Mountain Biking in Sri Lanka

Mountain Biking is the activity of riding bicycles off-road, over rough territory. With Sri Lanka’s mountainous grounds being are recognised among the world’s finest sites for biking, the country’s valleys, slopes and tea plantations are trails that allure any mountain biker.

Bikers can ride through the tracks and trails that fall along rain forests, tea estates, caves, reservoirs and ancient temples. A majority of tour operators and hotels in Sri Lanka provide mountain biking vacations. The traveller will have the option to get in touch with a smaller 'adventure' based operation in order to select a personal trip.

The cycle routes are marked for the convenience of the biker.  Tour operators like Sri Lankan Expeditions offer custom-made mountain biking tours.  Most biking tours are carried out on the Knuckles range mainly due to its lush green hills and tough trails. One of the most appealing mountain trails fall along Kital Ella close to Bandarawela overlooking the magnificent ‘Namunukula' mountain range. This mountainous area with an altitude of 1230 metres boasts of a pleasing climate.

For extensive biking tours, a supporting vehicle is provided to transport luggage.  However, for the adventurous bikers who favour a private ride can do so with just a map as the only assistance. Although it is possible to carry mountain bikes in buses and trains the bikes need to be dismantled and put in a carry on bags. In case the rider is not with a support vehicle or a group of riders it is best to carry a tool kit as well as a pump.

Cycling is probably the best way to see the country, meet the locals, try out the tempting food and visit the main cultural sites such as the rock fortress at Sigiriya, the tenth century capital Polonnaruwa and Kandy's Temple of the Tooth.

Adventure in Sri Lanka