, and let the adventure begin!

Highlights

Scenic Routes: From the stunning tea plantations of the Hill Country to the beautiful beaches of the South Coast, one of the most striking things about Sri Lanka is how varied it is.
Ancient Landmarks: Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of ancient landmarks, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sigiriya (an ancient rock fortress) and the royal palace at Polonnaruwa.
Wildlife: Sri Lanka is renowned for its diverse wildlife, and cycling is the perfect way to experience it. Local guides will help you spot different animals and birds.
Cultural Experiences: Sri Lanka is a melting pot of cultures, and cycling allows you to experience this diversity up close. You can cycle through traditional villages and interact with locals, sample traditional cuisine, and learn about the rich history and traditions of the country.

About us

Pedal Nation (in partnership with our sister company High Places) has been leading activivity holidays in Asia for decades, making us a leading player in this region. Our carefully designed itineraries (developed by locals, including our manager Sunny Wattel) showcase the real India / Sri Lanka / Bhutan — their peoples, landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Travelling with us aims to challenge your perceptions, awaken your senses, and leave you with a deep respect for this remarkable land and its enduring spirit.

Tour Plan

In the Tour Plan, (B, L, D) refers to meals included in the trip cost i.e. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Single room supplement £350

The route of this tour is flexible and should be seen as a guide only. Local conditions, weather or fitness could lead to changes in our daily plans. All times and distances are approximate.

14 days (9 days of cycling)

Grade 2

Tours in Asia

Destination
Sri Lanka
Starts in
Colombo
Ends in
Colombo
Included
Sri Lanka Cycling Holiday
Accommodation
Lunch
Cycling guide
GPX files
Vehicle support
Baggage transfer
Airport transfers
Not Included
Domestic flights
Evening meals (unless specified)
Bike hire
Travel to start & from finish
International flights
Travel insurance
Cookie Policy (US)
Cookie Policy (US)
Visas

Depart UK

Departure from the UK.

Arrive in Sri Lanka

Arrive in Colombo. Meet the local team for bike fitting and acclimatization to riding in the tropics. (D)

Colombo to Kitulgala

Ride from Negombo on the west coast to Kitulgala, through busy towns, small villages, and rice fields. Make stops for water, king coconut, and fresh fruit. Stay at The Rafters Retreat, Kitulgala. (B, L, D)

Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya

Transfer to Kotagala for a challenging ride through tea plantations with breathtaking views of the rolling tea mountains. Stay at The Daffodils Hotel, Nuwara Eliya. (B, L, D)

Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

Visit a tea plantation factory before riding through remote villages and scenic tea plantations to Kandy. Stay at The Thilanka Hotel, Kandy. (B, L, D)

Kandy to Sigiriya

Ride to Matale through small villages and countryside, and enjoy a rice and curry lunch at a traditional spice garden. Stay at The Elephas Resort, Sigiriya. (B, D)

Sigiriya

Ride on jeep trails and cart tracks through local farmland and dry zone forest to Sigirya Rock. Stay at The Elephas Resort, Sigiriya. (B, D)

Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa

Ride through small villages and forest areas to the ancient temple complex at Medirigiriya. Transfer by bus to Polonnaruwa. Stay at The Lake Hotel, Polonnaruwa. (B, L, D)

Polonnaruwa to Passikuda

Embark on our final ride across Sri Lanka's northeastern plains to the east coast after breakfast. The journey will provide yet another opportunity to experience the country's diverse terrain and ecology. You'll ride through wide-open plains flanked by cornfields and shrub forests and past the stunning Floodplains National Park. Your 10-day adventure has taken you from the west coast in Negombo, through the rainforest-like terrain of Kitulgala, up to the Central hills, down to Kandy, through the Tea Mountains and central cultural region, and now to the peaceful beaches of the east. Stay at The Amethyst Resort, Passikuda. (B, L, D)

Passikuda

Spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the beach at your leisure. Overnight stay at The Amethyst Resort Passikuda. (B, D)

Passikuda to Anuradhapura

After breakfast, head to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first ancient capital. In the afternoon, embark on a bike ride to Mihintale, the holy mountain located nearby. Legend has it that Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC when Emperor Asoka of India sent his son Arahath Mahinda to spread the message of Buddhism. At the summit of Mihintale, with its panoramic view of the surrounding plains, Arahath Mahinda convinced King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura to embrace the Buddhist faith. Arrive at Mihintale just before sunset and climb a series of stone steps to reach the summit, where a beautiful sthupa is located. The view across the plains of Anuradhapura, dotted with deep lakes and the multitude of white domes of the many temples, is simply stunning. Return to the hotel by vehicle. Stay at The Alakamanda Hotel, Anuradhapura. (B, D)

Anuradhapura

Spend the morning exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura on a quiet bike ride. The ancient temples and places of interest are scattered a little further apart in Anuradhapura compared to the compact Polonnaruwa city, making a bike one of the best ways to explore this ancient city. The grandeur and majesty of this ancient civilization are sure to leave a lasting impression. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari of Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful national parks, and due to its inaccessibility during the country's civil unrest, its terrain has remained protected and pristine. The park is also one of the few in the country where you can frequently spot leopards. As the park is vast and not yet visited by large numbers of tourists, you're likely to have a private audience with these elusive creatures. Stay at The Alakamanda Hotel, Anuradhapura. (B, D)

Anuradhapura to Negombo

After breakfast, head back to Negombo, where your adventure began less than two weeks ago. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a small beach restaurant. Stay at The Goldi Sands Beach Hotel, Negombo. (B, D)

Departure Day

Departure transfer to the airport after breakfast.

Sri Lanka Cycling Holiday