There’s no better way to experience the vast natural beauty and cultural delights of Sri Lanka than to tour the winding landscape on a bicycle. From picturesque tea plantations to stunning nature reserves, rural villages and rolling highlands, exploring on two wheels gives you the opportunity to take it all in at a relaxed pace.
You’ll need to be prepared to cycle in warm weather unless you plan to limit your adventure to the mountainous areas, as coastal regions and the flatlands can reach temperatures of up to 38°C. Sri Lanka has largely consistent tropical weather all year round, so you can expect the occasional downpour in most parts of the country.
With the brilliant accessibility of travelling with just a backpack and a bicycle, you can easily explore ancient Buddhist temples, Elephant sanctuaries, botanical gardens and the stunning scenery of this idyllic holiday destination.
Here’s our guide to exploring Sri Lanka by bicycle, including some of the best places to visit.
Stick to the backroads
As a rule, it’s best to avoid major roads or highways, where drivers tend to be hasty and the traffic can become too busy to safely cycle. But luckily, largely due to the abundance of tea plantations and rural villages, Sri Lanka has a network of backroads, trails and paths that intertwine throughout the country which are perfect for cyclists. You’ll meet other cyclists, families walking, unique wildlife and perhaps the occasional tuk-tuk, but otherwise, these minor and dirt roads are typically reserved for those looking for a slower exploration of the country.
Winding your way through the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and Ella, you’ll likely meet tea-pickers busy in the lush fields, and also spot a few colonial-era monuments along the way. Monkeys, kingfishers and mongoose are often sighted along backroads, so be sure to travel quietly at times to have the best chance of spotting the local wildlife.
Due to the undulating topography of the midlands, there is a constant rise and fall of hills to navigate, so be sure to check your endurance is up to speed. Whilst most of the climbs have a gentle incline, they do last for long periods of up to 25 km. A great way to ensure your intended route matches your fitness levels is to plan with an experienced guide, who can help you navigate the rolling hills in a direction which suits you best.
Plan your routes
The best way to ensure you get the most out of your cycling holiday to Sri Lanka is to determine how many days you want to spend in the saddle and plan ahead. Due to its vast landscapes, it can be tricky to pick and choose between trails to explore, so planning ahead is crucial to saving yourself time and money. Whether you want to investigate the ancient cave temples of Dambulla, hike to Adam’s Peak and explore the mountains of Ella or glide along the beautiful coastline of Trincomalee, there are plenty of routes which can take you through many of the must-see sights over a number of days cycling.
Nuwara Eliya
As you travel through the country, you’ll find a variety of different atmospheres in the towns and districts. Nuwara Eliya is a dewy, calm town often coined as ‘Little England’. The town earned its name from British inspiration, when explorers designed the region based on their image of a quaint, English country village in the 19th Century.
As you cycle the country roads, there’s a wonderful contrast to the scenery, with mock-Tudor buildings standing against pretty rose gardens, flower beds and lush green lawns – yet also tuk-tuks whizzing past monks in bright orange robes gathered outside the splendid Buddhist temple.
Not to mention the locally favoured bustling market, offering authentic goods and souvenirs., To finish off your visit, relax by the boating lake to soak up the sun in some of the cooler temperatures the country has to offer.
Badulla
Moving east, Badulla is a scenic city with plenty of ancient temples, a historical market with locally crafted treasures for sale and the beautiful Dunhinda Falls. Considered one of the most enchanting waterfalls in Sri Lanka, it’s well worth parking your bicycle and enjoying the short hike to the fall via a narrow path that leads up through the mountain. Local vendors can be found along the way, selling some authentic and delicious Sri Lankan snacks and refreshments.
Arugam Bay
The moon-shaped bay on the East coast is renowned for its world-class surfing opportunities and powdery-white sand. But Arugam Bay is well worth a visit, even if you aren’t a surfing enthusiast. With family-run restaurants and small bed and breakfasts offering an authentically Sri Lankan warm welcome, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal after a busy day cycling, as the sun sets behind the glistening ocean.
Pack and dress appropriately
It’s important to be cool and comfortable as you cycle through Sri Lanka, but also keep in mind that this is a country that respects modesty when off the beach. Especially if you’re visiting religious monuments and temples, you’ll need to have your arms and legs covered. Packing a lightweight rain-mac and a few different layers in your backpack is a good way to prepare for any situation, as well as a good stable pair of trainers suitable for cycling long distances.
Consider a guide
Wherever you decide to cycle through the stunning country of Sri Lanka, be sure to prepare thoroughly to ensure a smooth ride. Travelling with an experienced guide is the best way to avoid getting lost in the vast highlands and ensure you cycle to places with accommodation facilities to rest in.
Be sure to pack for the eventuality of intense sunshine as well as tropical downpours, and have plenty of water to hand for extended periods between rural villages. With Sri Lanka being such a popular destination for cycling tours and holidays, the country is well equipped with a network of both surfaced and less-travelled backroads and trails to explore.
