The size of Sri Lanka makes it extremely accessible by bike and a two- wheel adventure is a great way to view the country’s beautiful landscapes. Hear the birds tweet as you cruise along the Horton Plains or a jungle path, take a pedal back in time in the ruins of the ancient cities at Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, or try a relaxing route along the beaches on the south-west coast.

The circuit at the Sigiriya rock fortress – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 5th century, is particularly rewarding. The Kandy to Knuckles mountain range trail is also stunning - and can be extended by going on to Nuwara Eliya and the Horton Plains.  Dodging the potholes on the country roads leading through tea and rubber plantations is also strangely satisfying.

Nothing beats laying your helmet on the table of a tea house and spending the next hour reflecting on the beauty of the ride: the stunning vistas on the mountain trail; the section with only the jungle and silence as riding companions; or the beautiful Indian Ocean sunset.

The terrain throughout the country offers challenges for beginners and experts. On some of the steep sections in the hill country, you will feel like you’re in a mountain stage of the tour de France as the villagers cheer the final metres of your ascent. They may then welcome you with a warm smile and a cool drink as you catch your breath.

Cycling Island Hop:  There is perhaps no better way to explore this remarkable country. The main roads, with their hurtling buses and zig-zagging trishaws, are to be avoided but there are a multitude of small rural roads and dirt tracks that criss-cross the island, guiding you through jungles, paddy fields, rural villages, tea estates, past cricket grounds, around inland lakes and even through ancient cities. The riding is not technically difficult but some of the hillier climbs can be demanding. The tour is an island tour, designed to provide rewarding cycling but also to ensure you see the main highlights of the island: the ancient cities, palm-fringed beaches, pristine tea estates, cool hill country towns, abundant birdlife, wild elephants and untouched jungles. The tour is designed for groups and runs for up to two weeks.

3-Day Hill-Country Tour:  The Hill country is best suited for mountain biking with its lush tea estates which are criss-crossed by dirt tracks which link the old colonial plantations and hill stations. The tours commences from Kandy through the spectacular Hantane Forest area and onward to region of Pusselawa. The second day sees the tour journey move to Nuwara Eliya the most favoured of the hill stations during the British colonial times. The route takes one through lush green tea estate roads and other main roads.  On the third day the journey heads to Horton Plains, the high verdant plateau and ridge forest that is often covered in mist. There are plenty of local wildlife and endemic birds. The journey finally ends at Aggarapathana or in Kitulagala; the trail involves riding through tea estate roads. There are many steep hill and mountain climbs involved on this tour and it requires riders to be in very good physical condition.

3-Day Cultural Triangle Tour:  Red Dot offers a unique way to view the magnificent ruins and rustic countryside of the ancient city region. There are short tours which run for three days and begin from the Habarana/Kandalama area to Dambulla & Sigiriya. This route is approximately 30Kms and would take up to 4 – 5hours.  The next part of the tour includes cycling from the Giritale area to Polonaruwa. One has the opportunity to ride around the vast ruins of the 11th century kingdom; there are plenty of irrigation canals and huge reservoirs, the largest known as the 'Sea of Parakrama'. This serene waterscape is an ideal place for a picnic lunch stop. The tour is suitable for all types of rider as the flat terrain and short distances can be ridden at a laid-back pace. The final days of the tour starts from the Polonaruwa area and takes the trail through the border of the Giritale Sanctuary and Wasgamuwa National Park. There are many sightings of local wildlife and endemic birds.

The Kahanda Kanda Bike Tour:  This tour is organised by Idle Tours in conjunction with Why Beach and Kahanda Kanda.  Meeting point is at the Why Beach in the morning.  The cycle ride to Kahanda Kanda takes about an hour and again is through paddy fields and villages with the addition of cycling on a beautiful path past Koggala Lake.  It is not a technically challenging or difficult ride and is suitable for all ages.  There is a welcome drink on arrival at KK and guests are encouraged to dive into the infinity pool before lunch which is served around 1pm.  The lunch is delicious and leisurely with 3 courses followed by tea or coffee (other drinks are available but not included in the price).  After a post lunch snooze or swim we climb back on the bikes for the trip back about 4pm.  Taking a slightly different route on our return we arrive back at Why Beach in time for a celebratory sunset cocktail and dip in the ocean.  The bike trip is guided there and back and a support tuk tuk carries all the guests’ bags as well as a cool box full of refreshments.

The Paddy Field Trip:  This basic ride organised by Idle Tours, starts and finishes at the beach and follows a loop inland through the paddy fields and villages.  The loop is about 5 miles in length and there is a stop half way for thambili (king coconut), fruit and other refreshments.  It is a cruise and the onus is on experiencing the Sri Lankan way of life and the beautiful scenery.  The route is mainly small paths and tracks and is away from traffic and noise.  It is mostly flat and not a technical ride and is suitable for all ages and those who maybe haven’t been on a bike for a long time.  The ride takes about 2 hours and we suggest riders book either for a morning ride (leaving say 10-10.30am) in which case they will be back at the beach for a swim and lunch, or an afternoon ride leaving around 3pm so that the ride finishes in time for a swim and sunset cocktails!  Of course these times can be flexible.

The Samakanda Big Burn:  Organised by Idle Tours in conjunction with Why Beach and Samakanda - an ecological lifestyle centre set on an abandoned 60-acre tea estate.  Samakanda prides itself on being a `Bio-versity' - an unconventional learning and living experience for those interested in sustainable lifestyle solutions that have minimal impact on the environment.  The Big Burn is for those that enjoy cycling and have a reasonable level of fitness.  It can be exhausting but is totally exhilarating.  We meet at Why Beach at 10am and taken by van to Samakanda (about a 45 min drive).  Refreshments await us.  Enjoy a guided walking tour of Samakanda before having a rice and curry lunch in the Tea Shed.  During this time the bikes are bought up to Samakanda by truck.  The bike ride is 40km long and involves some technical parts and some hills (both up and down) as we cycle through tea country, paddy fields, villages and valleys on our way back to Why Beach, all the way keeping to tracks and paths as much as possible.  We stop for refreshments half way at Hiyare Reservoir, a lake 50 acres in size within a 600 acre jungle conservation area.  The ride is fully supported by guides and a tuk tuk and, as before, a very welcome dip in the ocean and complimentary cocktail is waiting at Why Beach which we generally reach in the hour before sunset.

Bawa Trails in Bentota:  Bentota is renowned for its sandy beaches but the nearby villages and country side provide interesting cycling opportunities. The trail follows the Bentota River and there are scores of little villages, rubber plantations and cinnamon estates. One could also visit Lunuganga, a garden retreat that was originally an old rubber plantation that Geoffrey Bawa transformed into a haven of peace. Here you will have the opportunity to experience Bawa’s personal space, a retreat that inspired him and was closest to his heart. The popular brief gardens are also nearby which is the home of Geoffrey’s brother Bevis Bawa. The tour runs for approximately 40 kms.

Pettah Trip:  Pettah is the heart of the commercial district of Colombo. It was home to many foreign traders over the last 500 years and remnants of their legacy are found in the old buildings. Cycling only occurs early on Sunday mornings there is little or no traffic, it’s the best opportunity explore the sleepy Capital. The cycle trips are based on an availability basis. The trip starts from either Arkady Villa in Talangama or Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo and runs for approximately 10KM. The tour takes many side roads and you can snake your way through local fish and vegetable markets and other shops in the old commercial district.

Arkady Villa in Talangama to Kelaniya:  The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one of the most sacred worshipping places of the Buddhists of Sri Lanka since it is a site made hallowed by the visit of Lord Buddha. In the past Kelaniya itself was a large city and the Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya was one of the largest and one of the most beautiful temples of Sri Lanka. Situated about six miles from Colombo, set within a sacred area of around ten acres, the Kelani Vihara stands beside the Kelani River. The cycle tour takes about 3 hours and starts off in Talangama and can be booked at short notice. The tour takes all the back roads, `adi paras’ (dirt roads) and one cycles by many canals and along the Kelani River.

Colombo to Negombo:  The Dutch colonial influence is most marked in the system of canals that extend all the way from Negombo south to Colombo and, more appealingly, north to Puttalam. You can hire a common-and-garden bicycle easily in Negombo to explore these canal paths, but if you require a mountain bike and helmet, then contact Red Dot before you travel and we'll arrange it for you. The tour takes the old Negombo road cycling along the Hamilton canal, via Muthurajawela marshes and other back roads. The tour is approximately 40 kms one way.

Polonaruwa Ruins:  Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073. For nearly a century it had been a military base for invading Chola tribes, from southern India, until they were overthrown by the Sinhalese king, Vijayabahu I in 1070. The next king, Parakramabahu I, was the main driving force behind the development of Polonnaruwa. It remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13th century.  Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good nick, and are a fascinating site to visit. Split into five separate “groups” of ruins. Polonnaruwa’s size makes it ideal for getting around easily by bike. The bikes on offer are all-terrain mountain bikes that have been serviced regularly

Tea Trails & Hill Country:  These luxury bungalows are set in the heart of the tea growing country and offer spectacular views of the tea estates and the natural hill country setting. There are many bike trails to chose and explore. Kandy - This bustling hill-country capital is the natural gateway to a lush central region of tea plantations, gurgling streams and stirring history. Check with your hotel as some of them offer bikes to in house guests and it provides a good way to explore the historic city and the surrounding hill country.

Eco Team - Click Here
Information on cycling and mountain biking in Sri Lanka, detailed information on each cycling and biking sites, bike gear and equipment hire

Action Lanka - Click Here
Information on mountain biking trails in Sri Lanka

Eco Team:  Eco Team is one of the premier adventure companies in the island with a  wealth of knowledge about Sri Lanka.  They are members of international Eco Tourism Society and are committed to develop rural Sri Lanka. They also offer a host of other adventure related activities.

Action Lanka:  They offer a range of adventure sport activities and have a many years of experience in the field. Action Lanka offers special cycling & adventure excursions in various parts of the island during peak times of the year including in the cultural triangle, Colombo, south-west coast and hill country and caters to all - from amateur riders to professionals.

Idle Tours:  A welcome addition to the growing group of operators in Sri Lanka, Idle Tours specialises in organising cycle tours in the deep south especially in an around Galle. The tours are quite unique as they follow the winding rivers, small rural villages, paddy fields & low land tea estates and ends up at some of the best south-west coasts beaches. Cycle tours offerd by Idle Tours includes an experienced guide who will provide technical support as well as carrying cameras etc for the tourists so they are unburdened.  He also carries a medical kit in the unlikely instance someone falls off!  The bikes are all lightweight, aluminium framed mountain bikes fitted with Shimano (quality Japanese) parts and have either 21 or 24 gears.  They are very simple to use.  All cyclists have water bottles and we provide helmets and also gloves if required.

'Mountain biking – the Kitulgala experience'
By Jehan Adamali, Travel Sri Lanka

'Sri Lanka by Bike'
By Lee Levitt, The Independent  UK - Click Here

'The Southern Sweep – Cycling from Mountains to Coast'
By Ethan Gelber, Travel Sri Lanka

'Mountain Biking Colombo Style'
By Devaka Seneviratne, Travel Sri Lanka

'Mountain Biking Spinning the Wheels'
By Devaka Seneviratne, Travel Sri Lanka