Sri Lanka Heritage by Bicycle

Sri Lanka, the 'Teardrop of India', is a collection of ancient and natural delights that will bedazzle visitors as you move from religious to monarchical to colonial sites. Left behind by Buddhism, Hinduism, the British, Dutch, Portuguese, and Indians these influences are seen throughout our trail of historical and cultural sites.

We visit five of Sri Lanka's eight UNESCO World Heritage sites as we cycle through the backroads and absorb a very traditional and grassroots feel of Sri Lanka. Our ride start by rolling into the beautiful old town of Kandy, home to the famed Temple of the Tooth and located on a picturesque lake. We next head into open abundant countryside, riding towards the caves and statues of Dambulla's Golden Temple. The dominating rock fortress of Sigiriya will be in view most of our ride as we cycle towards it.

After a climb to the top we walk through one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. At Minneriya National Park, we will find plenty of elephants on our jeep safari. The next fascinating stop on this trail of Sri Lanka’s most ancient cities, Polonnaruwa, is an immense former capital created in the 12th century. Hidden in dense jungle for many years, Anuradhapura, our last heritage site is a treat: with palaces, monasteries and monuments and a principal shrine of Buddhism.

Our bicycle journey will be on quiet back roads, estate tracks, and gravel paths. We cover 222 km in 5 cycling days, and much, if not most, of the terrain is undulating. When you combine the great variety of cycling with the cultural and natural attractions, there is plenty to delve into and enjoy.