On the Roads of Ceylon

This morning we visit the Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hike to the top where we’re rewarded with spectacular views. We head northeast along indescribably charming country roads for around 12 miles, then rugged tracks their terminus on a recently renovated road taking us straight toward the coast. We stop in Trincomalee, a city that welcomed the end of the Tamil Tiger conflict.

We drive south through the endless eastern plains, peppered with pristine expanses, enormous lakes and protected natural parks. We enjoy a long, wide track, which resembles an off-road highway. This part of the island is uncrowded and this leg takes us to the foothills of a large mountain range in south-central Sri Lanka. We stop at the foot of Knuckles mountain range.

We ride in the shadow of the Knuckles range, a tall, beautiful mountain flanked by untamed wilderness. We enjoy magnificent views of reservoirs with deep blue waters, the distant mountain range growing closer and closer until we reach a smooth ribbon of road which carries us up over 1,000 metres, high up into the cool tropical rainforests. Finally we end this beautiful leg passing our first tea plantations and rural villages.

Today we venturing into the heart of the island, climbing 2,000 metres into the highlands overlooked by the country’s highest peaks. The road winds through several tea plantations and their beautifully cultivated formations. When we reach Nuwara Eliya, the country’s highest city, you’ll soon realise that its nickname “Little England” is no exaggeration: it still carries a strong British influence.

We are in the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country. We take a deliberately circuitous route so that we can really make the most of this unique region. As well as tea plantations, we also pass many dairy farms in a lush landscape which could easily be passed off as Switzerland. We arrive in Ella for lunch, a peaceful refuge for many travellers. We then ride to our stop for the night, just outside this small town.

Today we leave the central highlands behind us and head for the south coast. We make one last tea-related visit to the historical Sir Lipton’s tea factory and, weather permitting, we may even be able to take a ride to Lipton’s Seat, a lookout with perfect views across this empire of green gold. We take a break at Diyaluma Falls, the third highest in Sri Lanka. We stay on the edge of the famous Udawalawe National Park.

We enjoy an early morning safari in Udawalawe National Park, where elephant sightings are guaranteed. Then we head to the much-loved south coast. En route we stop off at Mulkirigala rock temples and see the reclining Buddhas in the caves, proof of the island’s ancient Buddhist culture. We reach the turquoise waters of the coast, take a break next to the sea and then ride on to Galle, an old Dutch fortified city.

Today we ride to Colombo. You are then transferred to the airport in a private vehicle based on your flight time. Important: Make sure that you book an evening flight.