Sri Lanka Spice Trails

Sporting the name Ceylon in its days within the British Empire, Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” has known many identities on its journey to modernity. Famous for its peaceful Buddhist ruins, including the beautiful palace and frescoes of the 5th-century fortress Sigiriya, Sri Lanka enjoys year-round sunshine and breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean from every shore.

Follow the coastal roads, pausing to breathe deep at the fish markets (or not) and capture the colorful sails of the local Karavas fishing boats on camera. Catch the whiff of cinnamon being cooked as we cycle, and tackle the hill country outside of Kandy to reach one of the island's highlights; the tea estates. Sri Lanka’s landscape combines a great mix of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery; perfect for this tour.

Cycle red dirt tracks which wind through the countryside, flanked by elephant grass—and maybe wild elephants too. Drink in the water gardens at Sigiriya, before climbing Lion Rock to awe at the views overlooking the ruins. A wildlife enthusiast? Sri Lanka offers the chance to spot a wide range of birds and animals in their natural habitat. From small creatures—like mongoose—and over 400 species of bird, to the world’s largest animals, the elephant and blue whale, Sri Lanka is a nature lover’s dream.

Our bicycle journey will be on quiet back roads, estate tracks, and gravel paths. We cover 575 km in 9 cycling days, and much, if not most, of the terrain is undulating, and there are three days with more than 70 km of riding. When you combine the great variety of cycling with the cultural and natural attractions, there is plenty to delve into and enjoy.