Are you considering cycling Sri Lanka?
This compact, tropical island has it all: ancient monuments, mist-swept mountains, palm-fringed beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, extraordinary wildlife and friendly, smiling locals. Sri Lanka’s diversity is astonishing and exploring it by bike offers a true adventure!
Suminda Dodangoda, known as Dodan, has been guiding Intrepid cycling tours in Sri Lanka since 2016. Intrepid provides some of the best cycling tours in Sri Lanka and want more people to experience this magical destination and the fascinating local way of life.
Read on to learn from Dodan’s local knowledge and discover everything you need to know to plan your Sri Lanka cycling trip…
Dodan was born in a rural region of Sri Lanka and began his education at a small school in the Polonnaruwa district, later completing his secondary education in Colombo. He went on to earn a Teaching Diploma in English from the University of Colombo.
Before moving into tourism, Dodan worked as an English teacher and was part of the administrative staff at Alexandra College, Colombo for eight years, followed by two years at Royal Institute, Colombo. In 2012, he made the switch to tourism and began leading tours with Grasshopper Adventures (an Australian company) as a cycling tour leader. He also worked as a wildlife tour leader with Naturetrek (UK) and several other destination management companies.
Dodan joined Intrepid in 2016 and has since led a wide variety of tours, specialising in cycling, wildlife, and multi-activity trips such as Hike, Bike and Kayak. He has completed three cycling leader training programmes and holds a basic ornithology certification from FOGSL (Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dodan began learning video editing, a skill he continues to enjoy. After nearly eight years of leading tours with Intrepid, he was selected to represent Sri Lanka at the Global Summit 2024 in Melbourne, a proud milestone in his career.
Dodan is also a proud father of two school-aged sons and takes great pride in his role as a tour leader with Intrepid.
Always check current travel information and advice. For visitors from the UK, the UK government travel information pages are here.
Part 1: An overview of cycling in Sri Lanka
Where is Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island situated in the Indian Ocean, about 55 kilometres from the southern tip of mainland India.
In total, the island is only 268 miles (432 kilometres) in length with a maximum width of 139 miles (224 kilometres). For context, this makes it roughly the same size as Ireland.
Map of Sri Lanka
Why should cyclists visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an incredible destination for cyclists seeking an adventure.
It is often referred to as ‘the pearl of the Indian Ocean’ because it perfectly combines natural beauty, fascinating cultural heritage and warm hospitality.
Astonishingly varied
The country’s relatively small size means you can cycle through dramatically different landscapes in just a few days.
One day you can be watching fishermen bring in their catch on the southern coast, the next cycling past rice paddies and through rolling tea plantations in hill country in Nuwara Eliya, or on safari seeking out wild elephants in Yala National Park.
The roads vary from quiet rural lanes to more challenging mountain climbs. This means each day can offer something a little bit different, which makes for an exciting trip.
Spellbinding scenery
Sri Lanka’s coastline is a paradise of palm-fringed, sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
There are countless beaches to experience, from the surfer’s paradise of Weligama, to the buzzing Mirissa, home to many beachfront cafes. Further south and to the east are great options for travellers looking to escape the crowds in search of wilder sandy stretches. Tangalle is particularly stunning.
The lush, tropical vegetation of the lowlands eventually gives way to the cooler, misty mountains of the highlands. This green wonderland is home to world-famous tea plantations and breathtaking mountain vistas, and the popular backpacker town of Ella is a real gem.
Cultural gems
Beyond the beautiful landscapes, Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and mix of religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, have led to some amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites to discover.
Highlights include the sacred city of Anuradhapura and the ancient city of Sigiriya. The Old Town of Galle and its fortifications also offer a fascinating insight into Sri Lanka’s colonial past.
Find out more about Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights below.
Year-round warm weather
Unlike many long-haul destinations, there are no extreme seasons in Sri Lanka, just dry and rainy periods.
Top tip! The monsoons affect different parts of the island at different times. This means there is always somewhere perfect to ride, no matter the month.
Find out more about Sri Lanka’s weather and the best time to visit below.
A culinary experience
Sri Lanka is a foodie’s heaven which makes it the ideal place for hungry cyclists who need to keep well-fuelled.
Rice and curry are Sri Lanka’s national dish and a staple you will find on almost all menus; you can even expect it for breakfast! Street markets are also a great way to sample some of the fresh local produce, including the abundance of fresh fruit that grows here.
As for drink, Sri Lanka’s hills are home to vast tea plantations serving up a classic cup of tea.
Find out more about Sri Lanka’s food and drink below.
Lush tea plantation (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Why is cycling the best way to explore Sri Lanka?
Unlike travelling by car, bus or train, cycling gives you the freedom to stop whenever you like, whether to chat with locals, admire a stunning view, or sample delicious street food. It is the best way to truly connect with the country and its people.
Riding through small villages and rural areas, you will see daily life up close. The slower pace of cycling means you can soak up the sights, sounds, and smells in a way that no other transport allows.
Top tip! Buses are Sri Lanka’s most popular mode of transport. They certainly provide a memorable insight into the local way of life, but they are also often crowded, loud and uncomfortable – with limited air-con available. Cycling is a great way to escape these crowds and enjoy a more pleasant travel experience.
Cycling through busy Sri Lankan streets (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Why choose a multi-day cycling tour over one base?
A multi-day, point-to-point cycling tour is one of the best ways to experience Sri Lanka’s incredible variety.
Instead of being limited to routes near one base, you can ride through changing landscapes each day, covering more ground and discovering new places along the way.
You get such a sense of adventure on a multi-day bike trip in Sri Lanka. Each day brings something new and rewarding.
Benefits of a guided cycling tour
A guided cycling tour in Sri Lanka offers a more immersive, hassle-free, and rewarding experience compared to going self-supported or self-guided.
Having a local guide means you get deeper insights into the country’s history, culture, and traditions. Guides know the best cycling routes, hidden gems, and where to stop for the most authentic food and cultural experiences.
Safety is another key benefit. Cycling in a new country can be challenging, especially when navigating busy roads or remote areas. With a guided tour, you have support vehicles, expert route planning, and assistance if needed.
An Intrepid guided cycling holiday in Sri Lanka also removes logistical stress. Accommodation, meals, bike transport, and luggage transfers are all arranged for you. This means you can focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about planning.
Cycling along Sri Lanka’s red dirt tracks (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Sponsor Message
Looking for a guided Sri Lanka cycling tour?
Check out Intrepid Travel's cycling tours and discover the cycling trip of a lifetime!
Exclusive offer for Epic Road Rides readers: use the code below and get 5% discount on any tour you book direct with Intrepid before 5 March 2026. If booking during an Intrepid promotion period, please contact Intrepid via chat, telephone or email to have the code applied.
Part 2: What are the best places for cyclists to visit in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is packed with a variety of incredible cycling destinations, from ancient ruins for culture-loving cyclists to the highlands and their tough climbs, there is something to suit a variety of abilities and interests.
Take a look at the map below for some of the places mentioned in this article. Hover over the map pins for the name of places.
The ancient cities
The cultural heartland of Sri Lanka is located in the centre of the island. This region is often referred to as the cultural triangle.
It is one of the island’s most fascinating regions and is jam-packed with ancient temples, sacred historic sites and tales of Sri Lanka’s rich past. It is a particularly special place to explore by bike.
This region includes four of the island’s most famous and treasured historic sites. These include:
- Anuradhapura: An ancient city home to many ruins and crumbling Buddhist temples that sprawl over several kilometres. This sacred place is also home to one of the world’s oldest trees.
- Dambulla cave temple: This still serves as an important holy place for Buddhists.
- Sigiriya: Also known as the Lion Rock, is a towering 180 metre-high rock fortress that sits within a beautiful, landscaped water garden. You’ve probably seen it already if you’ve done any research on Sri Lanka, as it gets on to a lot of the tourist board’s promotional materials!
- Polonnaruwa: The impressive ruins of this ancient city provide a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich past. The site comprises hundreds of historical statues and structures, including the Vatadage, a Circular Relic House and beautifully preserved stone Buddhas.
All of these feature on Intrepid’s 14-day cycling tour in Sri Lanka. Find out more below.
Approaching Sigiriya Rock Fortress (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
The hill country
For those who love mountains, Sri Lanka’s central, scenic highlands will not disappoint!
This lush, green landscape enables cyclists to escape the sweltering heat of the tropical coastline. Pine forests, verdant tea plantations, misty jagged peaks and dramatic waterfalls combine to provide some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery.
Highlights include:
- Kandy, the bustling ancient capital
- Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as ‘Little England’ owing to its colonial-era style houses and cooler climate.
- Horton Plains National Park, home to incredible flora, fauna and views.
- Tea country – with many vast tea estates and terraced plantations. It’s a great place for a good cup of tea!
- Adam’s Peak – this sacred mountain sits at 2,243 metres and is a popular pilgrimage destination for most religious faiths on the island. It is believed to hold the footprint of a revered religious figure.
Top tip! Alongside cycling, one of the best ways to experience this beautiful region is via the scenic train from Ella to Kandy. It is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world and incredibly popular with visiting tourists. Intrepid includes a section of this train ride on their cycling itineraries in Sri Lanka.
All of the above Hill Country highlights feature on Intrepid’s 14-day cycling tour in Sri Lanka. Find out more below.
Temple of the Tooth, Kandy, Sri Lanka (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
The southern coast
Tropical beaches, incredible wildlife and a vibrant atmosphere await in Sri Lanka’s stunning south.
- For beach lovers, the south coast’s many sandy stretches and clear, turquoise waters provide plenty to get excited about. What better way to relax after a day in the saddle? The coastal towns of Mirissa and Weligama both have beautiful beaches backed with many places to grab a refreshing drink or bite to eat.
- Safari Both Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park teem with life and include some of Southeast Asia’s most beloved residents, including herds of elephants and elusive leopards.
- Galle, the historic, UNESCO walled city of Galle overlooks the Indian Ocean; its Dutch colonial-style buildings and lighthouse provide an insight into Sri Lanka’s colonial past.
Intrepid’s 14-day cycling tour in Sri Lanka features a safari experience and visits to Galle, Mirissa and Weligama. Find out more below.
Palm-fringed beach, southern Sri Lanka (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Sponsor Message
Looking for a guided Sri Lanka cycling tour?
Check out Intrepid Travel's cycling tours and discover the cycling trip of a lifetime!
Exclusive offer for Epic Road Rides readers: use the code below and get 5% discount on any tour you book direct with Intrepid before 5 March 2026. If booking during an Intrepid promotion period, please contact Intrepid via chat, telephone or email to have the code applied.
Part 3: Intrepid’s Sri Lanka bike tour
Cycle Sri Lanka route (map credit: Intrepid Travel)
Key statistics
348 kilometres
2,340 metres of elevation gain
Duration
14 days
Summary
Cycle Sri Lanka’s ‘best bits’, from ancient temples and tea plantations to the island’s tropical coastline
Overview
This two-week cycling journey begins in Negombo and finishes in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. It combines the island’s rich cultural heritage with its diverse natural landscapes.
In between you cycle into Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland, taking in famous ancient cities and crumbling temples. After heading south, you reach Kandy and the hill country, riding past rugged peaks, sprawling tea plantations and lush, green landscapes.
The final part of this cycling route takes in Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast and a visit to a National Park to spot wildlife.
Dodan says, “Interacting with local communities is also a core component of this cycling tour. Cycling through villages and towns provides opportunities to meet residents, observe daily life, and gain a deeper appreciation for Sri Lankan culture and hospitality. For example, you are likely to encounter people working in rice fields and possibly even seasonal rice harvesting. This provides a great story of teamwork in a village, as well as a traditional way of farming and traditional food culture.”
It is also not uncommon to be offered fruit from trees grown by locals, a great example of local hospitality.
Highlights
- Exploring the impressive, ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa offers a unique insight into the island’s early civilisation.
- Climbing to the summit of Sigiriya (Lion Rock) to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Sampling Sri Lanka’s delicious cuisine and local street food on evening food crawls in key locations, including through the markets of Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy and Colombo.
- The opportunity to spot leopards and elephants on safari in Yala National Park
- Cycling amongst pine trees and tea plantations surrounded by bird song and mountain views.
- Watching the sunset from Galle’s ramparts after exploring the city’s maze of narrow streets and colonial architecture.
Leopard in Udawalawe (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Daily cycle routes
Day 2: Negombo to Chillaw
Day 3: Anuradhapura temples ride
Day 4: Anuradhapura to Ritigala
Day 5: Polonnaruwa to Bakamuna
Day 6: Dambulla & Sigiriya Lion Rock circular route
Day 8: Hatton to Pahalakalugala
Day 9: Norwood to Balangoda
Day 10: Tissamaharama to Kataragama return loop
Day 11: Tissamaharama to Hambantota via Bundala National Park
Guest testimonial
“I have been very moved by my cycle around Sri Lanka in so many ways. Our excellent guide, Kumaru, facilitated the adventurous ride through some fairly remote villages – and we felt very privileged to be cheered on by the locals working in the magnificent mountainside and lowlands. Kumaru was also great fun and really brought Sri Lanka’s history and fascinating culture to life.” Louise, Intrepid guest in Sri Lanka
More information
Find out more about this cycling tour on Intrepid’s website
Tour briefing (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Sponsor Message
Looking for a guided Sri Lanka cycling tour?
Check out Intrepid Travel's cycling tours and discover the cycling trip of a lifetime!
Exclusive offer for Epic Road Rides readers: use the code below and get 5% discount on any tour you book direct with Intrepid before 5 March 2026. If booking during an Intrepid promotion period, please contact Intrepid via chat, telephone or email to have the code applied.
Part 4: Practicalities of a Sri Lanka cycling tour
When to cycle in Sri Lanka
One of the best things about biking Sri Lanka is that you can visit at any time of year.
Thanks to the island’s unique climate, there is always somewhere with dry weather. Even during the rainy months of April, May, August, and September, showers are often short and refreshing, rather than all-day downpours.
The best time to visit really depends on where you want to cycle. The west coast, south coast and ancient cities are driest from December to March. While the east coast and northern regions are best experienced between May and September.
Intrepid offers Sri Lanka cycling tours and departures throughout the year, with the exception of a few months (May and October).
Tree-lined roads of Sri Lanka (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Food and drink for cyclists
Cycling holidays in Sri Lanka work up an appetite and one of the big highlights of a cycling trip to Sri Lanka is the incredible food. The country’s cuisine is full of bold flavours, fragrant spices and fresh ingredients.
A must-try is the classic Sri Lankan rice and curry, which comes with a selection of vegetable, meat, or seafood dishes. Most curries are made with coconut milk and many are seasoned with dry fish. They also typically come served with chutneys, or coconut sambol (a spicy condiment).
Top tip! Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for vegetarians. Many traditional Sri Lankan dishes are naturally plant-based, packed with flavour, and made using fresh local ingredients.
Some local dishes to try include:
- Dhal curry: a flavourful lentil curry made with coconut milk
- Ambul thiyal: a deliciously tangy southern-style fish dish
- Hoppers: a popular dish for breakfast! Usually either a crispy bowl of coconut pancakes, or rice flour noodles, served with curry
- Watalappan: a spiced coconut custard
- Isso vade: a popular street food option! These lentil fritters are usually made with prawns but can be found with just vegetables
Staying hydrated in Sri Lanka is also important and there are some refreshing options to choose from. Many roadside stalls sell king coconut water, a naturally sweet and hydrating drink.
Sri Lanka grows many fresh fruits, including bananas, mangos, pineapple, papaya and passion fruit. These are delicious eaten fresh or as part of a refreshing fruit juice.
If you are looking for caffeine, Sri Lanka is also famous for its Ceylon tea production. Sampling this in the Hill Country is a must! On day seven of Intrepid’s Sri Lanka tour, guests visit the Giragama Tea Factory for a memorable tour. You see how the tea is made and enjoy a tea-tasting experience where you can sample different kinds of Ceylon tea.
Top tip! Sri Lanka’s street food is delicious and worth trying as it shows a different side of the country’s rich food culture. But it’s best to pick vendors that maintain good hygiene. Having a guide is a great advantage as they can recommend safe options and explain the dishes.
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
Remember to double-check bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking your accommodation as policies often change and they may charge for storage.
Depending on your budget, Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodation options for cyclists, from more traditional guesthouses to comfortable hotels with modern amenities. Many hotels are located within stunning locations, whether in the heart of tea country, along the coastline, or near historic sites. Some things visitors can expect include:
- Eco-friendly resorts or boutique hotels for a more authentic and sustainable stay.
- Accommodation that provides packed lunches or meals tailored to cyclists’ needs.
- Warm hospitality from locals, ensuring a relaxing and welcoming stay.
Intrepid typically stays at three-star hotels with swimming pools that also cater for specific cycling needs, including secure bike storage, laundry services and additional facilities such as massages.
Be aware! Not all hotels intrepid stays at provide a mosquito net to sleep beneath. However, most have air conditioning and take basic precautions to minimise mosquito issues.
Tea tasting in lush Sri Lankan garden (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
How long do you recommend for a Sri Lanka bike tour?
A two-week trip typically allows enough time to take in the country’s diverse landscapes and the best of biking in Sri Lanka.
For those with less time, a 10-day tour is usually the minimum time needed to cover the key highlights. This can include the ancient cities (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Kandy), the hill country (Hatton and Nuwara Eliya), and coastal routes in the south.
Be aware! With fewer than ten days, it becomes harder to visit both the mountains and the coastline without rushing.
Bike hire and bike shops in Sri Lanka
Bicycle shops in Sri Lanka are available, but access depends on the location.
In major cities and popular cycling destinations like Colombo, Kandy, and Anuradhapura, you can find bike rental shops and some repair services. However, in smaller towns and remote areas, repair shops are much harder to find, and bike servicing options are limited.
Be aware! If you are cycling independently, it is essential to carry a basic repair kit and know how to fix common mechanical issues. Punctures, chain repairs, and brake adjustments are best handled yourself, as not every town will have a mechanic.
For a stress-free experience, guided cycling tours are the best option. Intrepid tours come with a cycling leader who has bike mechanic knowledge and can assist with any issues on the road. This ensures that riders can enjoy their trip without worrying about breakdowns in areas where servicing may not be available.
Standard hire bikes are included as part of Intrepid’s Sri Lanka tour, including the option to hire e-bikes for an additional charge. Electric bikes are a particularly good option for anyone who is concerned about daily cycling.
Intrepid currently use 2022 Sunpeed One mountain bikes on this trip. These bikes feature an aluminium frame, front suspension, flat bars, Shimano gears and hydraulic disc brakes.
Top tip! For anyone considering bringing their own bike, mountain bikes, or gravel bikes with wider treaded tyres, would be most suitable. These are bikes are best suited for Sri Lanka’s gravel roads, and the tire size should be 29” tire diameter x 2.4” – 1.9” width.
Biking past trees in Sri Lanka (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Getting to Sri Lanka
Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lanka’s main airport and is located approximately 30 kilometres north of the capital Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city. It’s about a 30-minute drive to the city from the airport, with taxis available and buses available.
Top tip! Airport transfers can be arranged with Intrepid in advance.
Sponsor Message
Looking for a guided Sri Lanka cycling tour?
Check out Intrepid Travel's cycling tours and discover the cycling trip of a lifetime!
Exclusive offer for Epic Road Rides readers: use the code below and get 5% discount on any tour you book direct with Intrepid before 5 March 2026. If booking during an Intrepid promotion period, please contact Intrepid via chat, telephone or email to have the code applied.
Part 5: Tips for Sri Lanka cycling holidays
What to pack
Sri Lanka’s warm, humid climate, strong sun, and varied terrain mean lightweight, breathable layers are best for Sri Lanka cycling tours.
Good quality sunglasses and 50+ sunscreen will also help to keep you protected. You may also want to consider a long-sleeved cycling shirt to help further protect against the sun.
A packable waterproof jacket is also useful for any short, sharp rain showers.
A bike helmet is a must for safety, as well as a couple of water bottles to help keep you hydrated in the heat. Be aware! Intrepid doesn’t provide these as part of their tours so you must bring them with you.
Top tip! In Sri Lanka, it’s important to dress modestly when visiting temples. A scarf or shawl to cover bare shoulders is recommended, especially for women. It’s best to wear long pants or a skirt that covers the knees. Lycra or padded shorts are not ideal for temple visits. Closed-toe shoes are usually preferred, and you’ll likely need to remove them before entering the temple.
Be aware! Sri Lanka’s dense rainforest vegetation harbours a lot of mosquitos! So don’t forget to pack your mosquito repellent and bite cream (if you are prone to being bitten). This can be difficult to source once you are in Sri Lanka.
Take a look at this article for more useful information about what to pack for a cycling holiday.
Language
The primary languages are Sinhala and Tamil. But English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
While you can get by with English, learning a few basic phrases in the local languages can enhance your interactions and is appreciated by locals.
Ayubowan: this is a common way to say “hello” in Sri Lanka. It is pronounced “aayu-bo-wan”.
Laws and cultural norms
Note that Sri Lanka is a conservative county and there are strict laws governing things that may be normal in your home country – for example same sex relationships, drugs, nudity, disrespecting Buddhist images and artefacts, or making offensive remarks about religion.
Always ask permission before taking photos of locals. Be aware! In popular tourist locations, local fishermen and tea pickers may also ask for payment.
The UK government travel information pages for Sri Lanka are here.
Inside Dambulla Cave Temple (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
Local holidays
Locals celebrate Poya, a monthly full moon holiday.
Be aware! This holiday can cause local transport services to fill up as many locals leave the city to return home for the holiday, especially if this falls on a weekend. Check ahead when the Poya date is during the month you visit and plan accordingly.
Public transport
Be aware! Transporting bicycles on public transport can be challenging in Sri Lanka. Trains often lack space for bulky luggage, and buses can be extremely busy with have no space to accommodate bicycles.
Top tip! Don’t rely on public transport for transporting your bike. You should instead look for private transfer options, or consider cycling in between locations.
Cash
The Rupee (LKR) is Sri Lanka’s official currency.
Be aware! Whilst you can use your credit or debit cards in ATM’s, some more rural locations may not accept card payments. So it is best to bring along some cash to cover these costs.
Top tip! We suggest bringing the equivalent of 180 US dollars to cover meals not included in the Intrepid itinerary. You should also consider bringing extra cash to cover the cost of tipping each day. 16 dollars a day is usually enough.
Stray dogs
Stray dogs are common in Sri Lanka. Rabies is prevalent and it’s wise to speak with your healthcare provider before leaving home.
In our experience, the risk of cyclists being bitten is very low. However, for anyone particularly concerned, medicine is readily available throughout Sri Lanka, and guests can reach an advanced private hospital within an hour’s drive from any part of the cycle route.
How fit do you have to be?
This Intrepid tour is graded three out of five. The cycling routes aren’t overly challenging but will require a moderate level of fitness to complete them comfortably, especially when factoring in the humity and heat.
Highway code and travel information
As ever, it’s a good idea to check current travel information before you book and travel. For UK visitors, the UK government travel information pages for Sri Lanka are here.
You should also read and follow Sri Lanka’s highway code. For anyone interested, Sri Lankans drive on the left-hand side of the road!
Make sure you have all the recommended travel vaccinations, noting the point above regarding dogs.
Sponsor Message
Looking for a guided Sri Lanka cycling tour?
Check out Intrepid Travel's cycling tours and discover the cycling trip of a lifetime!
Exclusive offer for Epic Road Rides readers: use the code below and get 5% discount on any tour you book direct with Intrepid before 5 March 2026. If booking during an Intrepid promotion period, please contact Intrepid via chat, telephone or email to have the code applied.
Part 6: Find out more about Intrepid’s cycling tours
Intrepid offers a distinctive travel experience that combines adventure, cultural immersion, and responsible tourism. Intrepid has been operating cycling tours in Sri Lanka since 2015.
Unlike many operators, Intrepid has its own hub and offices in every country in which it operates.
The maximum group cycling size is 16 passengers, and the average group cycling size is usually around 12 passengers.
Intrepid cycling tours include
- Local guides
- Detailed cycling routes
- Accommodation
- Support vehicle
- Bike hire, including e-bikes, for an additional charge
- Emergency support
Expert guides
All the guides that run Intrepid cycling tours undergo a comprehensive five-day training program, which includes sessions on safety, group management, incident management, bike mechanic basics, and the Strava app. Additionally, the training features three days of practical cycling sessions to assess the leaders’ physical fitness and group management skills.
Sustainable travel
By choosing Intrepid, you also benefit from a commitment to responsible travel, local expertise, and comprehensive support.
As a certified B Corporation, Intrepid meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The company has been carbon neutral since 2010 and follows strict animal welfare guidelines, reflecting its dedication to responsible and sustainable tourism.
All Intrepid cycling trips support World Bicycle Relief, an organisation equipping people in low-income communities with bicycles to help school children, healthcare workers, and farmers access education, medical care, and economic opportunities. Donations help provide robust Buffalo Bicycles to those who need them most! To double your impact, Intrepid also matches all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Monkeys resting on forest steps (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)
How can someone find out more about your services?
Head to Intrepid’s website to find out more information.
Do you want to experience cycling in Sri Lanka?
Let us know in the comments below!
A big thank you to Dodan for sharing these Sri Lanka cycling insights.
Sri Lanka sounds like a beautiful country for a unique and memorable cycling adventure. We hope you feel inspired to bike Sri Lanka!
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Looking for more inspiration for a cycling adventure in Asia?
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Like the idea of a cycling tour with Intrepid? You may also be interested in this guide to cycling in Cuba.
Got a question for Suminda?
Fill out this form and we will send it to Suminda. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours where possible!Dodan was born in a rural region of Sri Lanka and began his education at a small school in the Polonnaruwa district, later completing his secondary education in Colombo. He went on to earn a Teaching Diploma in English from the University of Colombo.
Before moving into tourism, Dodan worked as an English teacher and was part of the administrative staff at Alexandra College, Colombo for eight years, followed by two years at Royal Institute, Colombo. In 2012, he made the switch to tourism and began leading tours with Grasshopper Adventures (an Australian company) as a cycling tour leader. He also worked as a wildlife tour leader with Naturetrek (UK) and several other destination management companies.
Dodan joined Intrepid in 2016 and has since led a wide variety of tours, specialising in cycling, wildlife, and multi-activity trips such as Hike, Bike and Kayak. He has completed three cycling leader training programmes and holds a basic ornithology certification from FOGSL (Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dodan began learning video editing, a skill he continues to enjoy. After nearly eight years of leading tours with Intrepid, he was selected to represent Sri Lanka at the Global Summit 2024 in Melbourne, a proud milestone in his career.
Dodan is also a proud father of two school-aged sons and takes great pride in his role as a tour leader with Intrepid.
First Published: 28 August 2025
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Sponsor Message
Looking for a guided Sri Lanka cycling tour?
Check out Intrepid Travel's cycling tours and discover the cycling trip of a lifetime!
Exclusive offer for Epic Road Rides readers: use the code below and get 5% discount on any tour you book direct with Intrepid before 5 March 2026. If booking during an Intrepid promotion period, please contact Intrepid via chat, telephone or email to have the code applied.
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