Cycling in Sri Lanka | Bike tours in Asia | Adventurous Ewe

Top to Tail Sri Lanka Cycling Challenge

  • Overview
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Essential Info
  • Pics & Vids
  • Dates & Prices

Highlights

  • Cycle Top to Tail from the most northern to the most southern tip of Sri Lanka
  • Enjoy cycling through the ever-changing landscape
  • Discover rich Sri Lankan history and culture by bike, train and boots
  • Cycle through tea plantations, ancient cities to the stunning coastline and experience the way of life of this country’s friendly people
  • Learn about the local wildlife with a game drive in the famous Uda Walawe National
  • Visit the ancient and fascinating city of Kandy which is surrounded by scenic mountains
  • Climb the famous rock fortress at Sigiraya for stunning views
  • Experience one of the world’s most scenic train journey’s
  • Finish your cycling adventure at the southernmost point. Dondra Head Lighthouse, and lap up the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
  • Receive a complimentary Water-to-Go Bottle when on this trip to minimise our plastic footprint in Sri Lanka!

Overview

For a compact island, Sri Lanka is spectacular, incredibly diverse and now is the best time to discover all it has to offer. Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area.

Cycling Top to Tail in Sri Lanka is the best way to see this rural country. Experience the way of life of its friendly people. This trip covers a substantial part of Sri Lanka. Cycle north to south taking in as much as possible of the scenic and cultural variety that Sri Lanka has to offer.

You will travel through ancient cities. Anuradhapura and the fortress at Sigiriya to the hill country towns of Kandy, where the cooler temperatures and lush scenery make for an amazing cycling journey. In the south you will visit Udawalawe National Park. Here you have the chance to see herds of elephants, hundreds of species of birds and you may even catch a glimpse of a leopard. Ending your cycling trip on the beaches of the beautiful south coast. Most of the route is a continuous ride, and transfers are kept to a minimum.

Join us for this unique itinerary carefully crafted by Adventurous Ewe and receive a free Water-to-Go bottle with your departure to eliminate our single use plastic foot-print in such a beautiful country plus we’ll make a contribution to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth.

Day 1

Flight from UK to Colombo, Sri Lanka
Overnight flight from London UK to Colombo (approx 14 – 15 hours)
On signing up for the trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book or alternately, we can book the flights for you through our ATOL protected Flight Agent at an additional cost. Flights are not included in your to give you the flexibility to travel from your nearest airport or extend your stay in Sri Lanka if you wish. The recommended flights for this trip will include airport transfers in Sri Lanka. There are direct flights from London and non-direct flights for all major airports across the UK. Flights are operated by British Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Eitiad Airways and cost upwards £500pp economy return depending on which flights and when you book.

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by your Local Guide and transferred to your hotel in Sri Lanka’s capital and vibrant city, Colombo. You will have the chance to explore the city or relax prior to meeting for dinner and your adventure briefing that evening.

Included
Airport transfer: For nominated flight arrival time
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (twin share basis)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2

Colombo to Jaffna

Today you will have the opportunity to recover from your flight as you take the early morning train to Jaffna, a city on the northern tip of Sri Lanka. This fascinating coastal town has an absorbing mixture of colonial charm and vibrant Tamil culture while the Jaffna Peninsula and surrounding islands offer a string of remote temples and beaches

The scenic train journey takes 6 hours and on arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon will be spent exploring Jaffna city. The town has its own unique and complex identity shaped in true Sri Lankan fashion by a wide cross-section of influences, including Tamil, Muslim, Portuguese, Dutch, British and Sinhalese. There’s plenty to see with colourful temples such as Nallur Temple and Naaga Vihara, set next to huge churches like St. Mary’s cathedral, and streets dotted with ancient Dutch and British architecture like Fort Fedrick. Plus there’s the chance to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the buzzing Jaffna market full of dry fish, vegetables and exotic fruit.

Included
Transfer: Train journey from Colombo to Jaffna
Activities: Jaffna City Tour
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3

Bike from Jaffna to Point Pedro to Killinochchi

The excitement builds as you transfer to Point Pedro Lighthouse, the symbolic starting point of your north to south Sri Lanka cycling adventure. Saddling up in the most northern point of Sri Lanka Point Pedro you will leave the beautiful shoreline and narrow white-sand beach behind you to pass by a succession of tiny fishing hamlets, where large rays, sharks as well as snapper and barracuda are harvested from the ocean. Cycling past the healing waters of Keerimalai Spring you will follow the Indian Ocean shoreline to the ruined Dagobas of Kantarodai, Dabbalolapatuna (the ancient port where Theri Sanghamitta arrived in Sri Lanka with a Sacred Bo tree Sapling) and Nilawarai, a bottomless well where it’s said that the Hindu God, Rama, shot an arrow to get water. While cycling along the rural surroundings of Jaffna, you’ll get the chance to view this fertile arc of land criss-crossed with small country roads lined with smallholdings growing a wide variety of crops including chilies, bananas and grapes. Be ready to capture fishermen dragging nets on foot or snorkelling to little prawn farms in the shallow water on the way. You will then pedal past the Kayts Island and Pungudutivu Island to reach Kurikadduwan Jetty for a short ferry ride to the famous Naagdeepa Vihara correlated with Buddha’s second visit to Sri Lanka.

After lunch you continue the exploration back on the roads reaching Sangupiddy bridge which connects Jaffna to Kilinochchi district via Pooneryn. Cycling past the vast Jaffna lagoon surrounded by the densely-populated marshlands, palmyra palms, coconut plantations and rice paddies, numerous fishing villages and some salt pans. Once you reach Killinochchi you will have a vehicle transfer to the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

Distance
Cycling distance: 80kms

Included
Transfers: Ferry and vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4

Bike from Anuradhapur to Dambulla

Today will see you starting the day with cycling among the ruins of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka Anuradhapura. You’ll see the sacred old Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the inspiration for Anuradhapura’s great buildings such as the giant dagoba Ruwanwalisaya stupa. Some ruins amid in the woodland settings and others appear park-like with columns and ponds dotted about. You then continue to the central part of the island, Dambulla, through beautiful countyside via Habarana experiencing the village life. With a small drive to Ritigala, explore more the glorious past of the country from a hideaway where you’ll experience more of the Sri Lankan heritage amid ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery with rock inscriptions that are found date back to the 1st century BC.

Distance
Cycling distance: 80kms

Included
Activities: Visit Anuradhapura ancient city and Ritigala
Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5

Dambulla and Sigiriya trek

The morning sees a short 30-minute drive to Sigiriya. Rising from the central plains, the iconic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most dramatic natural wonder. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation, thought to once be the epicentre of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa. There are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. Take a break from the saddle and step back in time with a climb to the top of Sigiriya rock and its elaborated ancient fortress. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes. Or you are welcome to simply explore the gardens at the base of the rock and capture some fantastic images of the fortress from below.

Included
Activities: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Accommodation: Hotel (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Optional Activities

Minneriya National Park jeep safari – highly famed for its elephants and wildlife

Dambulla Cave Temple – Golden Temple of Dambulla, a World Heritage Site

Day 6

Bike from Dambulla to Kandy

Jumping back on your bike today you will start cycling from the hotel through the countryside along the Kandalama Lake. This is one of the ancient man-made irrigation reservoirs which irrigates farmlands, supporting fisheries, suppling drinking water and provides recreation to the cultivators. Pedalling along back roads, you will cycle via Naula which is known for its picturesque scenery and on to the Moorish town of Matale noted for its magnificent spices. You will have a chance to visit a spice garden where there’s a great variety of indigenous plants such as pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon before arriving at Kandy. There is an optional transfer from Matale to Kandy or for those who enjoy a challenge you can cycle the remaining distance through the central Highlands to Kandy.

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day.

Distance
Cycling distance: 90kms

Included
Activities: Spice Garden visit and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 7

Kandy to Udawalawe National Park

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kandy Station for your 2 hour train journey to Hatton which is regarded as Asia’s most scenic rail journey. The train trip slowly rattles through lush green jungle, soaring mountains, terraced tea plantations, rural villages and working farms. The rail route rises slowly from the subtropical spice and banana trees to pine and eucalyptus forest so sit back, relax and immerse yourself in this wonderful rail adventure and the ever-changing landscapes.

Arriving in Hatton you will jump back in the saddle and pedal along one of the most scenic roads in the country from Bogawantalawa to Balangoda. Twisting and turning for 22km and with 800m of descent, you will experience breathtaking views of the central highlands passing through tea plantations and paddy fields of Balangoda. On arrival at Balngoda your support vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Udawalawe National Park for your overnight stay.

Distance
Cycling distance: 62kms

Included
Activities: Train journey from Kandy to Hatton
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (twin share basis)
Meals: Packed breakfast and lunch

Day 8

Udawalawe to Dondra to Galle

Today sees  an early start to make the most of the game drive in the Uda Walawe National Park. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, it’s one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for seeing wild elephants and game spotting.

After the morning game drive you’re back on your bikes to begin your ride to the southern-most tip of Sri Lanka. Cycling along quieter roads you will soon reach the grand finale of your epic journey at Dondra Head Lighthouse located on Dondra Head, the southernmost point in Sri Lanka. The lighthouse is an ideal exclaimation mark as your finishing point given it is Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouse, and also one of the tallest in South East Asia. After celebrating your success on reaching the Sri Lanka’s southern tip you will be transferred by bus to the famous Port of Galle. A Unesco World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Wandering its rambling lanes you’ll pass stylish cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers and designers. It’s without doubt the number one urban attraction in Sri Lanka.

Distance
Cycling distance:   80km

Included
Activities: Uda Walawe National Park Game Drive
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (twin share basis)
Meals: Packed breakfast and lunch

Day 9

Galle

With a relaxing start to the morning you will be transferred to Mirrssa by vehicle mid morning. Here you will have the chance to meet local fisherman and learn about their craft, and how their lives have changed after the tsunami. Enjoy the freshest seafood lunch possible with a fisherman’s family – a wonderful crab curry is likely to be on the menu. From here it is a bus journey to the perfectly preserved colonial township of Galle (approximately 1 hour) and its blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions.

You then have a free afternoon to explore the coastal Fort of Galle.

Included
Activities: Galle Fort
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse (twin share basis)
Meals: Breakfast and Fisherman’s House Lunch

Day 10

Galle to Colombo and return flight home

Your cycling journey from most northern point to Southern point of this magical island comes has come to an end. You will be transferred from Galle to Colombo airport for your return flight home filled with a huge sense of achievement, incredible memories, a greater understanding of this amazing country and with new found friends. You’ll share stories and experiences of a lifetime for many years to come.

Booking with Confidence

Flexible date changes
If you need to change your booking 60 days or more before the start date you can make flexible date change to another trip, subject to availability, without incurring any admin costs. If you need to cancel your booking, you will be issued with a credit note to the value of your payment that you can use for another event of your choice, subject to availability. 

Financial protection
If your adventure needs to be cancelled for any reason, like say a global pandemic, you won’t be left stuck and you’ll be offered plenty of alternative options thanks to our financial protection through our insurance. What’s more, in the very unlikely event of Adventurous Ewe going under, you’ll get your money back and be repatriated if you were on a trip at the time.

Secure online payments
All bookings can be made online with Mastercard, Visa and debit card or via BACS. You can also opt to pay via monthly instalments. We use WorldPay to handle all our online payments as it is a payment platform which is a global leader in payment processing offering superior security for both you and us as a company.

Adventure info available through our mobile app 24/7
On booking your adventure, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our mobile travel app. You’ll have access to your itinerary, training guide, countdowns, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24/7 via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead.

Future of Tourism

We’ve joined the movement to reshape the Future of Tourism. We are excited to announce that Adventurous Ewe has signed the new set of Guiding Principles launched by the Future of Tourism Coalition. As a signatory, we commit to please destination needs at the centre of our recovery strategies and do our part to build a better tomorrow for travel and tourism.  

Learn more at www.futureoftourism.org. #FutureofTourism

Pre-trip info

On joining us for the Sri Lankan Bike Ride, you will receive all the exciting trip info via our free mobile travel app. You’ll have access to the itinerary, countdowns, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper and the need of carrying around documents with you. The app is free to download and all info is customary to your adventure ahead.

Flights

Flights are not included with your package to give you the flexibility to depart from your nearest UK airport and to extend your trip in Sri Lanka if you wish.

On signing up for the trip, we will provide you with the recommended flights to book or alternately, we can book your flights through our ATOL & ABTA protected Flight Agent at an additional cost.

The recommended flights for this trip will include airport transfers in Sri Lanka. There are direct flights from London and non-direct flights for all major airports across the UK. Flights are operated by British Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Eitiad Airways and cost upwards £500pp economy return depending on which flights and when you book.

Passport

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. Airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than 6 months validity.

Visa

A visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required if you are British and for most other nationalities. If you do not hold a British passport, please check the visa requirements with your local Sri Lankan Embassy or the ETA website.

Travel insurance

Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. It is compulsory that everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes, among other things, cover for the full value of your trip, medical (emergency, evacuation and repatriation) arrangements, activities undertaken, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects and COVID-19 travel cover.

For UK residents we have partnered with Campbell & Irvine Direct to provide you with a travel insurance. If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote.

Vaccinations and allergies

Vaccinations

Please consult with your GP or travel healthcare practitioner 6 – 8 weeks in advance of travel for the most up to date info and check the NHS government website ‘Fit for Travel’.

  • Courses or boosters usually advised: Tetanus.
  • Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid.
  • Selectively advised vaccines – only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis A; Japanese Encephalitis.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

With regards to the recent COVID-19 pandemic we are monitoring and activating the guidelines and recommendations put in place by the respective governments and World Health Organisation accordingly. You will receive our new operational guidelines for this trip when you join and rest assured hand sanitiser and face masks will be provided for travel. Your safety and well-being is our top priority at all times.

Severe allergies
If you have a severe allergy please inform us at the time of booking. We will do all we can to help, but unfortunately we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on this trip. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as ‘adrenaline auto-injectors’ are not carried as standard by AE leaders and crew. Whilst your leader is aware of our trekkers medical history, please also inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Safety and wellbeing

Adventurous Ewe puts the safety and well-being of you, our leaders & crew and the communities we visit at the centre of all our operations, always. Your safety and well-being is our top priority.

The Top to Tail Sri Lanka Cycling Adventure is intentionally challenging and requires individual preparation as the trip is designed to take you out of your every-day comfort zone and achieve something incredible. Rest assured we have a thorough Safety Management System, indepth risk assessments and risk management systems in place.

Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew

You will be accompanied by an Adventurous Ewe Cycle Leader who is fully experienced, has bike mechanic skills and has been carefully selected to ensure you have the best experience with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. Your Leader is also has remote first aid qualifications and skills.

Your Local Leader is a key part to this trip. They are expertly trained and experienced in every field of this adventure, bilingual and qualified in first aid and/or a Wilderness First responder. They also have a huge passion for what they do and have plenty of knowledge ready to share with you. They are responsible for ensuring the complete safety, wellbeing and enjoyment of the team whilst also retaining a flexible and fun attitude. The Leaders have radio and satellite phone contact with base, the local office and Adventurous Ewe’s HQ.

Group size

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic. The minimum group size for the Sri Lankan Bike Adventure to run is 10 people and the maximum group size is 24 people.

You are most welcome to join this Top to Tail journey as a group of friends, family or colleagues or as a solo traveller. You are also welcome to use this trip as a fundraiser for the charity of your choice.

If you have a group of over 10 people, we would be more than happy to run a private trip for your team, your charity or your company.

For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke trip, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Level of difficulty

The Top to Tail Sri Lankan Adventure is graded as ‘Tough’. This is due to long consecutive days on the bike, undulating terrain (Sri Lanka is not a flat country) and some of the roads are uneven.

The cycling is not technically difficult, though you must be a confident cyclist with a good level of fitness to manage sections of the ride. Sri Lanka is renowned for changing weather conditions with heavy downpours and hot & humid temps. This adds another layer to your challenge which you need to be primed for.

Preparation is key to help you get the most enjoyment and reward from this adventure. A good level of fitness, endurance and some gritty determination will help you conquer each day. A training programme will be provided to help you reach the start line knowing that you’re set to enjoy the journey ahead.

Training

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join the team for this cycling adventure to help you with your preparations. This includes info, videos and an exclusive discount code for a 28 day kettlebell training programme which is ideal for strength and endurance training. This programme is also perfect for people who are tight on time.

Though nothing beats good preparation than being out on a bike itself. Get used to consecutive days in the saddle and pedalling on a variety of terrain from smooth & rough tarmac to gravel trails.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.
Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Training weekends

We have a variety of tailored training weekends available to ensure you’re fully prepared for your cycling adventure. These training weekends are the perfect way to help you gauge your fitness and training progress under the careful guidance of our experienced leaders. Plus the leaders will chat through your specific trip and also provide guidance and tips relating to bike set up, clothing and equipment, health and wellbeing, packing, cycling skills, teamwork and much more to ensure you are fully prepared and ready for your adventure ahead.

We predominantly host our training weekends in Snowdonia given the wide variety of terrain available to practice and where Chief Ewe’s, Jim or Sue, can meet you too. It’s a great way for you to meet fellow members of the flock and ask any questions, no matter how big or small. We’re here to make sure you’re ready. For further info, please email info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.

Kit

A full kit list will be provided when you register for this trip or you can download the Trip Notes for this trek. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic adventure and an uncomfortable one. We highly recommend that you train in a variety of conditions in the cycling kit that you are going to use in Sri Lanka so you can establish if the kit is suitable and doesn’t chaff, etc.

An exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code will be provided for the independent outdoor retailers Joe Brown, The Climbers Shop and ashmei athletic apparel on registering for this trip.

Mountain bikes with front suspension (TREK 4500 or similar) will be provided. You will need to supply your own bike helmet. Rest assured any equipment that we supply will be hygienically cleaned and sanitised.

Exclusive Adventurous Ewe kit discount codes

To help you get the very best from your cycling adventure we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in Joe Brown / The Climbers Shop and ashmei athletic apparel both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, cycling, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and your cycling trip.

Weather

With the island’s location near the equator, Sri Lanka has a hot and humid climate. At the higher elevations, however, the climate is cool; the humidity is relatively lower in the northern and central parts of the country. Temperatures are fairly constant year round, with coastal regions enjoying average temperatures of 25-30°C and the highlands 15-18°C on average.

November
November is a transitional month. Rain and storms can be experienced across Sri Lanka with higher rainfall in the north and east coast and at the Cultural Triangle, though this can be a welcomed cooling relief. Weather conditions improve in the south and west as the month goes on, and by the end of the month the southern and western beaches will experience plenty of sunshine.

March
Arguably the best overall month for optimum weather conditions throughout Sri Lanka, March is expected to showcase the very best of Sri Lanka across every region. A predominantly dry month though temperatures start to rise along the southern and western coasts, pushing averages up towards the mid-30°C’s, but a little rainfall can be expected in the later stages of the month. On the east coast, things are starting to warm up and rain showers are becoming few and far between as April approaches.

Whichever month you decide, be sure to be prepared for all types of weather conditions from hot & humid, to light showers & heavy downpours to cool temps in the mountainous regions.

Accommodation

8 nights hotel/guesthouse accommodation on a twin share basis is included in this trip. Single rooms are available dependent on availability. To request a single room, please contact us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk. A single room supplement fee will be incurred.

Accommodation on this trip is a mixture of tourist-class hotels, some with pools and some local guesthouses. Guesthouses are simple but in good locations along the cycle route giving a real flavour of the country. All rooms have en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available at the majority of places, either in the rooms or the communal areas.

Food & drinks

Meals provided as outlined in your itinerary.
Breakfast x 8
Lunch x 7
Dinner x 1

Most evening meals are not included to give you the chance to order and sample the variety of meals and courses available. People tend to have differing appetites following a day on the bike. 

Sri Lankan cuisine is a reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. The staple dish in Sri Lankan cuisine is ‘Rice and Curry’. This meal is served in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles ‘sambols’ and a handful of tiny poppadum’s. The flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic smell and taste delicious. The variety is great and this along with the abundance of fresh seafood and fish ensures the cuisine is a constant highlight of the trip. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us prior departure of any special dietary requests. Please note that in Sri Lanka the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent (for example, wheat or dairy-free) so please be prepared for this as you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels with serve Western options alongside traditional food. All lunch and tea stops are subject to change dependent on the cycling speed of the group as well as the weather conditions.

Drinks

Water refills will be available during the course of your cycling route. Please ensure you have your own water bottles and/or camelbaks to avoid the need of purchasing plastic bottles. We also highly recommend bringing your own electrolytes given the high humidity and heat in Sri Lanka.

Drinks may be purchased during your cycle ride at local shops and also during your evening meals. Please ensure you have some small change for these purchases.

Water-to-Go bottle

Adventurous Ewe has partnered with Water-to-Go, a filtration system that eliminates over 99.99% of all microbiological contaminants from any non-salt water source – for more info please click here. As part of this trip you will receive a free Water-to-Go bottle on departure, and better still, 15% of the purchase value for replacement filters will be donated to our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth. Please help us reduce the volume of single use plastic in this pristine environment.

Payment info

Deposit: £275 per person is required on booking.
Remaining balance: £1620 per person is due for payment no later than 6 weeks prior to the trip start date.

You are welcome to pay the remaining balance in monthly installments. Please get in touch with us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk and we can set this up for you.

Please note, if you need to change your booking 60 days or more before the start date you can make flexible date change, subject to availability, without incurring any admin costs. If you need to cancel your booking 60 days or more before the event start date, you will be issued with a credit note to the value of your payment that you can use for another event of your choice, subject to availability.

You are welcome to fundraise for a charity of your choice if you wish to do so. All sponsorship monies are to be sent directly to your chosen charity.

Stay connected

All your trip info will be sent to you through a travel mobile app via Vamoos which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.

For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:

Facebook: @adventurousewe
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe 
Instagram: @adventurousewe
Twitter: @adventurousewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd

You’re most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe

Emergencies

Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones, satellite phone and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on +44(0)7747 346 588.

Our charity partner, Cool Earth

Cool Earth
We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth.

You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet. Thank-ewe

Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)

What's Included?

Pre-trip:

  • Personalised trip support in the lead up to your trip from Adventurous Ewe
  • Training guide and top tips
  • Discount on personal kit from Joe Brown, The Climber’s Shop and ashmei athletic apparel both in shop and online
  • Trip info supplied via our free mobile travel app
  • Digital trip briefing sent prior to your departure
  • Public liability insurance
  • Travel protection cover
  • Monthly payment plan available
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning
  • Free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go Bottle

During your trip:

  • Qualified cycle guides
  • Adventurous Ewe cycle leader for groups of 10 or more
  • All ground crew per your itinerary
  • Bike hire – mountain bikes with front suspension (TREK 4500 or similar)
  • Support vehicle
  • Transfers within Sri Lanka per your itinerary
  • Drinking water during your ride
  • All logistical and safety management whilst in Sri Lanka
  • Emergency evacuation
  • 9 nights hotel/guesthouse accommodation (twin share basis)
  • Breakfast x 8, lunch x 7 and dinner x 1
  • National Park Fees
  • Colombo to Jaffna Train Journey
  • Kandy to Hatton Train Journey

What's Not Included?

  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Return flights to Colombo. These can be arranged for you at an additional cost of £500 upwards per economy return ticket. You are welcome to book your own flights or use our Flight Agent who is ATOL protected
  • Evening meals, please allow £8 – £15 per night
  • Visa – please refer to: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka
  • Vaccination/s. Please refer to: https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/sri-lanka
  • Any COVID-19 related entry/exit requirements per the UK and Sri Lanka Governments
  • Additional excursions outside the itinerary
  • Personal spending money and drinks
  • Kit and equipment as listed on your kit list 
  • Tips for local crew – recommend minimum of $US100.00pp+
  • Single room supplement
  • Any associated costs with leaving the expedition early.

Thoughtful and Responsible Travel

Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering our trips in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability at its core. We respect and aim to operate our adventures to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!

Plus, our commitment to the rights and fair treatment of porters and trekking guides and support of our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth, means you can rest assured knowing you’re taking part in this trip of a lifetime the ethical and meaningful way.

Some of the ethical features embedded in our Top to Tail Sri Lanka bike journey are:

  • Using local crew who are qualified Leaders, support crew and drivers who are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced and armed with a big friendly smile
  • Ensure fair wages and ethical treatment of our guides and crew
  • Staying in smaller-scale locally owned accommodation
  • Buying locally produced food and drink, and dining in locally owned restaurants
  • Careful management of limited energy and water resources
  • Offering real life experiences which promote cross-cultural understanding
  • Operating with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints
  • Provide you with a free Adventurous Ewe Water-to-Go bottle to help towards eliminating our plastic footprint on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka
  • Adventurous Ewe will make a financial contribution to the environmental charity, Cool Earth, as part of our partnership.

As Sir David Attenborough said:

“Helping Cool Earth to halt tropical deforestation makes a real difference. Perhaps the biggest difference we will make in our whole lives.”

We will continue to invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth and we invite you, our valuable flock, to do the same. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by simply clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. 

Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet.

 

Location
Asia & Australasia
Duration
Difficulty
Cost From
£