Cycle Sri Lanka: Beyond the Ordinary
THE ULTIMATE HILL COUNTRY RIDE
Ride through the heart of Sri Lanka on a carefully crafted cycling journey that blends iconic climbs, quiet back roads, and unforgettable landscapes. From mist covered tea country and rolling hill roads to the legendary 18 Bends climb and palm-lined coastal finishes, this tour showcases Sri Lanka at its most diverse and rewarding.
Designed for riders who value challenge, culture, and comfort in equal measure, each day balances purposeful cycling with time to slow down and experience the island beyond the ride — its people, scenery, and sense of place.
Thoughtfully supported and entirely bespoke, this is cycling in Sri Lanka at its most authentic.
Please see our brochure for the detailed itinerary.
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RIDE DEEPER – SEPTEMBER 2026
- 7 Nights / Ride 6 Days
- Road & Gravel
- Expert Cycle & Tour Guides
- 4* Hotels
- All Transfers
- All Bike Transfers
- Bike Mechanic & Assistance throughout
- Bring your own bikes or Bianchi Bikes &
- E-Bikes available for hire
THE ULTIMATE HILL COUNTRY RIDE
Day 1 | Arrival Day: Transport from the airport to your hotel near the airport on the beach & pre-tour prep.
Day 2 | Hill Country Introduction ~40-50 km: A scenic ride from Kithulgala through rolling mid-country roads, gradually climbing into Sri Lanka’s tea heartland, with quiet lanes, lush greenery and a steady ascent into the cool hills of Hatton.
Day 3 | Tea Country Chill Loop ~60-70 km: A chill ride through Sri Lanka’s iconic tea country, cycling along quiet roads lined with lush, emerald-green plantations and gentle rolling hills, soaking up the cool air and timeless scenery.
Day 4 | Tea Country to Kandy ~90km: A hilly downhill ride from Hatton through villages and lush countryside, finishing in the cultural heart of Kandy.
Day 5 | Kandy Backroads Loop ~50–60 km: A scenic loop on quiet rural roads around Kandy, combining gentle climbs, forested lanes and panoramic hill-country views.
Day 6 | Iconic 18 Bends Climb ~100-110 km: A true highlight of the tour: tackle the legendary 18 Bends, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and challenging climbs, winding through tea plantations, alongside jungles and spectacular views at every turn.
Day 7 | Sigiriya & Ancient Loops ~80–100 km: A relaxed final ride across flat, open countryside, passing ancient reservoirs and dry-zone scenery, with optional loops to extend the distance.
Day 8 | Departure Day: Transfer from your Cultural Triangle hotel to the airport.
Daha Ata Wanguwa, commonly known as the 18 Bends, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic mountain roads, stretching approximately 41 kilometres through the Central Province between Kandy and Mahiyanganaya. Originally built by British colonial rulers in the mid-19th century as an estate supply route, the road is famed for its series of dramatic hairpin bends that climb steadily through challenging mountainous terrain. Winding past tea estates, misty valleys and lush hillsides, each bend reveals ever-changing views and a growing sense of scale. For cyclists and road-trippers alike, the 18 Bends is a true bucket-list stretch of tarmac that perfectly captures both the beauty and challenge of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Cycling in Sri Lanka offers a rare chance to move through landscapes where wildlife still roams freely. Quiet backroads and rural tracks often pass through national park boundaries, forests and farmland, where encounters with roaming elephants, monkeys, peacocks and water buffalo are possible. It’s this close connection to nature — riding through misty hills, jungle edges and open plains — that makes cycling in Sri Lanka both exhilarating and uniquely immersive.
