ITINERARY

Day 01 : (Arrival) Airport – Colombo (Approx. 1 hour Drive)

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Meet and Greet by our Representative and transfer to Hotel in Colombo
• Checking in to the Hotel
• In and around Colombo
• Afternoon will be fitted for our bikes in readiness for first day of cycling the next day
• Overnight stay at Hotel 

Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, which are only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbour during the British period and became the capital in 1815 after Kandy was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period and the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city.   None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kaymans Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, Davatagaha Mosque, Colombo Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Overnight stay at 'Kingsbury Hotel' – Superior Rooms

Day 2 : Colombo - Induruwa (33km)

• After breakfast, commence riding to Induruwa  in the South
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

After breakfast we commence riding to Induruwa in the south. We travel through small villages full of friendly smiling faces. Induruwa Beach Resort is the perfect place to end the day with a cool drink by the beach.

Induruwa is a small fishing village along the South Western coast of Sri Lanka. The sandy beaches are ideal for long walks, sun bathing and swimming. There is a stream that is flourished with a number of water bodies which are located in and around the area making Induruwa a town rich in fern and flora. Ayurvedic practices are also carried out in Induruwa with a number of hotels catering to complete rejuvenation of mind and body. While it’s primarily dominated by big package hotels, it also has a number of smaller places catering to independent travellers. There are more such places in Aluthgama, a small town on the main road between Beruwela and Bentota. Many of the pricier places to stay listed here also have respected Ayurveda centres.

Overnight stay at 'Induruwa Beach Resort’  – Superior Rooms

Day 3 : Induruwa - Koggala (77km)

• After breakfast, commence riding to Koggala
• Visit to the 400 year old Dutch Fortress in Galle
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Today we follow the National Cycling Trail along the scenic southern coastal belt. A highlight today is a visit to the 400 year old Dutch Fortress in Galle, which is listed as a World Heritage site. As we cruise along we may also be able to see ‘Stilt Fisherman’ as they go about their daily life. Tonight is our last night by the coast so we will relax over dinner and enjoy the sea breeze.

Dutch Fort at Galle, close to the island’s southernmost point, 173km from Colombo, has the distinction of being the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia. A living heritage site, this 90 hectare (222 acre) attraction is a superb blend of architecture, with fortifications that resemble those in the coastal areas of Portugal. The fall of Galle to the Dutch in 1640 saw its fortifications consolidated further along the lines of the fortified cities of Europe. The Dutch and the English colonial styles are evident in the deep verandahs of houses supported by timber or masonry pillars. Originally established by the Portuguese in the 16th Century, it reached its zenith under Dutch rule in the 18th Century, providing spacious housing, wide roads and all necessary facilities within its walls including an intricate sewage system that was ahead of its time.

Koggala Lake is an attractive & tranquil Koggala lagoon is just a couple of kilometers away; dotted with rocky islands & fringed with mangroves. The lagoon is alive with birdlife & supply prawns in abundance. Motor boat trips & catamaran rides take you to the small islands in the lagoon. One of the island features a cinnamon plantation. The Buddhist temple on another island attracts many visitors on poya (full moon) days. And another island features Ananda Spice Garden.. Nearby there is a small turtle hatchery opened in 1996, which buys turtle eggs from the fishermen in an attempt to discourage them from poaching & selling the eggs for food. Witness how the newborn turtles are being cared for until they are ready to be released back to the ocean. The wide sandy beaches that exist round the island of Sri Lanka are utilized by several of the marine turtles for laying their eggs. The commonest of these are the Loggerheads and the Leathery turtle while the green turtle is a less common visitor.

Overnight stay at 'Koggala Beach’ Hotel – Standard Rooms

Day 4 : Koggala - Uda Walawe (75km)

• After breakfast, commence riding to Uda walawe
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

The route today takes us through a variety of landscapes. We cycle on muddy tracks and some paved roads through a changing landscape of dry zone jungle, tea plantations and paddy fields. We will pass by the Uda Walawe National Park, and if we are lucky we may be able to spot peacocks and perhaps an elephant or two! Today we also visit the Elephant Transit Home at Uda Walawe.

Udawalawe National Park is located approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city and is a major eco tourism destination in Sri Lanka. The 30,821 hectares dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1524 mm and an average temperature of 29.4°C. It is most famous for the many elephants that live there (about 400 in total). During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds of adults and young elephants– feeding or bathing and playing in the water! In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard, as well as being an exciting location for bird enthusiasts. The route today takes us through a variety of landscapes. We cycle on muddy tracks and some paved roads through a changing landscape of dry zone jungle, tea plantations and paddy fields. We will pass by the Uda Walawe National Park, and if we are lucky we may be able to spot peacocks and perhaps an elephant or two! Today we also visit the Elephant Transit Home at Uda Walawe.

Overnight stay at ‘Elephant Trail’ Hotel – Standard Rooms

Day 5 : Uda Walawe  - Banadarawela (45km)

• After breakfast, commence riding to Wellawaya
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel 

Today we will drive through rural surroundings to Wellawaya where we commence cycling. The ride today will be challenging as there is a considerable amount of uphill cycling to reach our destination. At these higher elevations we are surrounded by lush green tea plantations, the climate is cooler, and you will feel refreshed and relaxed.

Bandarawela area history is coming from the time of great Sinhalese King Walagamba who fell back and regrouped in the Dhowa area to fight against Indian attackers called “Soli”. During the period of British colonial era, the city occurred rapid development of the infrastructures and human resources due to tea plantations and migration of the British and other local people to this area. Originally Bnadarawela is one of the Sinhalese motherlands before the establishment of tea plantations under British administration. But today there is a mix culture due to the migration of Tamils to the plantation sector as laborers from India under British colonial times. Dhowa ancient rock temple is squeezed between Bandarawela – Badulla road and the stream in the bottom of the valley.

Overnight stay at ‘Bandarawela Hotel’ – Standard Rooms

Day 6 :  Banadarawela  - Kandy (80km)

• After breakfast, commence riding to Kandy
• In and around Kandy
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

En-route to Kandy we visit a tea factory and get the opportunity to taste pure unblended Ceylon tea. We also pass by the majestic Mount Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. Once we reach Kandy the afternoon will be at leisure to explore the town and markets. This evening there will be a cultural performance by traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers and firewalkers.

Kandy is rich with a “World Heritage Site”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (“Maha Wasala”), “Palle Wasala”- where the Queens stayed-now used for the National Museum.“Meda Wasala” where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated close by. The Bathing Pavilion (“Ulpenge”) is by the Lake and in The Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri Samudraya” (Milk White Ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse. 

Kandy Cultural Show is one of the most famous event / sightseeing available for the foreigners in their visit to Sri Lanka. This spontaneous event upheld the Sri Lankan Folk-lore dance which prevailed from the history. It shows the uniqueness of the Sri Lankan dance performances and the drummers who are very unique to Sri Lanka. As the final event in the Cultural show, walking on fire is done with the everlasting faith towards the god.

Overnight stay at 'Mahaweli Reach' Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 7 : Kandy

• In and around Kandy
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, Kandy is the country’s most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka’s most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Our tour this morning visits the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, Upper Lake Drive (for a great view of the city), the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, and a Gem Museum. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping and you can pick up some great souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased.

Overnight stay at 'Mahaweli Reach' Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 8 : Kandy - Sigiriya (70km)

• After breakfast, commence riding to Dambulla
• In and around Sigiriya
• Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
• Visit to Sigiriya Fortress
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel 

Today we cycle towards Dambulla where we visit the famous cave temple complex. After exploring these impressive caves we continue on towards Sigiriya. Our accommodation tonight is set before a large lake where we may see wild elephants drinking and bathing in the water.

Dambulla is a big town, situated in the Matale District, Central Province of Sri Lanka, situated 148 km north-east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. Due to the major junction, it's the distribution centre of vegetable in the country. Major attractions of the area include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The area also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron Wood forest or Namal Uyana.Ibbankatuwa, prehistoric burial site near Dhambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3 kilometers of the cave temples providing evidence on presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area, however the major attractions are spead over 5 caves filled with statues and paintings relating to the Lord Buddha.

Sigiriya is a “World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island and it widely considered as the 8th wonder of the modern world. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colours. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed.

Overnight stay at ‘Aliya Resort’ – Standard Rooms

Day 9 : Sigiriya  - Polonnaruwa (40km)

• After breakfast, commence riding to Polonnaruwa
• In and around Polonnaruwa
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Our final day of cycling we head towards Polonnaruwa. The scenery today is breathtaking as we ride beside the Sea of Parakrama, a vast man made reservoir. Polonnaruwa is a well preserved city of beautiful parks, ancient dagobas and stunning statues. The majestic King’s Council Chamber, the Vatadage Relic House - lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, and Gal Vihare (rock temple) are a few of the memorable sites we will explore by bike. Returning to our hotel we pack away our bikes for the final time. 

Polonnaruwa, is the medieval capital of Sri Lanka (11th century AD). This ancient city remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty was also used as a backdrop to filmed scenes for the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Near the ancient city, there is a small town with several hotels (especially for tourists) and some glossy shops, and places to fulfill day-to-day needs. There are government institutions in a newly built area called “new town,” about 6 km away from the town and the main road. The largest school in the district, Polonnaruwa Royal Central College is situated at new town. Polonnaruwa is the second largest city in North Central Province, but it is known as one of the cleanest and more beautiful cities in the country. The green Environment, amazing ancient constructions, Parakrama Samudraya (a huge lake built in 1200), and attractive tourist hotels and hospitable people, attract tour.

Overnight stay at ‘Hotel Sudu Araliya’ – Standard Rooms

Day 10 : Polonnaruwa  - Negombo

• Safari Ride to Minneriya National Park
• In and around Negombo
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

We take an early morning jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park to view wild elephant. From here we drive to Negombo where we celebrate our riding efforts with a farewell dinner.

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by KingMahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale,Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka.The park is situated 182 kilometres (113 miles) from Colombo.

Overnight stay at 'Jetwing Blue' Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 11 : (Departure) Negombo – Bandaranaike International Airport

• After breakfast, Transfer to Airport for the Departure Flight 

End of the Tour

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on sharing double BB basis for 10 nights 11 Days
• Transportation by Air-Conditioned car throughout the tour with an English Speaking driver cum guide during the whole tour
• Mineral Water 02 bottles per person per day (500 ml each)
• Includes all the Government Local Taxes (current prevailing)

EXCLUSIONS

• All entrance fees as per the program – Pay Directly at the sites
• Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.)
• Tips and gratuities
• Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary
• Video and Camera permits
• Beverages throughout the tour
• All extra mileages, extra entrance fees out of the program

IMPORTANT

• Rooms will be on availability & in case if the said hotels are fully booked due to any reason, similar hotels will be provided in the same vicinity or nearest location
• We will upgrade to you to half board with complimentary basis
• Standard check-in time and check-out time at the hotels 1400 hrs – 1200 hrs
• For Credit Card payments an additional of 3.5% surcharge will be added on top of the Total invoice amount