Rise and shine with a hearty breakfast, then set off for an invigorating trip through the tea-covered hills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Climb through verdant fields and watch roadside shops, offering fresh dates and dried corn crackers to weary travellers, slip by.
For those preferring a shorter ride, you can savour your breakfast a little longer then take the support van to the top of the climb and join the rest of your group. Along quiet roads, you begin your descent towards Grampola Railway Station, where you’ll step aboard the train for an enchanting journey to the heart of the tea country, marvelling at the lush and fragrant fields as you pass.
Later, arrive at your stunning hotel in Nuwara Eliya – an English hill station set in the shadow of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala. Rug up in the evening with a well-earned dinner by the fire.
Today, take a grand loop through the highlands with an energising descent followed by a sustained and steady climb through surrounding tea plantations. Keep your eye out for the expert tea pickers at work, baskets held aloft. Reach the ridgeline and cycle through Ambewela, renowned for its dairy farms.
Stop by a vibrant strawberry farm, then sit down for an aromatic cup of tea in the village. Continue along the ridge through abundant greenery and sweeping views as you weave back to Nuwara Eliya. This afternoon, venture to a local tea factory and watch the process unfold, from picking to processing, uncovering the history of Sri Lankan tea along the way. Taste the country’s freshest cuppa before returning to your hotel for an evening of comfortable leisure time.
Wake early for your transfer to the wondrous Horton Plains National Park. From here, you’ll hike through grassy highlands to the spectacular World’s End Lookout, gazing out across the valley tumbling down from the cliff’s edge.
As you make your way back through the park, keep your eyes open for herds of majestic sambar deer, and watch the treetops for a glimpse of the purple-faced langur. Upon your return, savour a local breakfast of comforting roti and sambal with a grounding cup of tea, then hop aboard your bike for an exhilarating descent of nearly 1,200 metres. With the occasional welcome shift uphill, your route begins in the cloud forest and moves through Eucalypt trees to your comfortable stay in the small town of Haputale.
Spend your evening resting after a morning of outdoor exploration, and enjoy a well-deserved rest at your spa resort.
Take a drive through picturesque landscape to the charming town of Ella, where you’ll start your morning cycle. Head out along a nearby ridge and watch the valleys deepen on either side. For those wishing to start their morning at a slower pace, you’ll meet your group after this initial ascent and take the pleasant downhill path to the beckoning coast.
Fill up with a hearty lunch in a small seaside village, then jump back into your accompanying van as you weave between the national parks of Sri Lanka’s southeast. As you journey onward, keep watch for wandering elephants along the road. Check-in at your beautiful beachside resort this afternoon, then spend your time resting by the pool or walking along the serene beach before dinner.
Today, follow your local specialist’s recommendation as you set off for a morning or afternoon safari through jaw-dropping Yala National Park. Vital to the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, water birds and many other wild animals, Yala is the crown jewel of Sri Lankan wildlife experiences.
Keep your eyes peeled – you may spot a sloth bear, wild water buffalo or the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Your naturalist guide will patiently wait in key locations in the hopes of sighting vivid birds and over 40 mammals that call this park home.
The rest of the day is free to relax at your magnificent beach stay, taking a dip in the pool or at the beach, mere moments away. Relish exquisite breakfast, lunch and dinner at your hotel and soak up the scenery of this tropical paradise.
For your final day of riding, you’ll first drive inland to the quieter roads of the lowland farming communities. From here, weave through the idyllic southern province, passing stalls of coconuts where you can pause for a drink and a chat with the friendly stallholders.
Continue on your scenic voyage until you reach Wijaya Beach, where you’ll sit down over a satisfying slice of pizza. Grab a cold drink and dip your feet in the glittering ocean, taking a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of this vibrant island.
Transfer by van to your hotel in Galle, Sri Lanka’s oldest seaport, then spend your evening reflecting on the whirlwind journey behind you.
Join a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort this morning, discovering the long and complex history of this crucial trading port. Witness its story in the melange of colonial architecture as you explore the 16th-century fort, first built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch and British.
Enjoy one last lunch amongst the fortifications, then wave goodbye to gorgeous Galle as you transfer to Colombo for your post-tour accommodation or onward flight.