Scenic aerial view of idyllic sandy beach on Sri Lanka at sunset.
Brand New!

Cycle Sri Lanka From Coast to Coast

9 nights
Moderate

Traverse Sri Lanka west to east by bike, pedalling from Negombo to Pasikuda Bay as you pass ancient ruins, spice hills and misty peaks

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides and a bike mechanic

Accommodation

6 nights in hotels, 2 nights in laidback lodges, 1 night in rustic cabanas

Meals

All breakfasts, all lunches and 8 dinners

Transfers & Support Vehicle

Airport transfers, plus a support vehicle to carry your kit or to hop into if your legs need a rest

Equipment

Comfortable touring bike with front suspension

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

Scenic aerial view of idyllic sandy beach on Sri Lanka at sunset.
Cycling to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka by an 'Elephants crossing' road sign.
Aerial view of the Wasgamuwa region forest landscape, Sri Lanka
Sunset at Negombo beach, Sri Lanka
Cycling palm tree lined roads in Sri Lanka
Two cyclists pushing bikes on the beach in Sri Lanka
Rock fortress of Yapahuwa, Sri Lanka
Local women in a tea plantation in Sri Lanka. Photo: GettyImages-183428833
Cycling along a forested backroad, Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan women setting table for lunch, bowls of Sri Lanka food

Ride into the UNESCO-listed Riverston cloud forest, crisscrossed with tea trails, jungle roads, and with panoramic views of the Knuckles Mountains

Take a jeep safari through the forests and grasslands of Wasgamuwa National Park, home to wild elephants, colourful birdlife and elusive sloth bears

Explore the ancient rock citadel of Yapahuwa and the forest monastery of Arankele, hidden in the hills near Kurunegala

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome Sri Lanka!

Person walking along Waikkal beach in Sri Lanka

Driving

1hr

Touch down in Colombo and transfer to Waikkal, a quiet patch of palm forest just north of Negombo. Settle into your surroundings and meet your local guide and fellow riders for a welcome briefing. Depending on everyone's arrival times, your bike fitting and warm-up ride to the beach may take place this afternoon, or the following morning. This short spin takes you down to the beach to mark the start of your coast-to-coast journey by dipping your rear wheel in the Indian Ocean, snapping a few photos and sharing a beer with the crew before heading back to the lodge for dinner.

Day 2

To Kuliyapitiya – coastal life and coconut groves

Cyclist on a palm tree lined road in Sri Lanka

Cycling

5hrs · 54km · 445m up · 405m down

Today you’ll set off from your hotel, pedalling along the coast and through lively fishing communities, where everyday life spills onto the roadside. Expect brightly painted boats, drying nets and the morning’s catch displayed in wooden stalls. Turning inland, you’ll cycle through Sri Lanka’s coconut belt – look up and you might spot toddy tappers perched high in the palms, harvesting the sap. The ride ends at a peaceful eco-resort surrounded by coconut trees, where a village-style lunch awaits. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the estate, before tucking into a BBQ under the stars.

Day 3

Rice fields and Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

Aerial view of the citadel of Yapahuwa, Sri Lanka

Cycling

6hrs · 65km · 540m up · 480m down

Ride out along plantation tracks and into Sri Lanka’s rice country. Vast green fields stretch towards the Dedra Oya reservoir, where you’ll cycle along the dam wall with views across the water on one side and the patchwork paddies on the other. The route winds through rural backroads to Yapahuwa, a 13th-century rock fortress that once served as a royal palace. After checking in at your nearby hotel, you can explore this little-visited archaeological site and climb its grand carved steps – its elaborate carved balustrades and ornamental steps give it a grandeur akin to the famous Sigiriya.

Day 4

Jungle monasteries and spice hills to Naula

Cycling through tea estate terraces, Sri Lanka

Cycling

6hrs · 64km · 850m up · 600m down

You’ll ride through a mix of paved and unpaved roads today, crossing a landscape of rocky outcrops and forest-cloaked monoliths topped with white stupas. Stop off at Arankele, a quiet Buddhist monastery tucked into the jungle, before climbing into the island’s spice-growing hills. The roadside is lined with pepper and clove plantations, and you’ll break for lunch at a local restaurant. From there, it’s a steady ride to a forest lodge perched on a hilltop, your base for the night.

Day 5

Into the Knuckles Mountain Range

An aerial view of the Knuckles Forest Reserve Mountain Range in the central province of Sri Lanka

Cycling

6hrs · 52km · 1525m up · 1230m down

You’ll climb gradually along quiet backroads into Riverston, part of the Knuckles Mountain Range – a UNESCO-listed area known for its misty cloud forests and tea-covered slopes. Along the way, you’ll pass small farms and catch glimpses of tea pickers working the hillsides. The pace is yours to set, with regular breaks and a support vehicle nearby if you want to take a breather. After reaching a high mountain viewpoint, the road snakes down through the forested slopes into the valley below. It’s a big day on the bike, but the long descent into the heart of the reserve is a memorable finish.

Day 6

Jungle roads into Wasgamuwa National Park

Elephants in the Wasgamuwa National Park, Sri Lanka

Cycling

5hrs · 52km · 645m up · 1200m down

Wildlife Watching

3-4hrs

This morning, hop back on the bike and follow jungle-lined roads past Kalu Ganga reservoir, where dead trees rise eerily from the water’s glassy surface. Ride on through rural farmland and into Wasgamuwa, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, head out on a jeep safari among the forests and grasslands of Wasgamuwa National Park. Established in 1984 as a refuge for wildlife displaced by development projects, this remote and little-visited reserve is teeming with biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants grazing in the open, peacocks strutting across the tracks, and water buffalo wallowing in the shallows. With luck, you might even spot a sloth bear in the undergrowth. Birdlife is also abundant, with kingfishers, eagles and painted storks among the regulars.

Day 7

Elephant corridors and ancient cities

Cycling to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka by an 'Elephants crossing' road sign.

Cycling

7hrs · 100km · 555m up · 610m down

Roll out of the national park this morning and cycle through the 'elephant corridor' – a wild, little-travelled stretch that links Wasgamuwa with Maduru Oya National Park. This is a part of Sri Lanka that few tourists ever reach. You’ll ride alongside irrigation canals, spotting peacocks and water buffalo as you go, and pass through sleepy villages where you'll be greeted by friendly locals. After a picnic lunch, continue on to Welikanda. It’s a long day in the saddle, but the route is mostly flat and the support vehicle is never far away.

Day 8

Roll to the Indian Ocean

View of the shore line and colourful boats at Pasikuda Beach, Sri Lanka

Cycling

6hrs · 57km · 120m up · 150m down

The final ride to the east coast takes you along quiet rural roads, past colourful Hindu shrines and through Tamil villages. You'll have an early start, with the aim of reaching Pasikuda Beach before lunch. Keep an eye out for cattle ambling across the highway, as you pedal the final stretch towards the Indian Ocean. Finally leaving the tarmac behind, you’ll follow a mix of dirt roads to reach the white sands of Pasikuda, where you can dip your front wheel in the sea – crossing of Sri Lanka completed! The rest of the day is yours to swim, unwind and enjoy a celebratory sundowner and dinner with the team, you've earned it.

Day 9

Return to Negombo

Beach landscape in Negombo, Sri Lanka with empty sand beach and palm trees

Driving

6hrs

Say goodbye to the east coast and settle in for the cross-country drive back to Negombo. It’s a full day on the road today, but you'll pause for a relaxed lunch stop along the way to break up the journey and stretch your legs. You’ll reach the west coast by late afternoon and check into your beachside hotel. There’s time for a final swim or stroll along the sand before gathering for a farewell dinner to toast the end of your epic coast-to-coast achievement.

Day 10

Farewell, Sri Lanka

Palm trees silhouetted at sunset in Sri Lanka.

After a relaxed breakfast with a sea view, it’s time to say goodbye to your crew of fellow adventurers. Your host will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport at a time to suit your flight time, or perhaps you'll choose to stay on for a few extra days of beach bliss.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB)

Any time on Day 1

Ends

Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB)

Any time on Day 10

Transfers

You’re free to arrive at any time on Day 1. Three scheduled airport transfers are included between 08:00 and 16:00 from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to your beach hotel in Waikkal, around an hour’s drive. Your local host will confirm your pick-up time once you’ve shared your flight details.

If you arrive outside these hours (or before Day 1), you can book a private transfer with your host – see Optional Extras for pricing. For early arrivals, hotel check-in may not be available until 14:00. To access your room earlier, contact your host to request early check-in (fee applies; subject to availability).

At the end of the trip, you’ll be transferred back to the airport on Day 10. Hotel check-out is at 11:00, with late check-out subject to availability and payable directly to the hotel.

If you’d like to arrive early or extend your stay, your host can help arrange private airport transfers and extra nights – see Optional Extras for details.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Sri Lanka from major airports across the UK and Europe, including direct flights from London to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines. From North America, most routes connect via the Middle East or Asia, with stopovers usually in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Singapore.

Day 1

Lodge · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Bungalow · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Lodge · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 – Day 8

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Close up view of traditional Sri Lankan food on wooden tabletop

Sri Lankan food is bold, vibrant and deeply rooted in the island’s rich history. Local ingredients meet centuries-old spice routes coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic are layered into every dish. The staple is ‘rice and curry’, which in reality means a generous spread of curries, dhal and vegetable dishes, often served with roti-style flatbreads. You’ll enjoy a mix of local and familiar flavours throughout the trip. At places like Coco Garden, many meals use homegrown produce – vegetables, eggs, milk and herbs straight from the garden. Along the coast or at eco-lodges like Ging Oya, expect tropical fruit, fresh seafood and flavour-packed curries. Lunches on the move are picnic-style, with hot samosas, vegetable rotties, seasonal fruit and rice cakes to keep you going between rides.

Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for, along with most dietary requirements – just speak to your host upon booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Exterior and pool at Ging Oya Lodge, Waikkal , Sri Lanka
Waikkal

You’ll spend the first night of your Sri Lanka adventure at Ging Oya Lodge, a laid-back eco-lodge surrounded by tropical gardens and wildlife. You'll prepare for your coast-to-coast crossing by relaxing in the colonial‑style raised bungalows overlooking the Ging River. Facilities include an open‑air restaurant, a tranquil infinity pool, free WiFi, a sun terrace and a riverside lounge. Bungalows are allocated on a twin‑share basis, with ensuite bathrooms.

Drone view of CoCo garden cabins surrounded by palms, Sri lanka
Kuliyapitiya

After your first day on the bike, you'll bed down for the night at Coco Garden – sleeping in rustic cabanas which are set within a quiet coconut estate near Kuliyapitiya. There are peaceful gardens and hammocks for relaxing. Meals are served outdoors, featuring fresh vegetables, herbs and spices grown on the property. The cottages have been crafted using natural clay, and will be allocated on a twin-share basis with ensuite bathrooms.

View across the swimming pool to colonial building, Hotel Yapahwa, Sri Lanka
Yapahuwa

On Day 3, you’ll spend the night surrounded by palm trees at the colonial-style Hotel Yapahwa Paradise, which is ideally located just 800m away from the ancient Yapahuwa Temple. Offering a large pool, a restaurant, lush gardens and panoramic views from terraces, the rooms here are spacious with ensuite bathrooms. You'll share on a twin basis, and each room has a private terrace or balcony.

view of hilltop Arangala Forest Lodge, Ulpotha, Sri Lanka
Naula

While pausing in Naula, you'll spend the night at Arangala Forest Lodge, a hilltop eco-retreat tucked into the forest with views of the Arangala Mountain Range. You’ll stay in twin-share cabanas with ensuite bathrooms, designed to blend with the natural surroundings – many with open-air features and wide windows looking out into the trees. There are peaceful terraces, forest trails right on your doorstep, and an infinity pool with sweeping mountain views.

room with mountain view Crystal Riverston Deck, Matale Sri Lanka
Matale

You’ll spend one night at the peaceful Crystal Riverston Deck, a small hotel at the forest's edge in the Knuckles foothills, with panoramic mountain views from the infinity pool. You'll stay in twin-share rooms, all of which have seating areas and ensuite bathrooms.

Lavendish Hotel in the Wasgamuwa forest,  Sri Lanka
Wasgamuwa

Located near the edge of Wasgamuwa National Park, the Lavendish Wild Safari Hotel offers wildlife-rich surroundings, a restaurant and lush garden space. You’ll stay in comfortable twin-share rooms, which have ensuite bathrooms and balconies overlooking the lush garden, the pool, or the river.

View of Yaalu Hotel Sri Lanka
Welikanda

In Welikanda, you'll spend a night at Yaalu Yaalu, a cosy nature‑surrounded resort. You’ll stay in comfortable twin‑share rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Facilities here include a restaurant serving modern Sri Lankan cuisine, a swimming pool, and a viewpoint from which you might glimpse elephants passing through the nearby corridor, if you're lucky.

View from the beach towards Sunrise Pasikuda Hotel Sri Lanka
Pasikuda

Upon reaching the east coast, you’ll stay at Sunrise Pasikuda, a stylish beachfront hotel on the white sands of Sunrise Bay. This is the perfect spot to relax and toast your epic cycle in style with its direct beach access, swimming pool, spa and sunset bar. The twin-shared rooms are spacious, with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies or terraces.

Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo overlooking the beach
Negombo

Your final night of the adventure will be spent at Goldi Sands on the Negombo coast. A relaxed beachfront resort with a freshwater pool, it offers ample space to unwind before your flight. Rooms are allocated on a twin‑share basis with ensuite bathrooms, and some may offer ocean or garden views.

This trip has been rated as Moderate

This trip is best suited to confident cyclists with a taste for adventure. Daily rides range from 50km to 100km, with a mix of flat stretches, rolling hills and a few tougher climbs. You’ll ride mostly on quiet, surfaced roads through rural lowlands, tea country and forested mountain routes.

Day 5 is the most challenging, taking you into the Riverston Range, reaching a maximum elevation of around 1200m. It’s a big push, but you’ll be rewarded with epic views and a long, flowing descent into the jungle lowlands. There’s no rush – ride at your own pace, stop to refuel, and hop in the support vehicle if you need a breather.

You’ll be cycling on consecutive days, so endurance and stamina are key. Getting out for a few longer or hillier rides beforehand will help you make the most of the experience.

Style of riding: backroads You’ll be riding a hybrid bike along quiet backroads. The roads are mostly smooth, though you might hit the odd pothole, crack or rough patch.

What if i need to skip an activity?

A support vehicle will travel with the group each day to transfer your luggage and provide assistance. If you’re finding the terrain tough, need a break, or feel unwell, the vehicle will be close by to hop in, and you can rejoin the group later.

What will I need to carry?

All your accommodation is pre-booked, and your luggage is transferred from one point to the next. As everything will be transported by the support vehicle which there will be access to throughout the day, you can cycle completely unburdened. We do suggest bringing a small bumbag/backpack or bag that can be attached to your frame for carrying essential items like money, phone, sun cream and a snack. The van also carries tools and spare bike parts, if needed.

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine across the island. Daily highs typically range from 25–30°C (77–86°F) along the coast and 15–20°C (59–68°F) in the highlands, though it can push into the low to mid-30s°C (86–95°F) in the hotter months – especially in the central and eastern plains.

Sri Lanka traditionally experiences four distinct monsoon patterns depending on the region, though these have become less predictable in recent years. From December to March, the west and south coasts enjoy their driest, sunniest conditions – ideal for cycling, swimming, and beach time. The April to September period brings warmer and sometimes more humid weather to the north and east, where skies often remain clear while the southwest sees occasional showers. The inter-monsoon months (April–May and October–November) can bring short, sharp tropical downpours anywhere on the island, usually brief and refreshing rather than prolonged.

The route crosses the width of the island and passes through a variety of climate zones, from humid lowlands to cooler cloud forests, so expect changeable conditions. You'll likely experience a mix of blue skies, high humidity and the occasional short, sharp downpour, particularly in the central highlands or during inter-monsoon seasons. Rainfall can make certain sections more challenging, especially on steeper or unpaved roads.

It's best to pack for all eventualities and embrace the variety. A light waterproof and quick-drying kit are strongly recommended at any time of year.Early starts, shaded breaks and regular water stops are built into the ride, but good hydration, sun protection and light, breathable clothing are essential.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

Itinerary Activities

  • Guided warm-up ride to Negombo beach on Sri Lanka's west coast
  • Guided ride from Waikkal to Kuliyapitiya, in coconut country
  • Guided ride through rice fields and rural villages to Yapahuwa
  • Entry to Yapahuwa Rock Fortress
  • Guided ride from through the spice-growing region to Naula
  • Guided ride from along scenic mountain roads and tea trails in the Riverston Range
  • Guided ride descending through forest to Wasgamuwa
  • Jeep safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
  • Guided ride along wildlife corridors from to Welikanda
  • Guided ride to the beach at Pasikuda on Sri Lanka's east coast

Guides

  • Local, expert, English-speaking cycling guides and a bike mechanic

Accommodation

  • 1 night in a riverside eco-lodge
  • 1 night in coconut estate cabanas
  • 1 night in a hilltop forest lodge
  • 4 nights in comfortable local hotels
  • 2 nights in beachfront resort hotels

Meals

  • All (9) breakfasts to fuel you up each day
  • All (8) tasty, local lunches
  • 8 hearty Sri Lankan dinners
  • Snacks while cycling

Transfers

  • Arrival transfer from Colombo Airport at three scheduled times between between 08:00 and 16:00 on Day 1
  • Departure transfer to Colombo Airport at any time on Day 10

Equipment

  • Proformance AL hardtail touring bike

Support Vehicle

  • To transfer your luggage, and for you to hop in to if your legs need a rest

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Meals

One dinner is not included in the cost of this trip. This is to allow you a wider choice of meals in Negombo, where there are plenty of places to eat – we recommend you budget about £20 for this meal.

Tips

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. We recommend tipping the following for the whole trip:

  • $30-35 (USD) for your cycling trip leader
  • $10-12 (USD) for each member of the bus and support vehicle
  • $20 (USD) for additional cycling guide

Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Personal expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.

Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.

Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

What do I need to bring?

CYCLE KIT

  • Helmet (required)
  • Cycling shoes (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
  • Cycling gloves
  • Saddle, if you would rather use your own
  • Gel saddle cover (optional, if preferred)
  • Bumbag or small handlebar bag for riding (optional)
  • Reusable water bottle – it is recommended that you bring cycling water bottles that fit into standard bottle cages on bikes (500ml, 600ml or 750ml).

CLOTHES

  • Padded cycling shorts
  • Sports tops or cycling jerseys
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Buff or neck scarf
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sleepwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Fleece jacket or similar for the evenings
  • Trousers/leggings for the evenings
  • Trainers/sandals
  • Swimwear

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Mosquito/insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Headtorch or small torch
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Pre trip accommodation in Ging Oya Lodge (double)

Payable Before Departure

Pre trip accommodation in Ging Oya Lodge (double)

Per night

Pre trip accommodation in Ging Oya Lodge (single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre trip accommodation in Ging Oya Lodge (single)

Per night

Post trip accommodation in Negombo (double)

Payable Before Departure

Post trip accommodation in Negombo (double)

Per night

Post trip accommodation in Negombo (double)

Payable Before Departure

Post trip accommodation in Negombo (double)

Per night

Private arrival transfer from Colombo Airport

Payable Before Departure

Private arrival transfer from Colombo Airport

Private departure transfer to Colombo Airport

Payable Before Departure

Private departure transfer to Colombo Airport

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 374kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we’ve found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We also send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated!

All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the amazing landscape with your fellow tourers. You will cycle at your own pace, with regular stops to regroup so that no-one gets left behind.

You'll be riding a Proformance AL hardtail touring bike. Your height is required ahead of the trip, to ensure the correct frame size is supplied – you can provide this to your host via your booking. The bikes are equipped with a water bottle cage, and all come with standard flat pedals and unisex saddles. If you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs), please do and these will be fitted for you.

Yes, you will cycle point to point during the trip. Each day, you'll travel from one location to the next, cycling through rural landscapes, from Waikkal to Pasikuda.

The guide-to-cyclist ratio on this trip is 1:8, meaning that for groups of nine or more people, there will be two cycle guides. A Tour Leader, who also doubles as the bike mechanic, travels with the group to make sure everything runs smoothly.

In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned rides on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety in mind.

The support vehicle will have large containers of water that you are able to top your water bottles up with. Usually, hotels and restaurants serve filtered water.

E-bike upgrades are not available for this trip; you’ll be riding hybrid bikes as listed in the trip inclusions. We do, however, have a growing collection of e-bike adventures which you can explore.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme levels, with limited shade and, at times, high humidity adding to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but staying well hydrated, wearing suitable clothing, and using sun protection is essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to remain active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, especially if you have cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two before the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sri Lanka is home to a large population of wild elephants, and the route passes through or near several elephant corridors and national parks. Encounters are rare while cycling, but they are possible – particularly in Wasgamuwa and the surrounding areas. Your local guide will manage all safety precautions, including adjusting the route or timing if needed. The support vehicle is nearby throughout and can be used if any detours or precautions are required.

The route sticks mostly to quiet, surfaced rural roads, so expect the odd pothole, uneven shoulder or herd of cattle – particularly in more remote areas. Traffic is light for the most part, but you may encounter tuk-tuks, motorbikes or trucks as you pass by busier towns. Your guide will brief you each day on what to expect, to ensure the group can ride safely and confidently.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Need help finding flights?

From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

March 2026

Wednesday 18th March 2026

to Friday 27th March 2026
Guaranteed to run
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Still Undecided?

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