Best Motorcycle Routes in Sri Lanka [with Maps]

Sri Lanka is a rider’s dream. From cool mountain curves to open plains, from ancient cities to hidden waterfalls, the island offers an endless variety of landscapes that change every few kilometres. Whether you’re chasing the horizon through misty tea country or following winding roads past rice paddies and temples, every ride is a story in itself.

Here are some of the best motorcycle routes in Sri Lanka — the ones that capture the island’s true spirit of adventure.

Disclaimer

Some of the routes and backroads featured here are not commonly travelled. We’ve spent countless hours scouting and testing them to find the most rewarding, scenic, and safe paths possible. However, in certain areas these roads can be isolated, narrow, or have limited mobile signal.

If you plan to ride alone, please do so with caution:

Always ensure your bike is in good condition.
Be careful of stray dogs and wildlife suddenly crossing the road.
Carry enough fuel, water, and a basic tool kit.
Let someone know your planned route and ETA.
Avoid riding unfamiliar roads after dark.

Sri Lanka is an incredibly welcoming country for riders — but the best journeys are those that balance adventure with awareness. Ride safe, ride smart, and enjoy the open road.

Kandy → Mahiyanganaya

Distance: ~95 km | Riding Time: ~3.5 hrs

Highlights: Victoria Reservoir, Meemure Detour, 18 Hairpin Bends, Mahiyanganaya Temple

Leaving Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, you begin your ride through the island’s central highlands. The first stretch, from Kandy to Digana, can be quite busy — a mix of cars, tuk-tuks, and buses weaving through town traffic. But once you pass Digana, everything changes. The road opens up beautifully, hugging the edge of the Victoria Reservoir, with smooth tarmac, fast corners, and sweeping views of the water shimmering below.

At Hunnasgiriya, turn off the main road and take a detour toward Meemure — a small, remote village nestled deep within the southern Knuckles Range. This is where the adventure truly begins. The road narrows and becomes rugged, winding through tea plantations, pine forests, and tiny hillside hamlets where time seems to move slower. You’ll likely see tea pluckers carrying baskets, children walking to school, and the occasional cow wandering lazily down the road. It’s a perfect window into rural Sri Lankan life.

After exploring this offbeat stretch, loop back to Hunnasgiriya and rejoin the main road. Ahead lies the famous “18 Bends” (Daha Ata Wanguwa) — a legendary sequence of hairpin curves that drop dramatically in altitude as you descend toward the lowlands. Each bend reveals new perspectives of the valley below, making it one of the most exhilarating downhill rides on the island.

As the altitude drops, the air grows warmer and the scenery transitions from misty hills to lush paddy fields. You’ll arrive in Mahiyanganaya, one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Sri Lanka and an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The Mahiyanganaya Temple (also known as the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara) is said to be where the Buddha first visited the island — a fitting place to end a ride that blends history, culture, and the joy of the open road.

Best Time to Ride: December–April (dry season for the central and eastern regions)

Mahiyanganaya → Matale (via Knuckles Range)

Distance: ~100 km | Riding Time: ~3.5 hrs

Highlights: Kalu Ganga Reservoir, Riverston, Knuckles North, Tea Plantations

Leaving Mahiyanganaya, head west towards Hasalaka, following a peaceful stretch of countryside road framed by paddy fields and small lakes. From Hasalaka, turn north — the tarmac here is in great condition and usually quiet, making it a smooth and enjoyable ride. On your left, you’ll see a series of glistening reservoirs, while to your right, vast green fields extend to the horizon. It’s a slice of rural Sri Lanka at its most authentic: farmers tending their crops, villagers bathing, and kids playing in the water or washing bikes by the roadside.

Past Hettipola, take the left turn onto a narrower, winding road — this is where the ride gets truly special. A short stop at the Kalu Ganga Reservoir viewpoint is highly recommended. The still waters reflect the surrounding hills, and it’s one of those peaceful moments that remind you why riding through Sri Lanka is pure magic.

From there, the climb begins into the northern Knuckles Range, a wild and lesser-known part of this UNESCO-listed mountain system. The ascent is fast and rugged — a thrilling mix of tight, steep hairpins and forest-lined curves. The road surface can be uneven at times, but the views and sense of adventure more than make up for it. As you reach the top, the panorama opens up to misty valleys and dense jungle stretching into the distance.

The route continues past Riverston, a popular viewpoint offering sweeping vistas over the Matale hills. From here, the descent begins — a gentle glide through cool mountain air, tea plantations, and narrow roads lined with silver oaks. Eventually, you’ll reach Rattota, where the landscape levels out and traffic picks up as you approach Matale, known for its spice gardens and ancient temples.

This route captures everything that makes Sri Lanka a rider’s paradise — quiet rural beauty, dramatic climbs, and a deep connection with the island’s landscapes and people.

Best Time to Ride: February–June (clear skies and moderate temperatures in the highlands)

Ella → Nuwara Eliya (via Horton Plains)

Distance: ~100 km | Riding Time: ~3.5 hours

Highlights: Boralanda, Ohiya, Horton Plains, World’s End, Ambewela

Leaving Ella, the road climbs gradually into the southern highlands toward Boralanda, with long sweeping bends and views across mist-filled valleys. The air grows cooler as you gain altitude, and the landscape transitions from jungle to pine forest and terraced vegetable fields. Traffic is light, and the surface is in good condition — ideal for a relaxed, scenic climb.

Beyond Boralanda, continue toward Ohiya, a quiet mountain village famous for its tiny railway station perched along one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful hill-country lines. Around the station, you’ll find a couple of family-run cafés — perfect for a tea break with homemade rotti and spicy sambol, served with the kind of mountain hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home. It’s a simple but memorable stop before the road begins its final ascent.

The ride from Ohiya into Horton Plains National Park is steep and winding, with the forest closing in around you as the altitude tops 2,000 metres. The air is crisp, sometimes icy, and the road surface varies from smooth tarmac to rougher, uneven patches — a true highland adventure. Once you reach the plateau, the landscape opens dramatically into windswept grasslands and misty valleys.

Take the short detour to World’s End, one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking viewpoints, where the land drops nearly 880 metres in a sheer cliff. Go early in the morning for the best visibility before the clouds roll in.

From the plains, the descent toward Nuwara Eliya passes through Ambewela and Pattipola, where vast tea estates and dairy farms stretch across the rolling hills. The ride feels peaceful and almost European in character — smooth corners, cool air, and endless green.

You’ll arrive in Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as “Little England”, with its colonial architecture, manicured gardens, and cool, alpine climate.

Best Time to Ride: January–April or July–September (avoid May–June fog and rain)

Ella → Haputale (via Wellawaya)

Distance: ~96 km | Riding Time: ~3 hours

Highlights: Ella Gap, Wellawaya lowlands, Diyaluma Falls, Beragala climb, Haputale ridge

Leaving Ella, the road immediately begins a dramatic descent through the Ella Gap, a natural mountain pass that opens to sweeping views across the southern plains. In the early morning, the visibility can stretch for miles — a sea of mist slowly giving way to glowing fields below. The tarmac is in excellent condition, with wide corners and little traffic, making this section one of the most exhilarating downhill rides in the central highlands.

As you approach Wellawaya, the temperature rises noticeably. The landscape flattens into open countryside dotted with banana plantations, paddy fields, and roadside fruit stalls selling king coconuts and mangoes. The stretch between Kithalella and Wellawaya is fast and flowing — a complete contrast to the cool, winding roads of Ella.

From Wellawaya, continue north toward Koslanda, and take the short uphill detour to Diyaluma Falls. Standing at 220 metres, it’s Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall and a stunning stop for riders. A brief walk from the parking area leads to the upper pools, where crystal-clear water tumbles over the edge with breathtaking views of the valley below — a perfect place to rest, cool off, and take photos before the climb ahead.

Back on the main road, the route begins to rise sharply after Beragala, twisting its way back into the highlands. The ascent is steady and filled with tight bends, offering a thrilling contrast to the morning’s descent. As you climb, the air cools again, and tea plantations begin to reappear, carpeting the slopes in endless green.

Soon you’ll reach Haputale, a ridge-top town perched between two valleys at over 1,400 metres. The views are incredible — on a clear day you can see both the southern plains and the central mountains from the same spot. It’s an ideal place to end the day’s ride, with small cafés overlooking the hills serving hot tea and local snacks as the evening mist rolls in.

Best Time to Ride: All year round (mornings for clear views, afternoons often bring mist near Haputale)

Nuwara Eliya → Kandy (via Pussellawa & Galaha)

Distance: ~97 km | Riding Time: ~3.5 hours

Highlights: Ramboda Falls, Pussellawa Tea Country, Doluwa Backroads, Galaha Hill Route, Kandy Lake

Leaving Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, the road winds out of town through crisp mountain air and terraced vegetable farms. The early morning light paints the hills gold as you glide past tea factories and small villages, beginning one of the most scenic descents in the central highlands.

The road to Pussellawa is a rider’s delight — smooth tarmac, wide curves, and panoramic views of deep valleys carpeted in tea. Stop for a tea break at one of the roadside cafés overlooking the plantations, or at the Ramboda Falls viewpoint, where twin cascades plunge beside the road in spectacular fashion.

Beyond Pussellawa, the ride continues toward Gampola, but instead of following the main highway into the city, take a detour at Gampola toward Doluwa. This scenic alternative avoids the congested main road and rewards you with a quieter, more enjoyable route through the hills south of Kandy.

The backroad from Doluwa to Galaha is narrow but beautifully paved, weaving through a mix of tea gardens, forest patches, and small rural settlements. You’ll ride past local markets, colourful temples, and mist-draped valleys — a serene contrast to the busy main road. The elevation changes gently, offering a rhythmic flow of bends perfect for relaxed riding.

As you approach Galaha, the scenery opens into wide views of the Kandyan hills. From here, the road descends gradually toward Kandy, entering the city through its quieter southern suburbs. The final stretch passes lush gardens and forested ridges before revealing the calm waters of Kandy Lake in the city centre — a peaceful arrival after a full day of riding.

Best Time to Ride: December–April (dry season in the central highlands)

Nuwara Eliya → Maskeliya (via Tea Country & Reservoir)

Distance: ~67 km | Riding Time: ~2.5 hours

Highlights: Tea estates, Upcot detour, Castlereagh Reservoir, View of Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)

Departing from Nuwara Eliya, the cool “Little England” of Sri Lanka’s highlands, you begin your ride amid crisp air and rolling tea‐covered hills. The tarmac is smooth, the bends gentle, and the early light often paints the mountains with a golden glow as you head out of town.

Mid-way you’ll reach the detour to Upcot—a quiet backroad that winds through plantation lanes and small villages. This detour offers a sense of space and calm: fewer vehicles, stretches of road bordered by tea bushes, and glimpses of rural life as you pass by local homes and church spires. It’s a perfect moment to slow, soak in your surroundings, maybe stop for a quick photo amid the emerald slopes.

From Upcot, the route descends toward the valley of the Castlereagh Reservoir. The winding descent hugs the hillside above the water, the reflections shimmering below and the slopes of tea estates climbing around you. The scene is serene—one of Sri Lanka’s quieter highland roads that rewards riders who take the less-trodden path.

As you approach Maskeliya, the silhouette of Adam’s Peak rises in the distance—mysterious and majestic. Maskeliya is peaceful, perched where the mountains begin to soften into plantation country, yet still close enough to the pilgrimage energy of the Peak. Arriving here, you’ll feel the contrast: from organized high-town charm to relaxed hill-village tranquility.

Best Time to Ride: December–May (dry season; clearer views toward Adam’s Peak)

Dambulla → Polonnaruwa (via Sigiriya, Kandalama & Minneriya)

Distance: ~80 km | Riding Time: ~2 hours (plus stops)

Highlights: Kandalama Lake, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Minneriya National Park, Jaga Food Restaurant

Leaving Dambulla, the journey begins through the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The first few kilometres take you along the edge of Kandalama Lake, a vast man-made reservoir surrounded by forest and birdlife. Early mornings are especially beautiful here — mist rising off the water, fishermen paddling their dugout canoes, and egrets standing still among the reeds. The road is smooth and quiet, offering a calm start before the historical highlights ahead.

Continuing north, you’ll reach Sigiriya, where the legendary rock fortress towers 200 metres above the jungle canopy. Even from the road, its presence is striking. Whether you stop to climb or simply admire it from a distance, the sight of Sigiriya against the horizon is unforgettable.

From Sigiriya, take the narrow and winding backroads that weave through paddy fields and small farming villages — a peaceful ride where time seems to slow down. The tarmac is mostly good, and the scenery feels intimate: water buffalo grazing, farmers tending fields, and children waving as you pass.

Eventually, you rejoin the main road heading east toward Minneriya, where the landscape opens into a wide plain lined with reservoirs. This stretch is a joy to ride — fast, smooth, and flowing — with beautiful long bends and light traffic. Keep an eye out for elephants in the distance, especially during the dry season when herds gather near Minneriya National Park’s tank.

Just before reaching Polonnaruwa, stop at Jaga Food Restaurant, a family-run spot famous among locals and travellers alike. Here, you can experience an incredible Sri Lankan buffet with over 30 different curries, all cooked fresh each day. It’s authentic, generous, and the perfect way to end a ride through Sri Lanka’s ancient heartland.

Arriving in Polonnaruwa, you’ll find a landscape filled with ancient ruins, stone Buddhas, and peaceful lakes — the remnants of a once-great royal capital and a fitting close to one of the country’s most scenic cultural rides.

Best Time to Ride: May–September (dry season in the North-Central Province)

Final thoughts

These are only some of our favourite motorcycle routes in Sri Lanka — a glimpse into the island’s incredible diversity of landscapes, roads, and riding experiences. From misty mountain passes to ancient plains, from tea-country climbs to open lowland stretches, every journey here reveals something new.

We’ll continue to add more routes over time, exploring the island’s lesser-known corners and testing new backroads to share with fellow riders who crave the freedom of discovering Sri Lanka on two wheels.

Whether you prefer to ride solo or join a fully supported group tour, we invite you to experience the roads that made us fall in love with this island — not just the destinations, but the ride itself.