Sri Lanka Cycle Tour | Escape Adventures Cycle Tours

13 Days
12 People Per Tour
Fitness Level: 1 - 2 Electric bikes available
Fully Supported Bike Tour
449 km
Negombo to Unawatuna

Sri Lanka Cycle Tour, a kaleidoscope of cultural treasures, lush hill country, and tropical coastline

Beginning in the lagoon town of Negombo, journey off the beaten track through rice paddies, quiet backroads, ancient cities, and misty tea-covered hills before finishing on the palm-fringed beaches of Galle and Unawatuna.

Along the way, climb the legendary Lion Rock at Sigiriya, cycle the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya, ride the scenic train to Ella, spot elephants on safari in Yala, and unwind by the Indian Ocean. This is a ride that goes beyond the tourist trail — into the heart of Sri Lanka’s countryside and culture.

This fully supported ride blends moderate daily distances (30–70 km) with immersive cultural and natural experiences. Perfect for riders who enjoy a mix of cycling, exploration and relaxation, in a small-group atmosphere.

Cycle beyond the tourist trail, connect with local life, and discover Sri Lanka’s warmth, flavour, and beauty — one pedal at a time.

Tour Highlights - Sri Lanka Cycle Tour

Departure & Return Location

Start: Sri Lanka, Negombo
Finish: Sri Lanka, Unawatuna

Price Includes

12 nights Accommodation
Daily breakfasts and lunches and some evening meals as stated in the itinerary
Transfer from the airport to your hotel
Local interpreter/driver with support vehicle for luggage and mechanical backup
One NZ based Escape Adventures leader & one Local Sri Lankan Escape Adventures leader
Entrance fees to 4 temples and archaeological sites including Sigiriya
Entrance fees to two national parks
Safari drive
Ella train ride
Traditional dance show

Optional Extras

Bike Hire: If required hire fee is NZD $600
Electric Bike Hire: If required hire fee is NZD $1,300

Price Excludes

Airfares, visas, or airport taxes
One lunch and some dinners as per the detailed itinerary
Personal vaccination or personal equipment

Solo Travellers - Single Supplement

NO Single Supplement! If you are traveling on your own, we will pair you with another single biker of the same gender to share a twin room.
If you don't wish to share that's fine too, a single supplement of NZD $1000 will apply.

Itinerary - Sri Lanka Cycle Tour, Negombo to Unawatuna

The daily riding distances listed below are the maximum we plan to ride each day. Our support vehicle is always close by if you would like a break from the saddle.

DAY 1: Arrive in Negombo

Please plan to arrive no later than mid-afternoon to allow transfer to our hotel. Meet your tour leaders & fellow riders at 5pm in the hotel bar for the pre-departure briefing and first group meal.
Distance: 0 km — Meals: D — Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 2 : Negombo → Anuradhapura

Cycle through rural landscapes en route to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Explore sacred sites, giant stupas and centuries-old ruins.
Distance: 32.3 km — Flat riding on paved & dirt surfaces — Meals: B, L — Accommodation:Hotel

DAY 3: Countryside → Sigiriya

Ride through relatively unpopulated countryside, discover a hidden monastery and finish in Sigiriya where the Lion Rock Fortress towers over town.
Distance: 57.6 km — Flat, dirt & paved surfaces — Meals: B, L — Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 4: Sigiriya (Lion Rock day)

Climb the iconic Lion Rock Fortress and enjoy panoramic views. Relaxed day with optional cycling around the village, visit Dambulla Cave Temple or soak up local culture.
Distance: 0 km — Meals: B — Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 5: Sigiriya → countryside ride

A gentle ride through scenic villages and paddy fields — a calm day to enjoy rural life and nature.
Distance: 45.9 km — Flat, dirt & paved surfaces — Meals: B, L, D — Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 6: Explore waterfalls & tea plantations

A flexible day to unwind — explore nearby waterfalls, tea plantations or take a gentle ride through the countryside. Optional 50 km route available for the fitter rider.
Distance: 50 km option — Flat & rolling on paved surface — Meals: B, L, D — Accommodation:Guest House

DAY 7: To Kandy

Ride through hilly terrain, along canals and lush landscapes to reach cultural Kandy. Evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth and cultural dancing.
Distance: 48.7 km — Flat & rolling on paved surface — Meals: B, L — Accommodation: Guest House

DAY 8: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya

Cycle through botanic gardens and small communities, visit the Ambuluwawa Tower then transfer to the mountain town of Nuwara Eliya.
Distance: 29.4 km — Flat & rolling on paved surface — Meals: B, L — Accommodation: Lodge

DAY 9: Nuwara Eliya (Gregory Lake loop)

Cycle around Gregory Lake and through cool, lush countryside — the highland scenery has a distinctly ‘back‑home’ feel for New Zealand riders.
Distance: 33.3 km — Rolling on mostly paved surface — Meals: B, L, D — Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 10: Ambewela → Horton Plains → Ella (train)

Ride through the highlands from Ambewela, pass rolling tea fields and dairy farms, then explore Horton Plains National Park. After the plains we board the scenic train to Ella, stopping at the Nine Arches Bridge.
Distance: 34.8 km — Rolling on mostly paved surface — Meals: B, L — Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 11: Ella → safari in Yala

A thrilling morning on scenic roads followed by an afternoon safari in Yala National Park to spot elephants and other wildlife.
Distance: 68.5 km — Downhill & flat on mostly paved surface — Meals: B, L, D — Accommodation: Guest House

DAY 12: To Unawatuna (southern coast)

Journey to the southern coast, finishing the day at the beautiful beaches of Unawatuna — perfect for a sunset dip and relaxation.
Distance: 48.6 km — Flat on paved & dirt surfaces — Meals: B, L — Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 13: Galle / Depart

Final breakfast together. Stay on to relax or explore Galle Fort. If you are flying out today we’ll help arrange your transfer to the airport.
Distance: 0 km — Meals: B

Itinerary is subject to change, possibly at short notice for unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Actual night stops and daily distances may vary depending on accommodation availability.

Photos from the Sri Lanka Cycle Tour

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Map - Sri Lanka Cycle Tour

Sri Lanka Cycle Tour Frequently Asked Questions

Escape Adventures fully supported bike tours have been running for decades, if you have any questions "just ask us"

The biking lowdown

We ride 30-70km per day; a total distance of 449km spread over 13 days of biking. We cycle on a range of paved and unpaved roads, dirt tracks and village trails on mostly flat terrain. The surface can be rough and pot-holed at times so a mountain-bike fitted with low profile tyres is the perfect bike for this tour. The trip is suited to all levels of bikers, we have E Bikes and pedal bikes available so you can choose your challenge!

*note* The main challenge in Sri Lanka is heat and humidity. A great tip is to wear a neck buff which you can wrap ice in or soak in cold water to wear as your ride. We recommend booking an E-bike if you usually ride one at home or if you know heat is likely to affect your energy levels significantly.

What kind of meals do you provide?

Your tour leaders will take care of your meals and snacks throughout your journey mostly taking advantage of the delicious fare in local cafes and restaurants. This excludes one lunch and seven evening meals which are at your own cost to give you the opportunity to explore local cuisine of your own choosing. We are able to cater for vegetarians and special diets.

Typical meals include:

Breakfasts – Local breakfasts are often bread & eggs which we supplement with fresh fruit, and muesli.
Lunches – Picnic style lunches, with some hot dishes with local meat and vegetable dishes with plenty of rice.
Evening Meals – There are a wonderful range of local meat and vegetable dishes with plenty of rice and noodles.

Local dishes can be spicy, but we can cater for you if you’d prefer something not too spicy.

What kind of accommodation can I expect?

All accommodation for the duration of your tour is included.

Accommodation is twin-share and ranges from local guesthouses to hotel style accommodation in the bigger towns. Most have en-suites however it is occasionally necessary to share bathroom facilities.

Singles: We do not charge a single supplement
If you are traveling on your own, we will pair you with another single biker of the same gender to share a twin room. If you do not wish to share, that is fine too, but a single supplement will apply.

What type of bikes do we ride?

In Sri Lanka we hire bikes locally through a Colombo based business. We have electric bikes and pedal bikes available to hire!

They are always mountain bikes with hydraulic disc brakes. They are available in S, M, L and XL and they are perfect for the off-road touring on our Sri Lanka tour.

If you will be hiring a bike from us please let us know prior to your trip, and please feel free to bring your favourite saddle and clip in pedals (if you normally clip in).

How fit do I need to be for this cycle tour?

We ride 30-70km per day; a total distance of 449km spread over 13 days of biking. Please do read about the daily riding distances and riding terrain in the itinerary and prepare accordingly. The more prepared you are the more you will enjoy your adventure!

Your preparations should involve:

You should be comfortable riding 2-3 times a week with regular rides of 30-50km in length.
Ride on paved and unpaved surfaces

Please do contact us if you would like some help with a detailed training plan.

What is the maximum size of the cycle group?

This trip has 8-12 bikers, plus one experienced Escape Adventures tour leader, one experienced local guide, and a small local team who drive the support vehicles.

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Sri Lanka Cycle Tour, a kaleidoscope of cultural treasures, lush hill country, and tropical coastline