Sri Lanka Tip to Tip by Road Bike

Duration
12 days
Site savings
$111
From
$3,589 USD

Instead of settling for your average holiday, why not grab your bike and experience the adventure of a lifetime by cycling the length of Sri Lanka? India’s neighbour is often overlooked as a tourist destination, but this country is teeming with history, beautiful beaches and a wide array of stunning wildlife. Every day of this epic journey brings with it a new experience, so what are you waiting for?

  • Category
    Road Cycling
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    12 days
  • Culture Level
    Adventurous
  • Skill Level
    3 - Intermediate
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Hilly
  • Distance
    472.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    52.8 miles
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SpiceRoads Cycling
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Quick Stats

  • Duration
    12 days
  • Main Destination
    Sri Lanka
  • Distance
    472.9 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    52.8 miles
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Hilly

Route Map (click to view larger image)

Itinerary Details

  1. Day 1Meet in Negombo

    Welcome to Sri Lanka! This afternoon, you’ll meet your group at the tour hotel in the coastal town of Negombo for your bike fitting, trip briefing, and a welcome dinner. Conveniently located near Sri Lanka’s international airport and known for its laid-back seaside charm, Negombo is the perfect place to begin your cycling adventure. If you need help with airport transfers or pre-tour hotel arrangements, just let us know!

    • Suriya Resort
    • Dinner
  2. Day 2Negombo - Katupotha - Jaffna

    You’ll start your journey from a seaside hotel, heading inland along quiet backroads that wind through lush coconut plantations and emerald-green rice paddies. Coconuts are a source of national pride in Sri Lanka, and during your morning break, you’ll get to enjoy the refreshing taste of a king coconut. As you ride, you’ll also spot Catholic churches sprinkled throughout the region—a reminder of Portuguese influence from the 17th century.

    The route gets livelier as you pass through bustling market towns, before opening up to a 15 km stretch of straight, narrow rural road where you can ride at your own pace toward the finish near the village of Katupotha. From there, you’ll hop into the support vehicle and begin your road trip north. About thirty minutes in, you'll stop for lunch, then continue the journey for another five hours to Jaffna.

    To break up the drive, you'll visit a civil war memorial site near the historic Elephant Pass, a narrow causeway that links the mainland to the Jaffna Peninsula and was once the site of intense conflict. You’ll arrive in Jaffna City—capital of Sri Lankan Tamil culture—in time for dinner at your elegant hotel.

    • 40.4 miles
    • 223.1 ft
      1,788.1 ft
      1,565 ft
    • Jetwing Jaffna
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  3. Day 3Jaffna Peninsula Loop

    Today is all about discovering the rich landscapes and culture of Jaffna and its surrounding islands. You’ll begin with a scenic loop ride from your hotel, passing the lively fishing port and the weathered stone walls of the old Dutch Fort. From there, you’ll ride across a long causeway to Kyats Island, where stilted fisheries and wading birds frame your path.

    At the 25 km mark, you’ll board a ferry for a short but fun crossing to Karaitivu Island. There, a bumpy inland road leads you to Casuarina Beach—the northernmost point of Sri Lanka. You’ll have time to soak in the views or take a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean before pedaling back to the Jaffna peninsula via another causeway. A final 20 km through quiet countryside and bustling city streets brings you back into town.

    You’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant and return to the hotel in the early afternoon, with some time to relax. Later, you’ll head out for an off-saddle visit to Ballur Kovil, a beautiful and sacred Hindu temple, followed by a walk through the impressive, star-shaped Jaffna Fort—a striking relic of the Dutch colonial era.

    • 39.1 miles
    • 6.6 ft
      357.6 ft
      351 ft
    • Jetwing Jaffna
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  4. Day 4Jaffna - Mannar Island

    This morning, you’ll ride south across the open plains of the Jaffna Peninsula, then cross a causeway that stretches over shallow lagoon waters. By the 30 km mark, you’ll reach the Sri Lankan mainland and settle into a long, flat ride along the A32 national road. The landscape here is quiet and expansive—sun-drenched shrublands dotted with small farms, patches of forest, and the occasional herd of cows.

    It’s hard to believe that this peaceful stretch was once a fierce battleground less than two decades ago. Around the 80 km point, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch before gearing up for the final leg to Mannar Island. The terrain gets a bit bumpier, but it all leads to a smooth ride across the causeway onto the island itself.

    Your ride ends at the foot of a massive, centuries-old baobab tree—brought here by Arabian traders long ago. From there, it’s a short transfer to your nature-based resort. The rest of the day is yours to relax beneath swaying palmyra palms, surrounded by birdsong. Mannar is a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the winter migration of flamingos.

    • 73.3 - 75.2 miles
    • -6.6 ft
      813.6 ft
      820.2 ft
    • The Palmyrah House
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  5. Day 5Mannar - Anuradhapura

    With a big day ahead, you’ll skip breakfast at the hotel and head out at first light. After a 25-minute transfer back to the mainland, your morning ride begins in Sri Lanka’s lush “rice bowl,” where paddy fields stretch as far as the eye can see. At the 25 km mark, you’ll pause for a well-earned roadside gourmet breakfast to fuel the rest of the ride.

    From there, you’ll venture deeper into the countryside, where the terrain starts to rise as you ride along the outskirts of Wilpattu National Park. A network of quiet backroads leads you past jungle-covered ridges and serene reservoirs, locally known as tanks. By the time you reach the 95 km point, you'll be approaching Anuradhapura, with a short stretch of busier traffic to navigate before arriving at your city hotel.

    Later in the afternoon, you’ll join a locally guided tour of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves the ruins of ancient Buddhist temples from Sri Lanka’s first Sinhalese Kingdom (4th century BC – 11th century AD). Highlights include the sacred Bodhi tree—believed to have grown from a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment—and Maha Thupa, an awe-inspiring white-washed stupa of immense scale and beauty.

    • 72.1 miles
    • 305.1 ft
      1,653.5 ft
      1,348.4 ft
    • Rajarata Hotel
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  6. Day 6Anuradhapura - Sigiriya

    Leaving Anuradhapura, you’re soon immersed in the gentle rhythm of the Sri Lankan countryside. As you cycle past tranquil canals, shimmering water tanks, rice paddies, village scenes, and swaying palm trees, the landscape eases you into the day. Around the 30 km mark, you turn onto a provincial road and pick up the pace toward the ride’s halfway point—a vast reservoir offering stunning views of lush wetlands framed by low, jagged mountains.

    Back on the main road, the next 20 km bring gentle climbs and descents before you veer onto a quiet, narrow road lined with forest and farmland, tracing the edge of Minneriya National Park. From here, it’s a short final stretch to Sigiriya, where Sri Lanka’s iconic granite outcrop rises dramatically from the surrounding plains.

    After lunch and some well-earned rest at the hotel, you set out on foot to explore Sigiriya. With a knowledgeable local guide, you uncover the secrets of this UNESCO-listed 5th-century rock fortress and pleasure palace. The climb to the top is steep, but you're rewarded with panoramic views and the remnants of an ancient sky palace perched high above the land. As evening falls, you wind down with a home-cooked dinner in a local community, enjoying a true taste of Sri Lankan hospitality.

    • 50.3 miles
    • 370.7 ft
      1,788.1 ft
      1,417.3 ft
    • Sigiriya Village
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  7. Day 7Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy

    Your day begins with a relaxed 23 km ride through the scenic countryside around Sigiriya, including a beautiful stretch skirting the vast Kandalama Reservoir. The morning ride wraps up at the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, where centuries-old Buddhist statues and intricate wall paintings fill five sacred caves. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll dive into the temple’s rich history before transferring about an hour south.

    After recharging with lunch at a local restaurant, you begin your afternoon ride into the foothills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Pedaling through the Deduru Oya valley, you’re surrounded by forested ridges and the gentle murmur of the river below. The first 30 km unfold along rolling backroads, but once you cross the river, the real challenge begins—a steady 7 km climb up Keppitigala Pass, with an average gradient of 8%. The quiet road winds through hillsides draped in rubber plantations, and you push on until you reach a busy junction where the ride ends for the day.

    After cooling down with some refreshments, you hop into the support vehicle for a one-hour transfer to Kandy—Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, a spiritual center, and the gateway to the island’s tea country—where you settle in for a two-night stay.

    • 37.3 miles
    • 1,473.1 ft
      2,808.4 ft
      1,335.3 ft
    • Radisson Hotel Kandy
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  8. Day 8Kandy Rest Day

    Today is yours to explore Kandy at your own pace. Although it’s Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, the historic center—wrapped around a tranquil lake—is compact and perfect for a relaxed walk. One highlight you won’t want to miss is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site that houses what is believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Just next door, the former royal palace grounds offer a glimpse into the city’s regal past, where the Kings of Kandy ruled until the British arrived in the early 1800s.

    Kandy is also a key center for tea production. If you're curious, we can arrange a visit to a nearby tea factory where you'll learn how the island's famous brews go from leaf to cup—and perhaps pick up a few premium varieties to take home. Prefer a more restful day? Kandy has a number of rooftop lounges, including one at your hotel, where you can sip a drink and take in sweeping views of the hills beyond.

    Both lunch and dinner are on your own today, but your guide will be happy to share recommendations based on your tastes.

    • Radisson Hotel Kandy
    • Breakfast
  9. Day 9Kandy - Hatton

    Today, you take on the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, famed for their lush landscapes and world-renowned Ceylon tea. Many of the tea estates you'll pass have roots in the British colonial era and still play a key role in the country’s economy. After a 45-minute transfer from Kandy, your ride begins with a gentle 15 km through rural villages along a rolling road, eventually leading you past the bustling market town of Gampola.

    From there, your route begins to shadow the historic Hill Country Railway Line, still in use today, as you ride through farmland and onward toward Nawalapitiya, another busy hill town. Around the 45 km mark, the real climbing begins—a steady 25 km ascent with moderate gradients averaging 3–4%. It's a long, gradual climb, but well within reach. As the road coils through sweeping tea plantations, you’ll pass mountain villages, Hindu temples, and Christian churches, all part of the vibrant communities that have shaped life in the hills.

    Your day ends at a serene highland retreat over 1,000 meters above sea level, just outside Hatton—one of Sri Lanka’s original tea-growing hubs. Here, you can breathe in the crisp mountain air and wind down with a hot cup of tea—or a cold beer—while soaking in the cool climate and sweeping views.

    • 42.3 miles
    • 2,673.9 ft
      4,632.5 ft
      1,958.7 ft
    • The Argyle
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  10. Day 10Hatton - Udawalawe National Park

    Today, your ride continues through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. The day begins with a 10 km stretch through the bustling town of Hatton and its outskirts, leading you to the serene Castlereagh Reservoir. From there, the next 30 km are nothing short of spectacular—winding roads take you through rolling tea estates, vibrant highland towns, and clusters of colorful temples and churches, all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

    Morning is an especially rewarding time to ride here, as you witness tea pluckers at work—moving with precision along the steep hillsides, handpicking leaves row by row. As you climb to elevations over 1,500 meters above sea level, expect a fair amount of ascent, though most of it is at a gentle gradient (with a few steeper surprises along the way). The effort pays off with a rewarding 20 km descent—a winding ribbon of road cutting through dense forest and the last of the tea plantations, eventually spilling into the open lowlands.

    From around the 60 km mark, the terrain flattens out with the occasional downhill burst, as you ride into Sri Lanka’s warm, tropical southern plains. The final 20 km take you along a busier provincial road that brings you to the outskirts of Udawalawe National Park.

    **Note:** Due to ongoing road works, a vehicle transfer may be required to bypass a rough section between kilometers 20 and 40, or to avoid a heavily trafficked highway after the 60 km point.

    • 69 miles
    • -4,055.1 ft
      3,773 ft
      7,828.1 ft
    • The Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  11. Day 11Udawalawe National Park - Dondra Head Lighthouse - Mirissa

    This morning, you have the option to join a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park—one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. With over 500 roaming freely across grasslands, forests, and wetlands, it’s a memorable way to start the day. The safari takes about two hours and is highly recommended, though not included in the trip price—just let your guide know in advance if you’d like to join.

    By late morning, you’re back on the bike for the final leg of your journey, riding through the rural heart of southern Sri Lanka. The landscape is vibrant and alive—lush greenery, small towns, local schools, and roadside Buddhist temples fill your view. The terrain offers rolling hills, keeping your legs engaged without pushing too hard.

    Your ride concludes at Dondra Head, a dramatic rocky point crowned by one of Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouses—and the southernmost tip of the island. After a celebratory moment by the sea, you’ll transfer about 45 minutes to your final night’s destination: a beachside resort in Mirissa. The late afternoon is yours to unwind—whether it’s lounging by the pool, diving into the Indian Ocean, or both. In the evening, everyone gathers for a well-earned farewell dinner to toast the journey’s end.

    • 49.1 miles
    • -265.7 ft
      2,378.6 ft
      2,644.4 ft
    • Mandara Resort Mirissa
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  12. Day 12Mirissa Departure

    It’s time to say goodbye! This morning, the Tour Operator will arrange a shared group transfer from Mirissa to Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. If you're extending your stay at another beach resort along the way, we’re happy to drop you off there as well.

    If you’re flying out today, be sure to book a late afternoon or evening flight. The drive from Mirissa to the airport typically takes around three hours, but with stops to drop off other travellers at beaches or in Colombo, it could take up to five or six.

    • Breakfast