| This discover old Ceylon tour is a two week road bike journey, traversing the
tropical paradise, using quiet back roads plus the odd dirt track. We get to see
the real Sri Lanka, visiting little known areas and seeing the very best of its
man-made and natural wonders. Climbing the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya,
then riding an old king’s route to the ancient ruined city of Polonnaruwa.
We stay two nights in Kandy, the spiritual capital of the hill country, with its
bustling markets and temples. Next its on to the hill stations and tea estates
which dominate the centre of the island. Nuwara Eliya, being the highest and most
favoured during British colonial era, is our next destination. From up here we
virtually freewheel to the coast, ending our exhilarating journey with a stay
on the beach.
Itinerary
Day 1
Warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer to Negombo chill out by the pool
or assemble bikes.
Overnight stay at Camelot Beach Hotel - Negombo
Day 2
Put the bikes together and explore the local countryside, visiting the Karavas
local fishermen of Indian descent. Their distinctive out rigger canoes, with
huge red sails are visible along the beach.
Overnight stay at Camelot Beach Hotel – Negombo (B)
Day 3
After breakfast we ride out into the countryside passing through the patches
of emerald paddy dotted amongst the shady coconut plantations and domesticated
water buffalo wallow in their favourite mud holes. By using a mixture of quiet
back roads and the odd dirt track we get to experience the real Sri Lanka, so
often overlooked by resident and tourist alike. The freedom of the bike allows
us to view, at leisure, these pleasant rural scenes. Lunch is roughly half way
and a chance to try out some of the more unusual and exotic fruits of Asia.
The flat road takes us to Kurunagala a typical town and once the 13th century
capital. Although little of the old city survives, its well placed for our journey
on to the Ancient city region.
Overnight stay at Kurunagala – Kandyan Reach- 1st ride 55km 2nd ride 45km
(B)
Day 4
The town’s name derives from the animal shaped rocks that are said to
have supernatural powers, creating a magical backdrop as we cycle north towards
Dambulla. Detouring to smaller quieter roads where ever possible, the pleasant
aroma of the pineapple and cashew estates make the roads far more enjoyable
than the main through-fare. It’s 55km to lunch under the shade of the
trees just outside the bustling market town of Galewela. The local bakery here
makes excellent rotties-small pancakes with spicy fillings. Dambulla the 2nd
century BC Buddhist cave temple is a further 16km along the main road and is
well worth the climb to view the caves. From the temple it is just possible
to see our overnight accommodation some 12km away and situated around the bank
of the picturesque Kandalama Lake.
Overnight Hotel Sigiriya 1st ride 55km 2nd ride 16+12km (B)
Day 5
No journey to Sri Lanka would be complete without a visit to the spectacular
rock fortress of Sigiriya and a chance to see the beautiful frescoes painted
onto the rock face. Climbing the 300m to its summit, the ruins of the palace
and Lion paws are only surpassed by the magnificent aerial view of the surrounding
jungle. Tea and sandwiches await our descent at the well-situated Sigiriya Rest
House. After lunch we follow the road through the scrub jungle to the beautiful
lake at Giritale, home to some amazing water birds. Our trail follows one of
the lakes irrigation canals for the last 20km to Polonnaruwa. We arrive late
afternoon and in time to watch the sun set, adding a mystic air to the old city.
Overnight The Village- Polonnaruwa 2 star, 1st ride 2nd ride 70km. (B)
Day 6
early morning is the time to cycle tour the vast ruin’s of Polonnaruwa,
the 11th century Sinhalese capital. Some outlining ruins are scattered around
the huge manmade lake, known as the ‘Sea of Parakrama’ it is the
crowning achievement of King Parakramabahu I. This serene waterscape is the
perfect place for a cooling swim and lunchtime picnic stop. After lunch we continue
our ride along an old king’s route, where pockets of jungle come alive
with the antics of long tailed grey langur and toque macaque monkeys. Wild Elephants
still inhabit the Kalunduwa Hills
Overnight at Gimanhala - Dambulla - 1st ride 20km 2nd ride 63km. (B)
Day 7
Leaving the hotel we cycle along a flat track that mirrors the base of the stunning
jungle covered hills. Later the jungle turns to coffee, cocoa and pepper plantations
of the spice-growing region. Numerous spice gardens line the road-side and its
possible to stop and tour one of the gardens to learn more about the many plants
grown within their grounds (they say the oil from the king coconut restores
lost hair and increases your sex drive). The freshly ground spices should improve
any curry you intend to cook at home. Matale is the centre of this spice trade
its mainly Muslim inhabitants are descendants from the Arab traders. The town
has several interesting mosques and a large and very colourful Hindu temple,
but its the great variety of foods on offer from the many food stalls along
the high street that make this the perfect place to break our journey. Continuing
on by back roads we follow the river passing the towns lively washing place,
a photo book classic! From here we gradual climb to Kandy. Arriving mid to late
afternoon there is plenty of time to freshen up before exploring the town.
Overnight Hotel Thilanka - 3 star, 1st ride 60km 2nd ride 37km. (B)
Day 8
Free day in Kandy the cultural and spiritual centre of Sri Lanka. Morning or
evening pujas at the Dalada Maligawa (temple of the tooth) are a must. The sacred
tooth relic was snatched from the funeral pyre of Lord Buddha and it is highly
revered for the fact that every word Buddha spoke flowed pass the tooth. You
may choose to wander around the markets and shop looking for batiks or souvenirs.
Udawattakelle Wildlife Sanctuary behind the temple is a haven for the areas
bird and bat life, as are the botanical gardens at Peradeniya 6km away. An evening
stroll around the Kandy lake to one of the traditional dance performances is
well worth while.
Overnight Hotel Thilanka - Kandy 3 star (B)
Day 9
Refreshed from a day out of the saddle we tackle the longer but less busy Hanguranketa
route to Nuwara Eliya 82km up hill! For those not riding can take the wonderful
train journey or use the support vehicle on the longer climbs. We break the
ride with a visit to a tea factory on route, and sample the local brew. The
higher lush estates produce Sri Lanka finest teas, whilst the scores of brightly
dressed Tamil tea puckers make excellent photographic subjects. Nuwara Eliya
was the highest and most favoured hill stations during the British colonial
era. We spend the night at the Grand Hotel only a stones throw from the famous
Hill Club. Those wishing to dine there require a jacket and tie!
Overnight The Grand Hotel – Nuwara Eliya 3 star 1st ride 82km (B)
Day 10
The morning is free to cycle around the town at your leisure. We will all meet
again at 10.30 for the fantastic 1500m-hill country descent. Freewheeling out
of Nuwara Eliya passing the magnificent Saint Claire waterfalls there’s
another chance to take photos of the colourful tea picker or visit the tea factory.
Lunch is at Hatton, a typical hill country town, but better known as the start
of the easy route to climb Adam’s Peak. After lunch we continue our descent
to Kitulgala Rest House perched, on the banks of the Kelani River, which flows
to Colombo. This scenic location was used for the film ‘Bridge over the
River Kwai’.
Enjoy a white water rafting session in Kitulgala. This thrilling adventure on
the white water section of the Kelani River is suitable for amateurs as well
as professionals alike. During the run, you will experience the thrill of shooting
rapids and euphoria of making it through. The river''''s clear water is born in
the heart of the peak wilderness reserve and tumbles through a rocky george
just above Kithulgala. As the river widens, you will pass the scenic location
used to film - "Bridge over the river Kwai" which was filmed in 1956,
a good place to jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, you may even
dive to see the remains of the actual bridge and the carriages used for the
film.
Overnight Kitulgala Rest House - 1st ride 40km 2nd ride 35km. (B)
Day 11
For the early risers the area surrounding Kitulgala is renowned for its bird
life. There will be ample opportunity to see some of the country’s rarer
species, many finding sanctuary in the Peak Wilderness Reserve. After break
fast we continue our descent to the rubber plantations that replaced the Old
Dutch spice estates. The estate’s shady tracks are a joy to cycle along
and well away from noise, traffic and pollution. Stock up with our lunchtime
favourites from the bakery’s and fruit stalls along our route. During
our afternoon ride we cross the mighty Kalu Ganga, the tradition ferry an experience
in itself! Riding on through tiny riverside hamlets whose peoples depend on
the river for their livelihood, to Kalutara with its palm fringed sandy beaches
and an ideal place to chill out for the last few days.
Overnight Tangerine Beach Hotel - Kalutara 1st ride 50km 2nd ride 30km. (B)
Day 12
Free to relax on the beach or visit the town which was once an important spice-trading
centre under the British and Dutch. There are several interesting rides into
the interior to see the marshy flood plains that are home for the large water
monitor lizard and wetland birds. Another ride takes us to Bevis Brief with
its beautiful landscaped garden. The house is the living museum of the renowned
artist and socialite Bevis Awa. Amid the marshlands and cinnamon plantations
you will find the tranquil Sri Lanka that has inspired many of the country’s
artist.
Overnight Tangerine Beach Hotel – Kalutara (B)
Day 13
Morning and afternoon Free. Evening transfer to the Colombo and Katunayake airport
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