Basic travel information
An active trip to exotic Sri Lanka. Cycling in the diverse landscapes of the tropical island nation of Asia, exploring interesting natural sites and local culture.
On this adventurous cycling trip, you will become familiar with the Temple of the Buddha’s Tooth, the location of the World’s End, the tea plantations of the central highlands of Sri Lanka, the unique rainforest of Sinharaja and the wild elephants of Udawalawe National Park. We spend the last days of the trip comfortably at the beach resort relaxing.
Itinerary
DAY 1 – FLIGHTS TO SRI YARN
Flights from Helsinki-Vantaa via Doha to Sri Lanka.
DAY 2 – COLOMBO – KANDY
Arrival at Colombo Airport. We are moving from the west coast of Sri Lanka inland to the historic city of Kandy, which is also one of Sri Lanka’s World Heritage Sites. The city is also known as a center for jewelery and handicrafts. We visit Kandy’s famous Buddha Tooth Temple. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION AT
THILANKA HOTEL OR SIMILAR
DAY 3 – KANDY – NANUOYA – NUWARA ELIYA
Cycling begins! We travel by train from Kandy, surrounded by tea plantations in the lush central highlands of Sri Lanka, to Nanu Oya Station, where we get on our bikes and cycle to the city of Nuwara Eliya. Located on the plateau at about 2,000 meters above sea level, Nuwara Eliyan was originally established by the British in the 19th century as the center of a tea-growing area and a getaway from the heat of Sri Lanka’s tropical coastal areas. (OH)
ACTIVITIES
CYCLING
ACCOMMODATION AT
HEAVEN SEVEN HOTEL OR SIMILAR
DAY 4 – HORTON PLAINS – BELIHULOYA
In the morning, a shuttle south of Nuwara Eliya to the high plateau of Horton Plains National Park, a landscape alternating with grasslands and low mountain forests. After exploring the national park, we continue cycling south, descending a little quietly from the Central Highlands. We spend the night in a safari camp near the village of Belihuloya. (OH)
ACTIVITIES
CYCLING
ACCOMMODATION IN
SAFARI CAMP
DAY 5 – BELIHULOYA – UDAWALAWE
After breakfast, we will continue cycling, descending from the highlands near Udawalawe National Park in the tropical south of Sri Lanka, where we will be staying. At the end of the afternoon, we will take a safari ride in jeeps in a park known for its wildlife, which is inhabited by e.g. wild Indian elephants, leopards, sambar deer, water buffaloes and lip bears. (OH)
ACTIVITIES
CYCLING, SAFARI
ACCOMMODATION
SAFARI CAMP
DAY 6 – UDAWALAWE – SINHARAJA
After breakfast, a car transfer to Godakawela, from where we continue cycling west, towards Sri Lanka’s last unspoilt lowland forest, Sinharaja. Known for its native plant and animal species, Sinharaja is now a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We arrive and stay at the Lodge next to the park and make an excursion to the park area. (OH)
ACTIVITIES
CYCLING
ACCOMMODATION AT
BLUE MAGPIE LODGE OR SIMILAR
DAY 7 – SINHARAJA – UNAWATUNA
After breakfast, we leave the Sinharaja rainforest behind us and travel by car to the south of the park to Neluwa. From there, we cycle to the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, to the beach resort of Unawatuna, near the historic port city of Gale, to enjoy the warm waves of the Indian Ocean. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION IN
CALAMANDER UNAWATUNA BEACH OR SIMILAR
DAY 8 – UNAWATUNA
A day off – your own time to relax and enjoy the beach life. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION IN
CALAMANDER UNAWATUNA BEACH OR SIMILAR
DAY 9 – UNAWATUNA
Another holiday, your own time to relax and enjoy the beach life. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION IN
CALAMANDER UNAWATUNA BEACH OR SIMILAR
DAY 10 – UNAWATUNA – COLOMBO – HELSINKI
We say goodbye to Sri Lanka. In the morning transfer to the airport and return trip home. Arrival in Helsinki in the evening.
MEALS: [A] BREAKFAST [L] LUNCH [I] DINNER
Country information:
A Sri Lankan visa can be obtained on arrival from Colombo Airport. Visa forms are filled out in advance online and paid by credit card. A Sri Lankan visa costs $ 35. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the start of the trip. More detailed visa instructions will be sent to all participants 1 month before departure.
Check that your basic vaccinations are valid during the trip. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Sri Lanka.
The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in the country.
The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Rupees cannot be exchanged in Finland. Currency can be exchanged on arrival at the airport or withdrawn from the ATM with the most common credit cards.
The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and temperatures remain quite high all year round. Similarly, rainfall is obtained evenly throughout the year. In the highlands of the interior of the country, temperatures are cooler than in the lowlands of the coast, so there is a need for long-sleeved clothing, especially in the evenings and at night.
The top culture is typical of Sri Lanka. However, it is worth remembering that it is always voluntary. If the service has been good in the restaurant, you can leave 5-15% of the total amount of the invoice to the waiters in the restaurants. Book a little extra money for the trip as well as tips from local guides and drivers. The tour guide collects common tips from the group for local guides.
