Sri Lanka - Classic

Sri Lanka is a fantastic cycling destination, with well-surfaced roads and diverse, beautiful natural surroundings. From ancient religious and cultural sites to rain forests, national parks, mountains, wildlife and stunning coastline, there is so much to enjoy and no better way to explore than by bicycle. For centuries adventurers and traders have been drawn to this jewel in the Indian Ocean. The island has been inspiration to many adventurers from Marco Polo to Paul Theroux, renowned for a rich variety of terrain and wildlife within a small land space. Species native to the island include monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, leopards and exotic peacocks. Moving forwards from a 30-year civil war which ended in 2009, Sri Lanka is fast becoming a popular cycling holiday destination.

The redspokes Sri Lanka Classic cycling holiday begins in west coast Negombo with beaches and sea views. Setting off with a coastal ride we visit markets and fishing communities. We travel cycling towards Kurunegala along a picturesque route passing coconut plantations, toddy tappers and paddy fields on fairly flat wide roads first tarmac and then red dirt track. Reaching ancient capital city Kurunegala, surrounded by imposing mythological 'animal rocks' we continue on to the extraordinary Sigiriya fortress with its series of moats, ramparts and water gardens. Our Sri Lanka cycling adventure continues as we ride on to explore the cultural triangle; the ‘King's Land’ of the ancient Sinhalese, discovering medieval ruins and sacred temples. We enjoy a rest day in beautiful hill station Kandy, the last Sri Lankan stronghold in the 19th century to resist colonial invaders. Set in rainforest with an iconic sacred temple and botanical gardens there is plenty here to see and enjoy.  Our Sri Lanka Classic cycling holiday continues as we cycle into the highlands through cloud forest and hill stations arriving at Udawalawe National Park.

We ride on to reach the southern tip of Sri Lanka, arriving at Mirissa, a coastal resort and fishing port with idyllic palm fringed beach. We ride on to historic Galle; a 16th Century fortified city where our cycling ends. From Galle you will be transferred back to Negombo where our Sri Lanka Classic cycling holiday concludes.