17 Days Cycling Tour

Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly met by your Overa Tours representative and transferred comfortably to your coastal hotel in Negombo. Settle into your room and take time to rest after your flight. In the evening, attend a pre-dinner orientation meeting with your cycling guides and mechanics to fit bikes, review routes, and prepare for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, begin your cycling expedition departing Negombo along quiet secondary roads toward the northwestern coast. Ride past bustling fishing communities and rural coastal settlements showcasing the diverse religious and cultural fabric of the region. Complete approximately 2 to 3 hours of cycling (102 km riding and vehicle support segment) before racking the bikes for the final transfer to Kalpitiya for an overnight stay.

Transfer from Kalpitiya toward the ancient dry-zone plains before mounting bikes to pedal into Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first capital. Cycle approximately 3 to 4 hours (120 km total route segment) amidst colossal stupas, sacred bodhi trees, and ancient engineering reservoirs that dominated Sinhalese civilization until the 11th century. Settle into your hotel in Anuradhapura for the night.

Spend an unhurried full day soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and historic grandeur of the sacred city. Take optional short rides to explore quiet archaeological ruins and tranquil monastery gardens, or simply relax at your hotel to recharge your legs for the central province rides ahead. Overnight stay in Anuradhapura.

Set out on an 80 km cycling segment (approximately 2 to 3 hours riding) through scenic backroads toward Sigiriya, pausing en route at the forested monastery ruins of Ritigala Nature Reserve. After racking the bikes, transfer to the base of Sigiriya to climb the iconic 5th-century Lion Rock fortress, marveling at the ancient water gardens and summit panoramas. Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

Enjoy a gentle morning ride covering approximately 60 km (2 to 3 hours cycling) from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa, the island's second ancient capital. Cycle along shaded tank bunds and explore the UNESCO-listed stone sculptures of Gal Vihara and the ancient royal citadel before racking up the bicycles for the transfer back to your hotel in Sigiriya.

Ride through the Cultural Triangle with flexible cycling segments totaling 80 km (approximately 3 to 4 hours riding). Visit the magnificent rock cave monastery of Dambulla, famous for its historic Buddha statues and murals, before transferring across the scenic mountain passes into the royal hill capital of Kandy for an overnight stay.

Tackle an exhilarating mountain bike route through the Hanthana Mountain Range above Kandy. Pedal across approximately 110 km of varied terrain (3 to 4 hours riding) through verdant tea plantations and mountain trails, stopping by the Ceylon Tea Museum before descending to your hotel in Kandy.

Enjoy a full day of leisure at your hotel in Kandy. Take an optional walking tour around Kandy Lake, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, or explore local spice markets and upper viewpoint roads while resting before the strenuous highland climbs to follow. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Embark on a spectacular high-altitude cycling journey of approximately 140 km (3 to 4 hours cycling with vehicle support) through the central highlands. Ride past cascading waterfalls like Ramboda Falls and through colonial Nuwara Eliya, continuing across misty tea plateaus before descending into the charming mountain village of Ella for an overnight stay.

Ride south out of Ella on a dramatic 50 km descent (approximately 2 to 3 hours riding) through the Ella Gap. Pass the thundering cascades of Ravana Falls, explore the rock-hewn sculptures of Buduruwagala Temple, and cross into the warm southern lowlands of Tissamaharama for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer comfortably along the southern coastal corridor toward Galle. Settle into your hotel and spend an unhurried afternoon wandering through the oceanfront ramparts of the 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage Galle Dutch Fort. Overnight stay in Galle.

Set out on a refreshing morning bicycle tour around the outskirts of Galle and Unawatuna (approximately 40 to 50 minutes cycling, 12 km). Wind along mangrove fringes, rural lagoons, and quiet countryside tracks, witnessing everyday village life away from the main highways. Overnight stay in Galle.

Pedal northward along the scenic coastal route toward Bentota covering approximately 80 km (2 to 3 hours riding with vehicle backup). Experience cultural highlights including the hill temple of Kande Vihara and the architectural landscapes of Lunuganga before checking into your beachfront resort in Bentota.

Savor a full day of pure rest along Bentota's wide palm-fringed sands. Unwind after two weeks of active cycling with soothing ocean breezes, poolside lounging, or optional restorative Ayurvedic spa treatments. Overnight stay in Bentota.

Continue your beachside relaxation in Bentota at an easy pace. Swim in the warm Indian Ocean waters, explore quiet lagoon waterways by boat, or sample fresh tropical seafood along the coast. Overnight stay in Bentota.

After breakfast, transfer along the coastal highway to Colombo for a sightseeing orientation of the commercial capital. Explore colonial landmarks, Galle Face Green, and bustling market avenues before your Overa Tours chauffeur transfers you directly to Bandaranaike International Airport for your return flight.