Sri Lanka Backroads Cycling Tour
Duration:
9Â Days
Difficulty: Interm +
From
$5499
Join us in vibrant and diverse Sri Lanka, where quiet backroads lead to ancient cities, lush tea country and vibrant village life. This immersive journey blends guided cycling with unforgettable experiences — including a wildlife safari and the iconic Kandy–Ella Hill Country train journey — revealing the island’s rich culture, landscapes and warmth beyond the bike
Sri Lanka is a country of extraordinary contrasts. On this immersive cycling journey, we explore the island’s most captivating regions via quiet backroads, scenic railways and unforgettable wildlife encounters — revealing a depth of culture & landscape few travellers see.
Riding alongside our experienced local guides, we gain access to places and experiences that bring Sri Lanka to life — from village roads and hidden temples to unique local venues rarely found on the usual tourist trail. Our routes favour peaceful backroads and rural landscapes, while a dedicated support vehicle is always close by, offering flexibility, comfort and peace of mind.
Our adventure unfolds from the coastal capital Colombo and ventures to Sri Lanka’s ancient heart. Our itinerary slowly makes it way east to one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, rising dramatically above the surrounding plains.
Turning south and into tea hill country, we will trade the bike for one of the world’s great rail journeys — the iconic Kandy–Ella Hill Country train, always a highlight. Winding through misty mountains, tea plantations and narrow tunnels, this legendary journey offers a breathtaking perspective of Sri Lanka’s lush interior before we continue cycling through cool-climate hill towns and emerald-green valleys. With the option of e-bikes available, riders can choose the level of assistance that makes each day more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than the effort.
Descending from the highlands, the scenery transforms once again. Waterfalls tumble from jungle-clad cliffs, rural temples emerge from the forest, and the road leads us towards Sri Lanka’s wild south and Yala National Park where a guided safari offers the chance to encounter elephants, leopards and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat.
Each day ends in carefully selected premium accommodation, chosen for comfort, character and location — many featuring swimming pools, perfect for unwinding after a rewarding day of exploration. Supported by expert guides and thoughtful logistics, this tour balances active cycling with cultural depth, comfort and variety.
This is Sri Lanka experienced fully — by bike, by train, and beyond.
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What We Love About this Amazing Sri Lanka Cycling Tour
There are so many highlights on this Sri Lanka tour it’s hard to name just a few.
Cycle Sri Lanka’s Quiet Backroads
Ride peaceful coastal lanes, village roads and rural landscapes, guided by local experts who unlock authentic experiences far beyond the tourist trail.
The Iconic Kandy–Ella Hill Country Train Journey*
Travel one of the world’s most scenic rail routes, winding through misty mountains, tea plantations and lush valleys in Sri Lanka’s emerald heartland.
Visit the Iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Explore the surrounds of this UNESCO-listed ancient citadel, rising dramatically above the plains, with the option to walk to the summit for those who wish.
Wildlife Safari in Yala National Park
Experience Sri Lanka’s wild side on a guided jeep safari, with the chance to encounter elephants, leopards and a remarkable diversity of birdlife.
Premium Comfort, Thoughtfully Curated
Stay in carefully selected premium accommodation — many with swimming pools — supported by a dedicated support vehicle and optional e-bikes for a relaxed, enjoyable journey.
What’s Included In Your Sri Lanka Cycling Tour
This amazing journey is incredible value when you check the list of inclusions below.
- Fully Guided Experience: Expert local guides and support team throughout the tour
- Premium Accommodation: 8 nights in carefully selected hotels, many with swimming pools
- Daily Breakfasts: Plus restaurant Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
- Support Vehicle: Luggage transport and on-hand support every day
- Quality Touring Bikes: Quality bikes with daily maintenance with helmet & small pannier
- Optional E-Bikes: Making each ride more enjoyable and accessible
- Kandy–Ella Hill Country Train Journey: One of the world’s most scenic rail experiences
- Yala National Park Safari: Guided jeep safari in one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife reserves
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress Visit: Explore this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site
- Cultural & Sightseeing Experiences: Temples, villages, tea country and historic landmarks
- Drinking Water & Fruit: Provided on all cycling days
- Airport Transfers: Arrival and departure transfers on scheduled tour dates
- Tour Kit: Lightweight fair trade t-shirt ideal for travel + enviro friendly cycling water bottle
- An amazing adventure, new friends and incredible memories
Dates & Prices
The Sri Lanka Backroads Cycling Tour is 8 nights/9 days. The launch dates for this new exciting tour are
- Start Colombo 27th Nov – End Colombo 05th Dec 2026
- Arrive Colombo 01st Feb – End Colombo 09th Feb 2027
Optional Extras
- Quality eBikes are available on this cycling tour for an additional supplement
- Pre and post tour accommodation can be booked at the same property & same room (noting that arrival and departure transfers are only available on start and end dates of the tour)
Are eBikes available on this Sri Lanka cycling tour
Absolutely yes, quality ebikes are available on this tour. Please reach out for more information on our ebike options including step through style bikes.
What accommodation is used on this Sri Lanka cycling tour?
You will stay in some amazing properties on this Sri Lanka cycling tour. Carefully selected premium hotels are used throughout the tour, chosen for comfort, location and character. Most properties feature swimming pools — ideal for relaxing after a day of cycling and exploration.
- Negombo – Goldi Sands Hotel
Beachfront comfort with a swimming pool, restaurant and ocean views — a relaxed coastal start to the journey. https://www.goldisands.com/ - Dambulla – Amaya Lake (2 nights)
Tranquil lakeside retreat set in nature, featuring a large swimming pool, spa facilities and peaceful surrounds. https://www.amayaresorts.com/amayalake/ - Kandy – Hotel Suisse
Classic heritage-style hotel in a central lakeside location, with pool, gardens and easy access to Kandy’s key sights. https://www.hotelsuisse.lk/ - Nuwara Eliya – Jetwing St Andrews
Elegant hill-country hotel with colonial charm, landscaped gardens, fine dining and cool-climate ambience. https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingstandrews/ - Haputale – Melheim Resort
Boutique mountain escape offering panoramic views, a swimming pool and serene hill-country atmosphere. https://melheimresorts.com/ - Yala Region (Tissamaharama) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Stylish resort close to Yala National Park, featuring a pool, spa and restaurant — ideal for pre- and post-safari relaxation. https://www.chaaryaresorts.com/ - Galle – Le Grand Galle
Contemporary beachfront hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean, with infinity pool, restaurant and views of historic Galle Fort. https://www.legrandgalle.lk/
What is the weather like in Sri Lanka for cycling?
Sri Lanka has a warm to hot tropical climate. This tour is scheduled outside the island’s main monsoon seasons to provide comfortable and reliable travel conditions. Expect warmer temperatures along the coast and in the lowlands, with cooler, refreshing conditions in the hill country. Cycling is planned for the most comfortable times of day, with support vehicles, optional e-bikes and swimming pools at many hotels helping ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Small Group Trips
Our small group fully guided tours are...well, awesome! We always receive rave reviews on these trips and this is because our guides are amazing and our guests always get along and have so many common interests. Your guide and support driver do everything for you (almost everything!) and so your holiday is completely stress free.
Trusted Operator
Tour de Vines has been running tours in since 2002 and has been awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 and is now a Hall of Fame inductee. You can be assured we are a quality operator and want nothing more than for you to have an amazing travel experience.
Tour de Vines is a member of the Australian Tourism Export Council
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