An intrepid all-rounder, she has cruised India’s roads with many groups, and knows the country like the back of her leather-gloved hand.
Imagine a motorcycle tour where you ride beautiful roads and each stage ends in a fabulous hotel – all under the Sri Lankan sun. A recipe for optimum discovery, as you savour the island’s most seductive features. From the cultural triangle to tea plantations to the southern beaches, the smiles of the Sri Lankans you meet along the way will leave unforgettable memories. This motorcycle trip is perfect for nature-loving couples seeking an exclusive experience, staying in Sri Lanka’s finest hotels.
Period
January to April
Duration
11 days incl. 9 days' riding
Level
Accessible
English-speaking tour leader
Accommodation
Comfort or Superior Comfort
From
3850€/pilot
You're met at the airport and transferred to Negombo, your first stopover on Sri Lankan earth. After settling into the hotel, time for some beach or pool based rest & relaxation!
You begin your journey along the west coast, aiming for the peninsula of Kalpitiya. Leaving the standard roads behind, you ride on ocean-fringing trails. At Puttalam Lagoon, you fork off onto the peninsula and ride between lagoon and ocean.
The road heads towards the centre/north of the island: the famous Cultural Triangle. You're deep in a tropical world: superb landscapes mixing jungles, rice fields, coconut plantations and a host of small lakes. Arrive in Sigiriya and its imposing Lion Rock.
After cruising around the area, lunch in the countryside. You can go as far as the former capital Polonnaruwa, to visit the Archaeological Museum, and in particular the famous reclining Buddha carved in the rock. Unless, of course, you prefer to unwind by the pool!
This morning, you set off southward towards the Knuckles Mountain Range. A first stop in Dambulla to admire the imposing golden Buddha. Then you ride along a pretty little trail beween rice fields and irrigation canals, before peaks loom on the horizon.
You explore this superb mountain region, which has a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Then back on the road, to Kandy. Settle into the hotel, then in late afternoon seize the opportunity of the ceremony to visit the Tooth Temple; the name refers to a famous holy relic housed there.
You climb into the heart of the tea region. A winding road, with stunning landscapes scrolling by. The air grows cooler as you rise, up to nearly 2,000m altitude. Before reaching Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in the country, you'll be introduced to the secrets of making the famous Ceylon tea at a factory.
Only a short section today. You'll savour the scenery of tea plantations as far as the eye can see. After settling into the hotel, you could go for a "loosener" up to the top of Little Adam’s Peak.
Today you ride towards the south on a wonderful country road, past the edge of Yala National Park, one of the country's largest. In the afternoon, you'll go on safari.
Make the most of your last day in the saddle. You set off west, along the south coast, along the boundary of Bundala National Park, whose lagoons host thousands of birds. Arrive in Tangalle, where the beaches fringed with coconut trees compete for attention.
This morning, you travel by private vehicle to the airport, along the south coast. You stop off in Galle and visit the 17th-century fort, a legacy of the Dutch settlers. Then you continue north, to be dropped off at the airport.
“I was born in Sri Lanka but I was taken to parts I didn't know existed. Excellent knowledge of which routes to take to avoid the sometimes hellish traffic. The bikes were great fun : this is despite me being 125 kilos on a 350 - impressed ! They seem to be constantly reviewing their hotels which can only mean a better experience I would recommend this company to my biking friends”
“A wonderful and memorable experience. The 12 day tour that my wife (pillion) and I went on in Madhya Pradesh was very well planned, with interesting and sometimes challenging rides and sight-seeing during the day and comfortable, culturally fascinating places to stay in at night. Our tour leader was experienced, organised, had a fun personality and managed to respond to each member of the tour as an individual. We highly recommend Vintage Rides to anyone with a sense of adventure and competent motorcycle skills. Laurie and Jennie McAdam”
“Vintage Rides are Incredible. This has been literally one of the best holidays I've ever been on. From my initial enquiry, to booking and going on the trip, the Vintage Rides team were brilliant. Francois was a great tour leader, setting the pace perfectly for the group and creating a real mix of meeting locals, seeing the main sights and off roading. This was such a great experience and I look forward to booking again for more adventures.”
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