Sri Lanka-Exploring Sri Lanka by Bike Tour 2020-2021 Guided 9 Days / 8 Nights
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Sri Lanka- Exploring Sri Lanka by Bike Tour 2020-2021
Guided
9 Days / 8 Nights
Take a 9-day guided adventure in paradise. Not only does this trip to Sri Lanka include some of the most
beautiful bike touring in South Asia, but it also includes great hikes through national parks, a jeep safari
with the chance to see leopards, luxurious lodgings, mouthwatering food and a cultural experience like
no other.
Sri Lanka, a small island with a big heart, is well known for its highland tea plantations that we will spend
some days riding through. We also take in the city of Kandy with its sacred Buddha tooth relic and
pleasant climate. Pedal by Yala National Park where we often see animal and birdlife and spend some
time on the southern coast with its crashing surf, relaxed pace of life and historic Portuguese forts.
This is the perfect bike tour to see some of the best of Sri Lanka in just over a week. You'll get a taste of
the highlights & hidden treasures and be blown away by the diversity this small island nation boasts.
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848
Itinerary Day by Day
DAY 1 KANDY - TAKE A TRAIN RIDE, THEN A BIKE RIDE Riding: 26km Meal: LD
We start today with an early pickup from your Colombo Hotel before we drive to a small village station
to board the train that takes us up into the hills towards Kandy. The scenic journey takes 3-4 hours
before we arrive around lunchtime, to meet our support team and our bikes. To warm up our legs, we’ll
cycle from the train station into the center of town, pedaling down small roads to escape the traffic. Our
ride takes us along a river and its local villages. In the evening, there is time to visit the Temple of the
Tooth, where the sacred Buddha tooth relic is placed with supporting stories illustrated in a prayer hall.
Tonight we’ll enjoy our first dinner together in Kandy.
DAY 2 RIDE & TRAIN TO NUWARA ELIYA,
COLONIAL-ERA HILL STATION Riding: 26.5 or 43km
Meal: BLD
Today we pedal back roads and find ourselves
climbing soon after leaving Kandy. As we go, the
population thins out and the tea creeps in. As we
weave our way through tea plantations, keep an
eye open for roadside shops selling delicacies such
as fresh dates and dried corn crackers. We then
enjoy some descents today and a wide variety of
road surfaces, always with minimal traffic.
We finish our ride down at the Gampola railway station where we board the train for the higher
elevations. The train ride is stunning, and the carriage is quite comfortable. We alight at Nana Oya and
then travel by car the short distance to Nuwara Eliya. You will need your warm clothes up here, but the
hotel does have an open fireplace and a great meal for dinner.
Note that the short ride group today will be able to linger over breakfast a little longer, before taking a
short van transfer to their start point at the top of the climb. From there on, the two groups will follow
the same route.
DAY 3 HIKE HORTON PLAINS TO WORLDS END, CYCLE & TEA FACTORY Riding: 39km Meal: BLD
A very early start is needed today for the transfer by vehicle up to Horton Plains National Park, and we’ll
enjoy some light snacks to get us started. From there, we will walk through the grassy highlands to
World's End Lookout where we take in the astonishing views over the valley from the clifftop. Keep your
eyes peeled while you walk, as we may be lucky enough to glimpse deer and monkeys.
From the hike back to town is about 1 hour in the van, then there is plenty of downtime until just after
lunch when we have a loop ride that takes us first on a fun descent, then on a sustained, but not terribly
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848
long climb up through tea plantations. Here we will stop to visit an operational Tea Factory where those
little buds picked by the colorfully dressed ladies are turned into a salable product.
We reach a ridgeline and ride through Ambewela, an area known for its dairy farms. We stop off in this
quaint little village and then ride the ridge back to Nuwara Eliya through a lovely, lush green landscape.
DAY 4 ELLA - RIDE AND TAKE A COOKING CLASS
Riding: 29 or 63km Meal: BLD
For the long ride group today, we have the pleasure
of a door to door ride with no vehicle transfer time.
Leaving the hotel at quite a civilized hour, we start
on the same descent as the day before, but this
time we don't have to interrupt it. We get to lose
about 1000m in elevation over about 20km, so by
the time you need to start pedaling again, you
might have forgotten how!
The short ride group will meet us some way into the ride where the terrain undulates before descending
into the lovely little town of Ella.
The scenery through today is beautiful at every turn. Tea as far as the eye can see and lots of friendly,
somewhat surprised villagers, not so accustomed to seeing foreigners riding bikes through their village.
We stop for lunch in Banderawella which is a little different to some other towns we have been through
in that there is a sizeable Muslim population. Buddhists are the majority in Sri Lanka, but here is a
diverse mix of ethnicities and religions in the country, owing to its fascinating past and significant
geographic location.
In the late afternoon, we will try our hand at cooking some local dishes and we will enjoy these for our
dinner.
Ella is a cute town with incredible views! It has become a popular backpacker stop and the vibe and feel
are consistent with that. It's our most modest night of accommodation, but that will still be a clean and
comfortable room with an ensuite bathroom.
DAY 5 YALA - RIDE & TRANSFER TO THE BEACH Riding: 49.5 or 65km Meal: BLD
Today we leave the hills but before we do, they have a treat for us in the form of one of the most scenic
rides of the trip so far. We start out along a ridge, with deep valleys either side and tea plantation
workers often hard at work, picking tea or tending to the plants. The first 15km has us climbing to a
point where the short ride group will join. Then it is a thrilling, enjoyable, continual downhill ride to the
flatlands. When we run out of gravity assisted riding, we stop for lunch in a small village and
immediately you will feel that we have moved between regions.
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848
People on the flatlands and plains move a little more slowly and with good reason, it's pretty warm
down here. We are now on the southeast corner of the island and after we load into the van we will
drive between two National Parks, the famous Yala on one side and the lesser-known Lunugamvehera
on the other. We often encounter Elephants on this road who levy a toll on us, paid in bananas.
We reach the coast and our stunningly located resort around the mid-afternoon, so there is time to rest
a little and then enjoy a walk on the beach and a sundowner before dinner.
DAY 6 SAFARI OF YALA NATIONAL PARK SEEKING
LEOPARDS & ELEPHANTS Meal: BLD
Today is safari day. We will take our local specialists'
recommendations on whether it should be a
morning or afternoon one. That advice will depend
on seasonal animal movements and the weather
patterns of the day. Either way, the safari will last
around 2.5 to 3 hours and there is usually a good
chance to see a range of animals. Of course, the
Leopard is the star of the show and we do often see
them. It helps that our Naturalist knows the park better than most, so he will guide our driver to avoid
other jeeps and will preference sitting in wait rather than driving around constantly trying to find
animals.
Asides from the safari, the day is yours to rest, relax and take stock of the adventure so far. Three meals
will be served at the hotel with plenty of flexibility.
DAY 7 UDAWALAWE - RIDE & OPTIONAL ELEPHANT SAFARI Riding: 46 or 75km Meal: BLD
After all that hilly territory that we have ridden through, a day of relatively flat riding might be quite a
novelty. The long ride group will make a head start in one van to pass through the nearby town of
Tissamaharama and reach their start point. The short ride group will have a little more time to enjoy the
resort before moving on.
The ride today passes through a dry landscape, punctuated by small villages with bright golden coconuts
piled up for sale. The King Coconut as it is known is a daily consumption item and especially good for
bike riders who might have had enough of the electrolyte drinks.
As we reach the town of Udawalawe, we will start to see more and more irrigated land where farmers
will be growing a variety of crops including rice. This irrigation is made possible by the large "Tank" as it
is known, a reservoir that was built by the ancients and one of many across the country. This antique
infrastructure has helped to ensure Sri Lanka's prosperity in so many ways and the lakes create nice
places for people to picnic and support the huge range of birdlife in the country.
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848
Udawalawe National Park is located just nearby our hotel. A safari is not organized as part of the tour,
but your Tour Leader can easily arrange one for you if you would like to visit the park. This park is known
mostly for the Elephants of which there are a great many.
DAY 8 GALLE - RIDE TO HISTORIC GALLE Riding: 56
or 102km Meal: BLD
After a long journey, the long ride distance might be
less appealing, but today's ride allows you to make
up your mind partway. We first transfer as a
complete group to a high point. Then we enjoy a
fun descent, just so that we remember what that
feels like. There is a little climbing, but only to set us
up for another little descent. We start out in tea
country again and end up right by the coast in Galle.
The route today features lots of variety and the short option concludes at lunch. The short ride group
will then move on to Galle while any hardy riders wanting to ride the big one can continue on.
Approaching Galle you will get a feel for this, Sri Lanka's second-largest city. It is a historical location and
also a location made famous by a game that is very popular in Sri Lanka, Cricket.
DAY 9 GUIDED WALK OF GALLE FORT - CONCLUSION OF TOUR Meal: BL
The story of Galle Fort is fascinating and dates back even further than the 16th century when the
Portuguese built the first ramparts. The Dutch arrived later and heavily fortified the settlement and then
eventually along came the British. Through these many changes of rulers, the ethnic makeup of the city
was born through its significant role as a trading port. Today the families who live in the fort have in
most cases, lived there for many generations. This is a story that deserves two hours and we will tell it as
we walk through the atmospheric streets and along the ramparts with the ocean crashing against the
rocks below.
Lunch in the fort marks the end of our tour. The van will be ready to take you to Colombo City or
Colombo Airport. If you are planning to remain in the area for the beaches of Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna,
then we will have transport arranged for you.
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848
Route:
272-412 Km riding. On this tour, most days will provide you with a choice between a short ride and a
long ride. The short option doesn't mean you'll be stuck in a van following the riders, it means that we
have carefully coordinated everything so that you will arrive at a start point in a car, ready to ride with
the long ride group as they come through. Both groups will have a guide with them and you will have a
GPS for navigation.
The terrain is a mix of sealed and unsealed roads on secondary roads and quiet country lanes. There are
a few sustained climbs (although not too steep) at times and some thrilling descents. There is always a
support vehicle on hand to give you a lift if you need a break from the riding.
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848Dates and Prices:
Price per person double occupancy in US Dollars
26 Sep - 04 Oct 2020 Adult 2890USD
05 - 13 Dec 2020 Adult 2990USD
24 Jan - 01 Feb 2021 Adult 2890USD
27 Feb - 07 Mar 2021 Adult 2890USD
20 - 28 Mar 2021 Adult 2890USD
29 May - 06 Jun 2021 Adult 2890USD
25 Jul - 02 Aug 2021 Adult 2890USD
14 - 22 Aug 2021 Adult 2890USD
25 Sep - 03 Oct 2021 Adult 2890USD
22 - 30 Dec 2021 Adult 2990USD
31 Dec 2021 - 08 Jan 2022 Adult 2990USD
Single room option: $1450 USD
Dates and prices subject to change and must be confirmed with the operator
Included:
8 Nights Accommodation - Sri Lanka offers a great variety in choice of accommodation, and we make full
use of this. From a grand old colonial property in Nuwara Eliya, to an eco-lodge in the rainforest, and a
modern hotel in Kandy, we have all options covered.
An experienced English speaking, local leader will host you on this trip who is well spoken, very
knowledgeable and charming. We use local guides who have a passion for their country and are always
well informed on topics ranging from history, politics, cuisine and importantly local customs and
cultures. Our leaders will take pride in introducing you to every aspect of their country while keeping
you safe and comfortable at all times.
Your leader will be supported by an assistant guide/mechanic who is tasked with keeping the bikes in
tip-top shape and often will lead the riding while the leader will ride among the group.
Sri Lankan food is centered around curries and has an emphasis on vegetables. This is not to say that
there is no variety though. Given Sri Lanka's International integration over the centuries, there is a good
variety of food available. While lunches tend to be quite similar due to the remote areas traversed, the
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848evening meals often provide for a great deal of choice. As we near the coast, some amazing fresh
seafood and fish become available and some of the properties in which we stay, pride themselves in
their meal offerings.
We are experienced in catering for all dietary requirements and invite you to discuss this with us in
advance if you are concerned in any way.
Included meals are listed in the day by day itinerary, and drinking water is always included with meals.
Any soft or alcoholic drinks are not included and will be at your own expense.
An air-conditioned backup support vehicle is always available for tired riders and to carry your luggage.
A beautiful souvenir cycling jersey is yours to wear and take home. We also provide a drink bottle as an
extra memento.
This tour is guaranteed for a minimum of just 4 travelers. And we limit the group size to only 14 travelers
so that you get all the attention you want in an intimate group.
On this tour we provide Wahoo ELEMNT bike computers for additional navigational support. These are
the latest in user-friendly navigation tech from Wahoo Fitness. With Wahoo devices you will be able to
track your progress and monitor your route. Beyond their basic setup, the geek-cyclists will find Wahoo
ELEMNTs to be excellent data mining devices allowing to measure almost any aspect of the ride.
Mountain bike rental
Not Included:
There is no surcharge for single travelers - we will match you with another same-sex single traveler. If
you want a single room there is an optional upgrade of $1450 USD
Any soft or alcoholic drinks are not included and will be at your own expense.
Upgrade to E-Bike
Optional Tips
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848Bikes
Included Mountain Bike
Quality, well-maintained Cannondale CX3 mountain bikes in a full range of sizes are included in your
tour, fitted with full hydraulic brakes, hybrid tyres for touring. Removable handlebar bags for your
personal possessions and comfortable saddles are also provided, with a women's specific version
available.
Optional E-Bike
Simple to use and a pleasure to ride, the Trek Conduit+ pedal-assist bike expands touring possibilities for
all riders, and anything that enables people to explore more of the world by bike is a great thing.
An upgrade can be purchased for this trip, availability is limited and on a first-in basis.
Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion.
www.okcycletours.com
THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9
www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848You can also read
