Sri Lanka Spice Trails

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Meet in Negombo

   Welcome to Sri Lanka! This afternoon, you’ll meet up with the group at the tour hotel in the laid-back coastal town of Negombo for your bike fitting, trip briefing, and a welcome dinner. Situated closer to the international airport than Colombo, and famous for its relaxed seaside vibe, Negombo makes the perfect starting point for your cycling adventure. If you need help with airport transfers or pre-tour hotel arrangements, just let us know!

   • Suriya Resort
   • Dinner

   • 

     Suriya Resort

     A premier beach front and riverside resort with plush accommodations

   • 

     Suriya Resort

     A premier beach front and riverside resort with plush accommodations

   • 

     Suriya Resort

     A premier beach front and riverside resort with plush accommodations

2. Day 2Negombo - Dambulla

   You’ll start the day right from the hotel, jumping straight into your first ride through the coastal plains of western Sri Lanka. After a short stretch on the main road, you’ll turn onto the scenic ‘beach road,’ hugging the coast for about 20 km as you pass fishing villages, swaying palm trees, and Catholic churches—a reminder of the region’s Portuguese heritage from the 17th century.
   
   Next, you’ll head inland, cycling along quiet backroads that wind through a maze of lush coconut plantations. After covering roughly 41 km, you’ll hop off the saddle and cool down with a well-earned treat—fresh king coconuts! From here, you’ll hop in the support van for a three-hour transfer to Dambulla, with a lunch stop along the way.
   
   Once in Dambulla, you’ll explore its famous UNESCO-listed cave complex with a local guide, discovering centuries-old Buddhist statues and vivid wall paintings. Afterward, enjoy a short transfer to a peaceful rural resort, where you’ll settle in for the next two nights.

   • 25.5 miles
   • 42.7 ft
     538.1 ft
     495.4 ft
   • Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Sigiriya Lion Rock Loop

   Your day begins with a scenic loop ride through the Sri Lankan countryside, surrounding the iconic Sigiriya — also known as Lion Rock. Starting from your resort in Dambulla, you’ll cycle about 35 km along a mix of paved roads and dirt paths. The journey takes you past peaceful villages, lush rice paddies, fruit orchards, and fields of towering elephant grass. Much of the ride hugs the edge of a meandering irrigation canal, guiding you all the way to the base of Sigiriya — a massive granite rock rising dramatically from the plains.
   
   You’ll stop for a home-cooked Sri Lankan lunch, served in a traditional wooden house, before switching gears for a guided hike. A local guide will lead you through the UNESCO-listed ruins of a 5th-century fortress and pleasure palace carved into the rock itself. The climb to the top is steep, but you’re rewarded with panoramic views and the remains of a legendary sky palace.
   
   After descending, you’ll get back on your bike for the 30 km ride to Dambulla, part of it tracing the edge of a wide water reservoir — known locally as a “tank.”

   • 41 miles
   • -6.6 ft
     1,000.7 ft
     1,007.2 ft
   • Sigiriana Resort by Thilanka
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Giritale Tank

   You leave Dambulla and begin the day by retracing about 14 km of yesterday’s route before turning onto a quiet provincial road that cuts through a national park. This forest serves as a key elephant corridor, though you're more likely to see signs warning of elephant crossings than the elephants themselves. The road gradually climbs for 5 km, ending in a steep ascent, then rolls down toward the banks of a long canal. From here, you follow a smooth road along the water, keeping an eye out for kingfishers darting through the air or crocodiles basking in the sun.
   
   Next, you turn off onto peaceful backroads winding through rice paddies, small villages, and dense tropical greenery, eventually arriving at the Sea of Parakrama — a vast reservoir from ancient times. After covering 75 km, you stop for lunch near the historic city of Polonnaruwa. Following a hearty serving of local Sri Lankan fare, you spend the afternoon on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On foot and by vehicle, you'll explore the ruins of ancient palaces, temples, and stone monuments that have stood for over a thousand years.
   
   When the tour wraps up, you can choose to transfer by vehicle (about 30 minutes) to your hotel, or take on an optional 20 km ride along rural gravel roads, finishing with a short climb to your scenic accommodation overlooking Giritale Tank.

   • 46.6 - 58.4 miles
   • -170.6 ft
     1,594.5 ft
     1,765.1 ft
   • Giritale Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Giritale Tank - Ambana - Kandy

   You start the day with a downhill cruise from your hotel to the rim of Giritale Tank, then wind your way through farmland and forest until you reconnect with the Elahera Canal — the same one you followed yesterday, though this time you're riding it in reverse for nearly 30 km. Eventually, the canal leads you to its source: the Moragahakanda Reservoir, nestled at the edge of the central highlands.
   
   A steady 2 km climb at a 5–6% gradient gives you a warm (and cheeky) welcome to the hillier terrain ahead. At the top, you pause at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the reservoir, taking time to catch your breath and enjoy some refreshments. From there, the road rolls gently through the countryside, with a final stretch on quiet lanes lined by rice paddies and framed by craggy mountain peaks.
   
   After about 63 km, you arrive at a shady riverside spot along the Amban River, where a well-earned picnic lunch is waiting. With legs thoroughly worked and stomachs full, you hop into the support vehicle for a three-hour transfer to Kandy — Sri Lanka’s spiritual center, second-largest city, and gateway to the lush tea-growing highlands. This is your home for the next two nights.

   • 39.1 miles
   • 219.8 ft
     1,774.9 ft
     1,555.1 ft
   • Thilanka Hotel Kandy
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Thilanka Hotel Kandy

     Pleasant accommodation by the Hunnasgiriya mountains

   • 

     Thilanka Hotel Kandy

     Pleasant accommodation by the Hunnasgiriya mountains

   • 

     Thilanka Hotel Kandy

     Pleasant accommodation by the Hunnasgiriya mountains

6. Day 6Kandy Rest Day

   Today is yours to explore Kandy at your own rhythm. Although it's Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, the historic center—set around a tranquil lake—is surprisingly walkable and perfect for a relaxed wander. One of the city’s highlights is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site believed to house a tooth of the Buddha. Just nearby, you can stroll through the royal palace grounds, where the Kings of Kandy ruled for centuries until British colonization in the 19th century.
   
   Kandy is also a key player in Sri Lanka’s tea industry. If you’re curious, a visit to a nearby tea factory can be arranged where you’ll learn how tea is made from leaf to cup—and maybe even pick up a few premium blends to bring home.
   
   If you’re in the mood for a slower pace, Kandy has no shortage of rooftop lounges (including one at your hotel), ideal for unwinding with a drink and soaking in views of the surrounding hills.
   
   Lunch and dinner are on your own today, but your guide will be happy to recommend some favorite local spots.

   • Thilanka Hotel Kandy
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Thilanka Hotel Kandy

     Pleasant accommodation by the Hunnasgiriya mountains

   • 

     Thilanka Hotel Kandy

     Pleasant accommodation by the Hunnasgiriya mountains

   • 

     Thilanka Hotel Kandy

     Pleasant accommodation by the Hunnasgiriya mountains

7. Day 7Kandy - Castlereagh

   Get ready to take on Sri Lanka’s central highlands—famed for their lush landscapes and world-class Ceylon tea. Many of the tea estates you'll pass date back to the British colonial era and still play a key role in the country’s economy today.  
   
   After a 45-minute transfer from Kandy, you’ll start with a scenic 15 km ride through quiet villages along an undulating road before rolling into the bustling market town of Gampola. From there, the climb begins as you ascend into tea country. Watch the scenery shift from dense forests to perfectly trimmed rows of tea bushes.  
   
   At the 32 km mark, you’ll reach nearly 1,000 meters above sea level before descending into Nawalapitiya, where farmland and open spaces guide you to a well-earned lunch stop. In the afternoon, the ride continues deeper into the tea-covered mountains. Expect 30 km of moderate climbs (4–5% gradients) with a few breezy downhills to keep things fun.  
   
   The last 10 km is the crown jewel—a narrow, winding road threading through tea fields, surrounded by dramatic mountain views and dotted with small villages and Hindu temples of local tea plucker communities. Tonight, you’ll rest at a simple yet serene highland lodge perched over 1,000 meters above sea level, overlooking the tranquil Castlereagh Reservoir.

   • 49.7 miles
   • 2,126 ft
     5,377.3 ft
     3,251.3 ft
   • Castlereagh Summer House
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
8. Day 8Castlereagh - Balangoda - Udawalawe National Park

   Your journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country continues with a stunning 30 km ride that winds through rolling hills blanketed in tea estates. Along the way, you’ll pass lively highland towns, colorful temples, and churches, all set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Riding in the early morning, you’ll witness the daily rhythm of tea pluckers at work—moving with precision along the steep hillsides, handpicking leaves one row at a time.
   
   As you climb to over 1,500 meters above sea level, be ready for a bit of a workout. Most of the gradients are gentle, though a few steeper sections will keep things interesting. But your effort pays off with a rewarding 30 km descent. The road narrows and shifts to a mix of surfaces, snaking through thick forest and past the last stretches of tea plantations before opening up into the plains.
   
   You’ll break for lunch at a welcoming local home before wrapping up the ride at a major junction—your signal to hop in the support vehicle. From here, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Udawalawe National Park, your base for the next two nights.

   • 35.4 miles
   • -1,991.5 ft
     2,851 ft
     4,842.5 ft
   • The Grand Udawalawe
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

     An environmentally friendly resort with cozy rooms and refreshing swimming pool

   • 

     Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

     An environmentally friendly resort with cozy rooms and refreshing swimming pool

9. Day 9Udawalawe National Park Cycle & Elephant Safari

   After two big days in the hills, today’s all about taking it a bit easier—while still soaking up the adventure and natural beauty of Udawalawe. You’ll start with a relaxed early-morning ride through the peaceful countryside just outside the national park, pedaling past a reservoir and winding along quiet backroads through sugarcane fields and rice paddies.
   
   By late morning, you’ll return to the resort for some well-earned downtime—maybe a dip in the pool or a chance to recharge before lunch. In the afternoon, get ready for a change of pace as you hop into a jeep for a wildlife safari through Udawalawe National Park.
   
   This park is one of the top spots in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, with over 500 roaming freely through its grasslands, forests, and wetlands. For about two hours, you’ll explore the park from the comfort of a safari jeep, on the lookout for elephants, water buffalo, crocodiles, wild boars, jackals, and a colorful array of birdlife.
   
   Keep in mind that the park can get a bit busy with other jeeps, and while the elephants are used to seeing people, they’re still wild animals—so it’s important to always follow your driver’s safety instructions. After the safari, you’ll head back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.

   • 30.4 miles
   • 
     797.2 ft
     797.2 ft
   • The Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

     An environmentally friendly resort with cozy rooms and refreshing swimming pool

   • 

     Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort

     An environmentally friendly resort with cozy rooms and refreshing swimming pool

10. Day 10Udawalawe National Park - Mirissa

    Today, you’re headed for Sri Lanka’s stunning southern beaches. The day kicks off with a scenic 15 km ride along a mix of gravel, dirt, and broken roads, tracing an irrigation canal bordered by banana plantations, coconut farms, and lush rice fields. Keep an eye out—water buffaloes might be crossing the path or lounging in the water to cool off.
    
    As the route transitions to smooth tarmac, you’ll ride through the rural heart of southern Sri Lanka, where the scenery is a mix of vibrant greenery, lively towns, village schools, and quiet Buddhist temples. The rolling hills add a bit of variety to the ride, but nothing too tough—just enough to keep the legs moving.
    
    You’ll regroup and refresh every 15–20 km, with lunch waiting for you around the 75 km mark. After that, the choice is yours: either keep pedaling for the final 30 km to the hotel in Mirissa or hop in the support vehicle for a relaxed 45-minute transfer.
    
    Whichever option you choose, your late afternoon is all about unwinding—whether it’s by the pool or with a dip in the Indian Ocean. Mirissa’s beaches welcome you with soft white sand and gentle waves perfect for a relaxing end to the day.

    • 46 - 64 miles
    • -236.2 ft
      2,726.4 ft
      2,962.6 ft
    • Mandara Mirissa
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    • 

      Mandara Resort Mirissa

      A 4-star tropical beach escape

    • 

      Mandara Resort Mirissa

      A 4-star tropical beach escape

    • 

      Mandara Resort Mirissa

      A 4-star tropical beach escape

11. Day 11Mirissa - Galle - Mirissa

    Your final morning in the south kicks off with a relaxing “cool-down” ride, perfect for soaking in the last moments of this incredible journey. Starting from Mirissa, you’ll wind your way through a maze of quiet backroads that snake past rice fields, wetlands, cinnamon estates, black pepper farms, and fragrant spice gardens. The pace is easy and unhurried, giving you time to take in the lush scenery and get a closer look at local spice cultivation.
    
    The ride wraps up just a few kilometers outside of Galle, where you’ll rack up the bikes and celebrate finishing an epic 9-day cycling adventure across Sri Lanka. From there, it’s a short 15-minute drive into the heart of Galle Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautifully preserved colonial charm. With its Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, the town is a maze of cobbled streets, stone bastions, and picturesque shophouses.
    
    You’ll enjoy lunch at one of our favorite local spots before having some free time to wander at your own pace. Whether you're browsing boutique shops, checking out a museum, or sipping an iced coffee in a shady café, Galle offers the perfect mix of history and laid-back vibes.
    
    Later in the afternoon, you’ll transfer back to the resort in Mirissa (about an hour’s drive), where everyone gathers for a well-deserved farewell dinner to toast the journey.

    • 25.5 miles
    • 137.8 ft
      839.9 ft
      702.1 ft
    • Mandara Mirissa
    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

    • 

      Mandara Resort Mirissa

      A 4-star tropical beach escape

    • 

      Mandara Resort Mirissa

      A 4-star tropical beach escape

    • 

      Mandara Resort Mirissa

      A 4-star tropical beach escape

12. Day 12Departure

    And just like that, it’s time to say goodbye. A shared group transfer from Mirissa to Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport will be arranged. For those extending their stay at another beach resort along the way, drop-offs can be made en route.
    
    If flying out today, it’s best to book a late afternoon or evening flight. The journey from Mirissa to the airport typically takes around three hours but can stretch to five or six if there are multiple stops in Colombo or at various beach resorts.
    
    A private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost. Assistance with post-tour hotel bookings or private airport transfers is also available upon request.

    • Breakfast