Cycling Holidays in Sri Lanka

Cycling holidays in Sri Lanka are one of the best ways to explore the natural landscapes of this amazing country. Sri Lanka is, without question, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. With vibrant forests, imposing mountains, iconic wildlife and some of the most hospitable people you’ll come across, it’s no surprise that holidays to this destination are on the rise. Conde Nast traveller has recently crowned Sri Lanka as the most family-friendly country in the world. That is why we want to spend a minute talking about how you can experience this country in a unique and exciting way.

We have curated an incredible itinerary with the help of our local expert host Prateeque that helps you experience the very best of Sri Lanka. We really believe in slow travel, which means experiencing a few things more deeply than experiencing everything superficially. A cycling experience fits perfectly with this ethos, having the chance to explore a local community, see how they live their day to day lives is exactly what you’ll be doing on our bike tour. If you’re wondering what is so amazing about cycling holidays in Sri Lanka, we’ve answered a couple of the common questions we get about them and then some information about what you could get up to on our cycling trip. We’ve also included some other destinations that would be perfect for a cycling holiday.

What makes Sri Lanka ideal for cycling?

With cycling holidays on the rise in the UK, with nearly a fifth of Brits more likely to book a cycling holiday this year compared to last year, you have to ask why is Sri Lanka so good for a cycling holiday? It’s easy enough to answer this question when you consider how diverse the landscape is around Sri Lanka, how incredible the views are of mountains, jungle, planes, coastal belts and so much more! Riding around on a bike you’re guaranteed to see the most incredible things. Also, travelling around on a bike, with a local guide is another way to really enhance your experience. We always believe in local guides, people who understand the destination who are experts in helping you get under the skin of a destination. A cycling holiday in Sri Lanka is no exception, local guides will be able to show you those hidden temples, the spots where you’re more likely to catch a herd of wild elephants or maybe an idyllic spot surrounded by trees and rivers.

Best time for a bike ride in Sri Lanka?

Once you’ve decided you want to go on a bike ride in Sri Lanka, you’ve got to decide when to go! Of course Sri Lanka has two main seasons, the dry season and the Monsoon season – but there are also the seasons in between. The shoulder seasons as they’re called in travel are probably our favourite time to go travelling, especially for better local experiences and a more personal trip. The shoulder season is often a great time to go because the crowds are smaller, prices are cheaper and the weather is great! There is usually more of a chance of rain in the shoulder season, but that never lasts more than a couple hours. The temperature can also be pretty warm. There are two shoulder seasons in Sri Lanka and they run firstly between April and early May; the weather is generally warm and dry in this period as it is just before a Monsoon season, making it a great time to go cycling. Then there is late September to early November, which sees the end of the southwest monsoon, before the northeast monsoon begins. Conditions are drier and the lush landscapes from the recent rains make the whole country extra beautiful.

Village Cycle Experience in Sri Lanka

We offer the opportunity on our Family Sri Lanka holiday to cycle through one of the country’s old hamlets. You can witness some small home industries like local fishermen selling their fresh catches to the local community. Families crafting brooms from fallen coconut trees. On this tour you’ll really see the rhythm of local culture at a village dance school and observe the laborious art of brick making. At the end of the cycle tour you will have the chance to get a personal cooking lesson at your guide’s home, and then of course a delicious lunch. This journey will offer a window into the everyday lives and customs of village residents, providing an authentic glimpse into their world.