We are slightly biased but… Sri Lanka is not only a beautiful country to ride in but also a beautiful country to explore, with photo opportunities around every corner.
Ride Sri Lanka is open to both riders and companions, and with so much to see and do companions can do as much or as little as they want. The mix of adventure, cultural exploration and leisure time will make this a trip of a lifetime.
Whether you want to lounge at the hotels and make use of the 4-5* luxury, ride some of the epic routes, hike the hills, take in the culture, travel by train – you will always get to experience and explore a diverse range of sites and activities. Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for everyone to have a great time!
3rd March – Arrive in CMB and transfer to Habarana – Aliya Resort and Spa
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met at the airport and transferred to Aliya Resort. You can enjoy the beautiful views of Sigiriya & Pidurangala whilst relaxing by the infinity pool, or having a drink at the bar. If relaxing isn’t your thing, why not hike to the top of Pidurangala and enjoy the sunset and views over Sigiriya.
4th March: free day for all – Aliya Resort and Spa
Join the groups early morning sunrise hike up Sigiriya’s ancient rock – a World Heritage site which is famous for its palace ruins on top of a 200-meter-high rock. Once you’ve descended and had a cup of tea, take the wild jeep safari into the Minneriya national park where you could see elephants, monkeys, deer, bears, birds, buffalo, and the elusive and rare Sri Lankan leopards.
5th March – Riding Day – Lions Rock – Serendip Signature Resort
Depending how much or how little you wanted to do there are plenty of options! If you haven’t already, you could hike up Pidurangla Rock to enjoy more of the scenic views over the Sigiriya area.
Take a short transfer to visit Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple which has been a Buddhist pilgrimage site for 22 centuries.
Visit Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site which is close by and is one of the best-planned archaeological relic cities in the country.
Alternatively, drive to Kandy and explore the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth, have a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake soaking up the Sri Lankan vibe or visit Sri Lankas largest garden which is home to over 4,000 different species of plants – the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
6th March – Free day in Ella for all – Heavens Edge
There will be a 3-hour transfer in the morning from Diagana to Ella, but then the rest of the day is free to do whatever you fancy…
Climb “Little Adams Peak”; a 1141m hill to the south of the town with breath-taking views over the surrounding expanse below.
Visit the 9 Arches Bridge at Demodara, a spectacular architectural wonder allowing the central highland train to cross the valley.
Ride the 20km 800m carpet smooth road descent through Ella Gap down to the lowlands.
Take on the Flying Ravana Zip Line that stretches for more than half a kilometer, slides at a maximum speed of 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island.
Or just go and chill out in some of the awesome cafes and bars.
7th March – Riding Day – Race the Train – Argyle Luxury Highland Haven
Todays the “Race the Train” stage. Why not enjoy an iconic and unique train ride – leave at the same time as the riders and you’ll get to see who wins – you or them! The train will take you through the central highlands where you’ll get to see the beautiful tea plantations and hill country, before transferring from the station to the 5* luxury hotel of The Argyle where you will be treated to one of the most decadent hotels of the trip.
8th March: Riding Day – It’s quicker by bike! A’Lankaa Resort and Spa
The riders will likely be back earlier than the companions on this day! But there is still time to stop and visit the tea plantations that you pass, where you’ll learn more about the process of tea making from picking the leaves to making the perfect brew.
If you didn’t mind the extra travel, and you want to take on some exciting water sports activities then why not head to Kitulgala and enjoy their white-water rafting, abseiling, or exploring the waterfalls.
9th March: Riding Day, Devils staircase, A’Lankaa Resort and Spa
Whilst the riders are taking on the Devils Staircase, you can either choose to relax in the hotel or there are plenty of sights to visit and places to explore. As you’ll be waking and sleeping in the same hotel today, you can make use of the full day!
Bambarankhanda falls are close by which is the highest Sri Lankan waterfall. Observe in awe and enjoy the amazing views it offers.
Why not go hiking at Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has stunning hikes in the shadows of Sri Lanka’s 2nd and 3rd highest mountains, with the plateau of the plains stopping spectacularly at Worlds End which has a drop of around 1200m. You’ll need to leave early to make the most of the views and have the best photo opportunities!
Or if you wanted to see what the riders were experiencing, we could take you to hike some or all the Devils Staircase route.
10th March: Riding Day: – Date with the South Coast, Hotel TBC
Visit Lipton’s Seat, a panoramic viewpoint over the highland tea areas. Either take one of our comfortable cars or a Tuk Tuk for a true Sri Lankan experience! Or do ½ and ½ and take a vehicle some of the way and hike the rest. The best time to visit is the morning for the best views which works perfectly for then joining the riders for your transfer to the beaches on the south coast.
11th March: Free day for all on south coast, Hotel TBC
Both riders and companions will have a free day today. Chill out on the soft sandy beaches of the south coast, take a surfing lesson at Hiriketiya or Weligama, go diving with sea turtles in Hikkaduwa, visit Marissa to watch the whales and visit coconut tree hill to take some Instagram worthy photos or visit Galle Fort a historical and architectural heritage built by the Portuguese in the early 1500’s.
12th March: Transfer to CMB and the city! Cinnamon Grand
Colombo has so much to see! Following your transfer you’ll have an afternoon to see the sights. Visit some of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants, explore the historic parks, visit the Lotus tower and take in the city scapes beneath you. Visit Galle Face Green to grab an ice cream, some of the 10 art galleries or Nelum Pokuna Art Street and see the artists painting. Embrace the bustling markets of Pettah, walk through the colonial streets in the epicentre of old Colombo – whilst visiting the Dutch Hospital precinct which has an array of bars and restaurants.
Get in what you can, as the evening is time to party! SriLankan Airlines will be putting on one of their World-Famous events for the Ride Sri Lanka group to enjoy – it’s not to be missed!
13th March: Departure
Last minute packing and souvenir shopping before you check and out and transfer to the airport for your departure home. We’ll look forwards to welcoming you back to Sri Lanka again soon!
