Motorcycle trip Sri Lanka

On the Roads of Ceylon

Green discovery hike
Duration
12
Type
Tour Leader
Accomodation
Standard or Comfort
Level
Intermediate
Meal plan
Half board
Vintage RidesDestinationsSri Lanka → On the Roads of Ceylon
Francis
Your motorcycle expert
Francis
Francis is a biker always venturing out on the road to uncover new routes with as much passion as he has telling stories. He is an enthusiast and knows our itineraries like the back of his hand.
On the agenda
Explore this lost paradise in the Indian Ocean on a stunning motorbike tour.
On the Roads of Ceylon

Your Motorcycle Tour in Sri Lanka 12 stages - 876 miles

oruwa negombo sri lanka
1/12 • Arrive in Negombo
You are met at the airport and taken 20 minutes by car to Negombo, a fishing port and coastal resort. After you settle in at the hotel, time for some beach- or pool-based R & R. From the shore, you can admire the flotilla of oruwas, traditional fishing boats whose square sails dance on the ocean.
fishermen sri lanka
2/12 • Negombo - Kalpitiya
We begin the tour by heading north towards Kalpitiya Peninsula, along a series of minor coastal roads and some smaller tracks, passing through charming fishing villages. We reach a stretch lined by huge coconut plantations, which then give way to shrimp farms. We veer off onto the peninsula and ride between the lagoon and the ocean.
schoolgirls sri lanka
3/12 • Kalpitiya - Sigiriya
After roughly 18 miles of main road skirting the immense Karuwalagas lagoon, we cross plains peppered with jungles, rice paddies, coconut plantations, mango groves and several lakes. We make a detour to visit the Ritigala ruins, a monastery nestled in the heart of the jungle which was abandoned many years ago. Only when the imposing Lion Rock is dominating the reddish plains do we know that we’ve arrived in Sigiriya.
buddhist temple sri lanka
4/12 • Sigiriya
Today, we have two options: we can visit either the ancient city of Polonnaruwa or Dambulla’s Buddhist cave temple. We ride along the edge of Minneriya National Park, where elephant sightings are common. After a break near Giritale tank, we head to Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, we can head to Dambulla and its astounding caves housing numerous Buddha statues.
royal enfield sri lanka
5/12 • Sigiriya - Trincomalee
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.
motorcycle adventure sri lanka
6/12 • Trincomalee - Wasgamuwa
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.
rider sri lanka
7/12 • Wasgamuwa - Knuckles
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.
tea plantation sri lanka
8/12 • Knuckles - Nuwara Eliya
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.
country road sri lanka
9/12 • Nuwara Eliya - Ella
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.
wild swimming sri lanka
10/12 • Ella - Udawalawe
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.
paradise beach sri lanka
11/12 • Udawalawe - Galle
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.
stilt fishing sri lanka
12/12 • Galle - Colombo international airport
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.
Price
From 2490,00  / rider
The price includes
  • A Royal Enfield motorcycle is provided with full mechanical assistance and all spare parts.
    Domestic transfers as appearing in the program, by private vehicle
    An English speaking Tour Leader (from day 2 to day 11)
    Fuel expenses
    An expert mechanic of Royal Enfield motorcycles
    A support vehicle with driver for groups with 4 or more participants; side luggage carrier for groups of less than 4 participants
    Lodging in standard/comfort hotels and camps, in double bed rooms or on a twin-sharing basis. If you wish to stay in a single room (extra), please inform your travel advisor at the time of registration.
    Meals: Half board meals during riding days (from day 2 to day 11)
    Jeep Safari in Udawalawe
    The Sri Lankan driving licence is mandatory
    Third party motorcycle insurance

The price does not include
  • Mandatory insurance: an insurance that covers medical expenses and legal assistance
    Repatriation, which covers you for accidents with two-wheeled vehicles (large-displacement)
    Visa costs
    International flights
    A refundable security deposit of €600 per pilot
    Banking fees
    Tips
    Dinners during riding days
    Lunches and dinners during non riding days (day 1 and day 12)
    Admission fees to various monuments, temples etc.
    Drinks, souvenirs and personal expenses

Important
MAKE SURE TO HAVE:
Passport currently valid for the Motorcycle Trip
Visa, if necessary, valid
Permis moto
International motorcycle license if necessary
Reviews on this trip
4.5/5 · 19 review
On the Roads of Ceylon

Paul
07 Feb. 2022

On the Roads of Ceylon

Steve
13 Apr. 2020

Great experience. I learnt alot. I…

Great experience. I learnt alot. I struggled with a couple of the more difficult dirt...

Linda
30 Mar. 2020

i loved this trip we had…

i loved this trip we had a fantastic time i am from Australia and very...

Mark
18 Mar. 2020

Brochure should be upto date regarding…

Brochure should be upto date regarding extent of off road

Terence
17 Mar. 2020

A great trip. Jean, in particular…

A great trip. Jean, in particular was outstanding. However, the accomodation was far too average....

Cary
15 Mar. 2020

Great feature was the mix of…

Great feature was the mix of nationalities on our trip, and the friends we made.

John
15 Mar. 2020

I am happy to have been…

I am happy to have been taken part in this tour.

Gerhard
05 Jan. 2020

On this trip we were often…

On this trip we were often tied to the hotels we stayed at for evening...

Jeff
01 Jan. 1970

my only criticism was we had…

my only criticism was we had one rider with nearly no motorcycle experience who as...

ARROWSMITH
01 Jan. 1970

See all reviews (19)
Sri Lanka
On the Roads of Ceylon
1 upcoming departures
From 3190  / rider
2490  / pillion
From 11 Jan. 2025 to 22 Jan. 2025 3190  / pilote
1 registered 6 motorcycles available
OPTION
50% deposit
Flexible cancellation
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Expertise
Since 2006, Vintage Rides has been the specialist in characterful motorcycle travel.
Security
Experienced guides to ensure your safety throughout the journey.
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Impeccable services with local partners committed to a charter of quality and safety.
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