Walking and Cycling Holiday in Sri Lanka

Tour Overview

This walking and cycling holiday explores the central heartlands of Sri Lanka. Starting from the spice district in the plains, the trip moves into hill country. The route is off the normal tourist track. You walk through spice plantations, teak forests and tea estates. The cycling is on back roads. The guides work in the plantations in the area and this trip supplements their income.

Day 1: Airport to Dambulla

On arrival, we will meet you at the airport and drive to Nalanda (3.5hrs). Spend some time to relax after your flight. We can then warm up our legs by riding through the nearby canal roads. For the culinary inclined, visit the kitchen and learn from the resident cook on how to prepare a delicious Sri Lankan meal.

Day 2: Hike to Gammaduwa

After an early breakfast, we take a short transfer (30mins) to the trail head. From here it is a 13km walk through spice plantations, tiny streams and waterfalls.

Day 3: Hike to Riverston

 A spectacular day of walking (15kms). Start through pine forests and jeep trails, before descending to the remote village of Kargastene. From here navigate through open scrub plains, before entering the jungle. We then come out through some paddy fields to the village of Puwakpitiya. A nearby waterfall is an excellent place to enjoy lunch and swim.

Day 4: Hike to Manigala

 Today’s trail head is from the village of Rathkinda situated at the base of the elephant shaped rock “Manigala”. The trail is through stepped paddy fields and forest canopy. The biodiversity of the Knuckles mountain range is on display. Butterflies, birds and flowers are on display. The total hike is 16kms.

Day 5: Cycling to Mahiyangana

 A beautiful day of cycling (65kms). The route is mainly downhill through remote back roads. Start with the winding roads snaking through Knuckles heading east till we reach the plains. Then cycle along the Mahaweli River and the smaller tributaries as well as the paddy fields that are irrigated by them.

Day 6: Cycle to Hasalaka

Today is a day of cycling and walking. Cycle 20kms to the village of Hasalaka. The village has put together an interesting program which we like to patronise. Start with a herbal drink, followed by a walk through the village to a nearby waterfall. Explore your surroundings, ask questions and understand how life works here. When hungry return to the village to enjoy a freshly made lunch cooked from ingredients all grown locally. We then cycle back to our hotel in Mahiyangana.

Day 7: Cycle to Kandy

Today we cycle to Kandy. The total distance is 90kms with some steep climbs. However you can choose to cycle any section you like. We can show you the elevation profile and you decide which stretches you would like to cycle. In the evening we can walk to the Temple of the Tooth. The temple is one of the most revered temples amongst Buddhists.  

Day 8: Departure

 Your holiday ends today. We will transfer you to the airport

Inclusions

• 7 nights’ accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Meals on Half Board Basis (Breakfast and Dinner at the Hotel). Picnic lunch on day 2 & 3
• All transportation in an AC vehicle.
• Cycling guide
• All equipment (cycles, helmets, support vehicle)
• All entrance fees and tickets for activities listed
• Airport transfers
• Assistance on arrival and departure at each destination

Route Maps

FAQs

CYCLING

Q. Are cycles provided for this tour?
Cycles are provided for the tour.

Q. What type of cycles are provided?
We provide SCOTT or equivalent cycles.

Q. Will I get choice of my size?
We can provide frame sizes from 13” to 21”.

Q. Can I get my own cycle?
Yes, you can, but do let us know in advance.

Q. What other equipment are provided?
Standard items provided with the cycles are Pedals, Bar ends, water bottles and Helmets. We however recommend you bring your own helmets and Camelbaks.

Q. What about transfers?
All transportation is included in the cost including airport pick up & drop at the nearest airport. The vehicle is also used to ferry your luggage , cycle & yourself as required.

Q. What kind of terrain can I expect?
The terrain consists of both level roads and mountainous terrain.

Q. What are the distances cycled each day?
We will send you this with the detailed itinerary.

Q. Are meals included in the package?
Most meals are included. The itinerary will have the details.

Q. What do I do if I’m too tired to cycle?
There is a vehicle that accompanies you throughout the trip. You can load the cycle on to carriers and take a ride it till you are ready to cycle again.

Q. Are panniers provided?
No, but can do on specific request.

Q. Do we have a guide who cycles with us?
Yes, our guide will cycle with you throughout the trip.

Q. Do we get to shop along the way.
Yes, you will get opportunities en-route to do a bit of shopping. However, unless specifically asked for, our guides will not recommend any particular shop. We or our guides do not take commissions on shopping.

Q. Do we get to interact with local people?
You will get lot of opportunities to interact with local people and the itinerary is specifically designed for such interactions.

Q. Does our visit help the local community in any way?
Yes, Most of the places you would be staying at are family owned resorts or camps and eco lodges managed by local community members . Your guides are selected from amongst the locals.

Q. Are entries into national parks, treks, elephant rides etc. included in the package?
All entrance fees and activity charges for the items mentioned in the itinerary are included.

Q. Is the water available en-route safe to drink?
We recommend that you drink only the bottled water provided by us or if you are buying water, ensure that the bottle is sealed.

Q. How spicy is the food?
Typically Sri Lankan food is spicy. We ensure that the food we provide is medium spicy unless you ask for something different. Any special food requirements can be met if sufficient advance notice is given.

Q. Do we get an option of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food?
Yes

Q. What is the type of accommodation?
Accommodation provided is a combination of 3 to 4 star hotels, heritage villas, Eco Lodges & camping tents - all with a common thread of excellence in service. Most are family owned and run with great care and love. Food is a very important part of these journeys and we have ensured that Sri Lankan cuisine is a part of this adventure. Our prices are based on 'twin-sharing' basis. For those interested, we provide single rooms, but at additional cost. While staying at the camp we provide all essentials including sleeping bags. A open-air barbeque around camp fire is another highlight of this adventure.

Q. What are the Exclusions ?
• Insurance - Please take your own insurance
• Tips to the guide and driver
• Personal expenses like beverages, laundry, telephone bills etc..
• Airport departure taxes (if any)

Q. Do we need a VISA ?
Most countries can get a Visa on arrival. However it is recommended to get one online prior to your arrival to beat the lines at the airport. The online Visa application can be done here: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

TREKKING

Q. What is the type of terrain we trek through?
Depending on your itinerary the terrain varies. The terrain can be mountainous in Knuckles to deep forests at places like Meemure. There are also walks on flat surfaces at historical sites.

Q. Do we need to get our sleeping bags, tents etc..?
We provide all camping materials like sleeping bags, tents, liners, air pillows.

Q. What about our main luggage?
We will take of your luggage & will reach you at your day’s camp. Carry only a day bag with your papers and valuables. In case you are doing the multi day hiking programme, you would have to leave your luggage in the hotel. You would have to take a small rucksack with your requirements for 1 (or) 2 day’s camping in the wild.

Q. What kind of food do you serve?
Ethnic food, both vegetarian and non vegetarian

Q. What about guides?
Qualified outdoor guides and trackers will accompany you on the trek.

Q. Is First Aid available?
Yes, the guide carries a comprehensive First Aid bag. For those suffering from allergies or require any special medication will need to bring those along. All our guides have undergone First Aid Training course and are qualified. In case of serious injuries or emergencies, we have identified hospitals nearest to the trek routes to evacuate you.

Q. What about Wildlife encounters.
They are likely to be wild animal encounters but our guides and trackers are trained and experienced enough to keep you out of harm’s way.

Q. Do you have a suggested kit list?
We do have a suggested kit list which we will send you when you have booked the trip. Suffice it to say that this is a highly mountainous area where nights are cold. Hence you will require woolens as well as good walking shoes.

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