Heritage Tour of Sri Lanka

We recommend arriving into Sri Lanka early to discover this beautiful town, to enjoy the beach and to relax before your ride.

Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast before setting off on a thrilling cycling adventure. Begin by test-riding through Negombo’s lively streets, passing fishing villages, the scenic Dutch canal, coconut plantations, and tile factories.

In Chilaw, enjoy a picnic lunch before boarding a coach to Anuradhapura. Once there, settle into your hotel and perhaps take a refreshing swim. In the evening, join a 'food crawl' to savour delicious local cuisine and explore the vibrant streets and markets.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic ride to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura for a guided bicycle tour of the ancient city. Explore the ruins, including the sacred old Bo Tree, a significant symbol of Buddhism's roots in Sri Lanka. The ruins span a vast area, blending woodland settings with cultivated landscapes, complete with columns and ponds.

Visit the impressive Isurumuniya Temple and the Anuradhapura Museum before enjoying a local lunch with your group. Afterward, return to your hotel for a relaxing free afternoon and evening.

This morning, cycle from Anuradhapura to Ritigala, pedalling past lush paddies, man-made water tanks, and jungle patches. Enjoy lunch at a quaint countryside kiosk before visiting the beautiful Ritigala monastery, which dates back nearly 2000 years and is named after its mountain setting. After exploring the site and delving into its rich local mythology, hop on a coach to Polonnaruwa. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to relax and recharge.

Saddle up for a morning ride to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second oldest kingdom. Explore the Vihara Temple, Parakrama Statue, and Siva Temple before cycling onward to Diyabeduma. Enjoy the scenic route filled with sanctuaries, man-made channels, and farmlands. Refuel with a picnic lunch, then take a coach to Dambulla. In the evening, visit the bustling Dambulla wholesale vegetable market, with an option to join a local food crawl.

Early this morning, set off from your hotel in Dambulla and cycle to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient rock fortress rises 200 metres high amid lush gardens and reservoirs. En route, marvel at the water garden, boulder garden, mirror wall, and Sigiriya's frescoes. Capture stunning photos of this iconic site against the skyline. Hike to the top of the fortress and enjoy a well-earned breakfast with panoramic views.

Afterward, hop back on your bike and ride through the picturesque countryside, stopping for lunch at a spice garden near Matale. Rest in the support vehicle as you drive the final leg to Kandy. In the evening, experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.

After breakfast at the hotel, choose between an exhilarating ride in the Hanthana Mountain Range or staying in Kandy to explore. Later in the morning, head to Giragama for a guided tour of a tea factory. Learn about the production of Sri Lanka's favourite drink and sample some delightful varieties.

For lunch, visit the Hela Bojun Restaurant, a social enterprise by the agriculture ministry, which provides employment and empowerment for local women. Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan dishes while learning about the restaurant’s mission.

The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most important Buddhist site in the country, and cap off the day with a vibrant food crawl in town.

After breakfast, transfer to Kandy railway station for a scenic train journey to Hatton. From there, cycle to Maskeliya, winding through verdant tea plantations. Enjoy a delicious Tamil meal at a local kiosk for lunch.

Check into your guesthouse and relax for the afternoon. If you're up for it, consider an optional trek up Adam's Peak, a conical mountain standing at 2243 metres. The best time to climb is from mid-December to early May.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before cycling from Bogawanthalawa to Balangoda. This stretch is among the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, weaving through tea plantations and pine forests. As you pedal, soak in the mountainous views, tall trees, lush vegetation, and serene landscapes, all accompanied by the soothing sounds of birdsong. You might even spot a few trickling waterfalls. Stop for lunch amid the green slopes of Balangoda. Then, transfer to Tissamaharama. On arrival, unwind at your hotel and share stories over a group dinner.

Cycle from Tissamaharama to Kataragama after breakfast. This vibrant, holy city is a major religious centre, comparable to Adam's Peak in significance. Each July and August, the two-week Kataragama Festival attracts thousands of Hindus and tourists. After exploring the city, embark on a thrilling jeep ride through Yala National Park, home to elephants, crocodiles, and waterbirds like the great thick-knee. Yala also boasts one of the world's highest concentrations of leopards! Return to Tissamaharama for the night and enjoy a group dinner, sharing your day's adventures.

After breakfast, cycle from Tissamaharama to Hambantota, passing through the stunning Bundala National Park. Enjoy lunch in Hambantota before continuing your ride to Mirissa.

Spend a free afternoon at the beach in Mirissa, where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the clear waters and golden sands. The beach is perfect for a dip and watching the sunset. If you’re up for more cycling, head to nearby Weligama, where colourful fishing boats bring in fresh catches to sell along the shore. Don’t miss the local lace products, a unique and authentic souvenir to take home.

Enjoy a free morning to relax or go whale-watching (best from November to April). Later, drive to Galle, stopping near the Galle Fort entrance to meet Mr. Sunil, a traditional woodcarving expert. He'll give a practical demonstration of his craft and encourage you to try it yourself.

Upon arrival in Galle, explore the impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort, with its extensive walls and historic buildings. Spend the evening strolling around the fort, and watch the sunset from the ramparts before returning to Mirissa for the night.

Depart Mirissa after breakfast and drive to Colombo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before heading out on a leader-led walk through the city. Explore the bustling Petta Bazaar, Independence Square, Parliament, and the National Museum. Conclude your tour at the Barefoot fairtrade store, where you can discover a variety of handicrafts and support small cottage industries.

In the evening, join an optional group food crawl to celebrate your journey. Savour some of Sri Lanka’s best street foods at local market stalls and toast to a trip well travelled.

There are no activities planned after breakfast today, marking the end of your adventure. You're free to leave at any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay, simply contact your booking agent in advance to arrange additional accommodation.