Bike, Hike & Safari in Sri Lanka

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS ADVENTURE

DELUXE FROM NZ $3,218 PP

This is the perfect bike tour to see some of the best Iconic sights of Sri Lanka. We start from the fishing town of Negombo then through lush highlands to the coast. This guided 12 days adventure, includes some great hikes, a jeep safari with an opportunity to witness the wildlife, comfortable accommodation, mouth-watering cuisine and cultural experiences.

Tour notes: Itinerary Can be tailormade

The terrain is a mix of sealed, unsealed, secondary roads and quiet country lanes. There are a few sustained climbs (although not too steep) at times and some thrilling descents. There is always a support vehicle on hand to give yxou a lift if you need a break from the riding. Tour Type: Bespoke Special Interest Group Journey Group size: Minimum 07 and above Departs daily: Choose your dates Best Time to Travel: Sept to April Accommodation: Various Category Available

Combine your stand-alone or multi tour with wholesale return airfare and save

Minneriya

Dambulla

3

2 Negombo

Colombo

1 Kandy

1 Nuwara Eliya

2 Ella

Galle

1 1 Udawalawa Day 1: Colombo

On arrival at the airport, meet your Tour Manager at the arrival lounge who will assist with the transfer to Negombo hotel. Stay two nights in Negombo.

Day 2: Negombo B L D

8:00 am meet up with your guide outside the Hotel, then begin your three-and-a-half-hour exploration of this bustling town. We ride along the coastal road passing many morning fishing activities. We paddle through the fishing village and learn their lifestyles and stop at one of the fishermen’s house to taste a cup of tea. Coconut toddy is another highlight stop at a “wadiya” and learn about the toddy tapping and sample some fresh toddy if lucky. As we pass through the Coconut Plantations your guide will elaborate on the many uses and benefits of coconut. Evening enjoy welcome dinner at a local restNZrant serving Sri Lankan cuisine. Riding approx.: 30km

Day 3: Negombo - Sigiriya (Ride & Transfer)

B L D

Today travel to Dambulla, on our way we stop by a roadside fruit market to taste the seasonal fruits. On arrival check-in for three nights. Afternoon cycle to the Dambulla Cave Temples a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the backroads. The complex spans five caves and contains over 150 Buddha images, some of which date as far back as the 1st-century BC. Stay three nights in Dambulla. Riding approx.: 30km

Day 4: Sigiriya & Minneriya Excursion (Ride & Transfer) B L D

This half-day cycling tour of Sigiriya takes you on a journey into the areas surrounding the Sigiriya Rock Fortress a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb this imposing citadel site known as “Lion’s Rock” and explore the ruins of ancient palaces, moats, shrines, frescoes and water gardens. Cycling in Sigiriya will allow you to interact with locals, see vegetable fields, rice fields and various crops farmed by villagers. Afternoon enjoy a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. The Park is based largely around a huge reservoir and serves as an important gathering place for Sri Lanka’s large elephant population. Riding approx.: 60km

**For those who prefer not to climb the Sigiriya Rock fortress, they can visit the Museum opposite side of the road.

What’s included: 11 Nights deluxe accommodation Quality bikes Accompanied specialist (cyclist) Tour Manager Activities: Ride/ Walk / Safari Meals as mentioned Monument and entrance fee as per program All current applicable taxes.

Day 5: Anuradhapura Excursion (Ride & Transfer)

B D

We depart after an early breakfast and cover the main sites of Anuradhapura, UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest archaeological excavation site and a centre of Buddhist pilgrimage. As you ride along the streets, byways, and green lawns of Anuradhapura we will come across massive stupas, ingenious irrigation works, palaces and monasteries. Riding approx.: 40km

Day 6: Sigiriya - Kandy (Transfer & Ride) B D

Today we travel to Kandy, en-route visit Matale Spice Plantation and learn their medicinal value and use in Sri Lankan cuisine. Arrive Kandy walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then walk around the Upper Lake area to enjoy the view of Kandy. Stay overnight in Kandy. Riding approx.: 30 km

Day 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (Transfer & Ride) B D

Morning Bikes will be transferred to a point near the Ceylon tea museum where the ride starts. Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum with its tea-related artefacts. You will bike down a gravel trail that winds through the Hantana

Tea Plantations. On your way witness the tea pickers at work and various types of tea. Later in the day travel to Nuwara Eliya and proceed for a cycling tour around iconic sights like the Golf Course, Gregory’s lake and Victoria Park. Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya. Riding approx.: 40km

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Ella (Ride & Transfer) B L D

An early start today for the transfer by vehicle up to Horton Plains National Park. We will walk through the grassy highlands to World’s End Lookout where we take in the astonishing views over the valley from the clifftop. Return to the hotel and check-out and bike towards Ella. Leaving the hotel, we start on the descent about 1000m in elevation over about 20km. The scenery through today is be tiful at every turn. Tea gardens as far as the eye can see. Stop for lunch in a small town and taste the hill country cuisine. Stay two nights in Ella. Riding approx.: 55km

Day 9: Ella (Ride) B D

Enjoy cycling through grassy plains, by gurgling streams, and alongside refreshing waterfalls. Visit Demodara Nine Arch Bridge through paddy fields and small tea plantations. Stop by Little Adam’s Peak for unbelievable views of the surrounding countryside and enjoy the hike for Little Adam’s Peak. Riding approx.: 63km

Day 10: Ella - Thanamalwila - Udawalawa (Tranfer & Ride) B D

Travel to Thanamalwila and start cycling toward Udawalawa, ride along the Samanala Weva Reservoir, which is part of the second-largest hydroelectric project in Sri Lanka. Along the way stop to witness Chena village farming and enjoy a cup of tea in a farmer home. Evening jeep safari at the Udawalawe National Park popular for elephants and other wild animals. Stay two nights in Udawalawa. Riding approx.: 75 km

Day 11: Udawalawa – Galle (Transfer & Ride)

B L D

We first transfer to a high point then enjoy a fun descent, just so that we remember what that feels like. The route today features lots of variety and we conclude our day at lunch. Evening free to relax or explore Dutch Fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay overnight in Galle. Riding approx: 100 km

Day 12: Galle –Colombo Departure B L D

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and tour finished with a direct transfer to the Colombo Airport.