The Cultural Triangle & Highlands
From Ancient Kingdoms to Misty Peaks. Ride Through Time, Conquer the Hills
Ride through Sri Lanka’s heartland, where history and nature collide. From the untamed wilderness of Wilpattu to the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa, journey through misty tea plantations, the legendary 18 Bends, and the sacred Kandy Temple—an unforgettable adventure through time, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
9 Days / 8 Nights
Royal Enfield Classic 350
80% Paved / 20% Bumpy
Intermediate level
803 Km
Highlights
- Ancient Civilization Sites including Anuradhapura, Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
- Jeep Safari in Wilpattu National Park
- Avukana Buddha Statue
- Temple of the Tooth Kandy
- Central Highlands & Tea Plantations
- Knuckles Mountain Range
- "Little England" Nuwara Eliya
Dates & Prices
4* Luxury Hotels - No sharing
21st – 29th April 2026
Rider US $4,880 3,765*
Pillion US $3,980 2,695*
*Promo valid until the 15/12/2025
Note: This tour can be organized upon request for groups of 4 or more participants.”
Chat with us
Click to chat on whatsapp
or send us an email to info@rideonsrilanka.com
Get in Touch
Keen to extend your holiday?
If you would like to spend a few days extra on the beach while continuing to explore Sri Lanka in the comfort of an A/C vehicle or relax at a luxurious resort in the Maldives we are here to help. Contact us to enjoy exclusive and all-inclusive rates for your holiday extension.
Sri Lanka Beach Resort
Maldives Luxury Resort
Chat with us
Click to chat on whatsapp
or send us an email to info@rideonsrilanka.com
Itinerary
Please note that distances and durations are approximate and do not account for breaks or guided tours of sites, parks, and monuments, only the actual riding time.
Day 1 - Negombo
Our representative will greet you in the airport lobby and arrange your transfer to a beachfront hotel conveniently close to the airport. In the evening, meet your fellow riders and the team for a briefing over drinks, followed by a welcome dinner to kick off your adventure.
Day 2 - Nuwara Eliya
Your first day on the road is all about settling into the rhythm—getting comfortable with your bike, navigating Sri Lanka’s traffic, and starting to soak in the scenery. You’ll leave the coastal plains of Negombo behind for the lush highlands, passing bustling towns, rural villages, and rubber plantations—a nod to the island’s colonial past.
As you climb, the air cools and hillsides turn into a patchwork of terraced tea plantations. Busy, bumpy roads soon give way to smooth, winding hill country routes—a rider’s delight.
Midway, pause for a local lunch amid misty valleys and panoramic views, with the chance to spot Adam’s Peak on a clear day.
By mid-afternoon, arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a charming former British hill station, where the cool climate and colonial architecture invite you to unwind after a rewarding first day.
- Distance: 1563 km
- Duration: 5.5 hrs
Day 3 - Kandy
We depart Nuwara Eliya and head toward Kandy along a breathtakingly scenic route. Our first stop is a tea factory, where a guided tour reveals the art of tea processing—from leaf to cup—followed by a tasting of Sri Lanka’s finest brews.
We then continue along quiet backroads, winding through rural villages and lush tea plantations, steering clear of the heavy traffic. Upon reaching Kandy, we pause for lunch before hopping into tuk tuks for a short city tour, including the revered Temple of the Tooth.
Back on the bikes, we ride to our final stop of the day—a stunning resort nestled among tea plantations, offering sweeping views of the Knuckles Mountain Range.
- Distance: 98 Km
- Duration: 4 Hrs
Day 4 - Polonnaruwa
Today is a longer riding day as we enter Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. We leave our resort and, after a short stretch of slightly bumpy roads, join the main highway toward the famous 18 Bends—a thrilling series of curves with spectacular views.
After descending, we head north alongside Maduru Oya National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat.
We’ll arrive at our lunch stop later than usual, but it’s worth the wait—a truly authentic local experience.
In the afternoon, we explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a guided tour before riding on to our hotel for the night.
- Distance: 172 Km
- Duration: 4.5 Hrs
Day 5 - Trincomalee
We start the day early to visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress before the heat sets in. It’s about an hour’s ride from our hotel along a beautiful winding road that skirts Minneriya National Park—offering another chance to spot elephants in the wild.
After exploring Sigiriya, we continue eastward. Traffic eases and the scenery shifts as we approach the coast. By early afternoon, we arrive at Nilaveli Beach—a pristine stretch of white sand just outside Trincomalee, perfect for a well-deserved rest.
- Distance: 171 Km
- Duration: 4 Hrs
Day 6 - Anuradhapura
This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether that means soaking up more time on the beach or joining an optional excursion, such as snorkeling at Pigeon Island or visiting the Dutch Fort and the Koneswaran Temple. Your tour leaders will be on hand to help arrange everything you need.
We set off after lunch, riding inland to reach our hotel near Anuradhapura by late afternoon.
- Distance: 150Km
- Duration: 3 Hrs
Day 7 - Dambulla
After a leisurely day, we start early with a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, home to a rich variety of wildlife—including the elusive leopard.
By mid-morning, we leave the hotel and soon arrive in Anuradhapura for a guided bicycle tour of the ancient citadel and its magnificent stupas.
From here, we ride toward Dambulla, making a stop at the towering Avukana Buddha Statue before reaching our hotel. With a fantastic spa on-site, it’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge after a full day of adventure.
- Distance: 120 Km
- Duration: 4 Hrs
Day 8 - Colombo
Our final long ride begins with the last Cultural Triangle highlight—the Dambulla Cave Temples. We set off early to explore this remarkable site before hitting the road once more.
By early afternoon, we return the bikes to the garage and transfer by air-conditioned van to the historic Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell drink (or two) and dinner, reminiscing about the adventures we’ve shared on the road.
Day 9 - Departure
Transfer to airport or Next destination. We hope you enjoyed this adventure and looking forward to have you on tour with us again
Inclusions
- Accommodation x 8 nights
- All meals & soft drinks
- Royal Enfield 350cc Classic + fuel
- Local temporary license
- Entrance fees to sites/monuments (worth US $240)
- Jeep safari in Wilpattu
- English speaking guide
- Mechanic
- Support Vehicle with A/C
- Airport Transfers
- Up to $500 coverage for bike damages
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Entry visa fee
- Personal Insurance
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Tips & Gratuities
- Extra services (eg. laundry)
- Optional excursions
an unforgettable nine-day adventure through Sri Lanka’s most iconic landscapes, where history, culture, and pure riding pleasure come together. From mist-covered mountains to ancient cities and the turquoise shores of Trincomalee, this journey captures the island’s diverse beauty in one seamless route.
Your tour begins in Negombo, where you’ll meet the team over a welcome dinner by the beach before setting off into the highlands. The first ride takes you through rolling hills, rubber plantations, and colonial-era towns to Nuwara Eliya, the charming “Little England” of Sri Lanka, surrounded by tea plantations and cool mountain air.
From there, wind through scenic backroads toward Kandy, stopping for a tea factory visit and a guided city tour, including the revered Temple of the Tooth. Continue your adventure across the legendary 18 Bends, descending toward the Cultural Triangle and exploring the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
The ride then heads east to the tropical paradise of Trincomalee. Here, you’ll unwind on the white sands of Nilaveli Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful coastal stretches. Spend your morning snorkeling at Pigeon Island, a marine sanctuary renowned for its colorful coral reefs and sea turtles, or visit the Koneswaran Temple overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The journey continues inland with a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, home to elephants and leopards, and a guided cycling tour through the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura. You’ll also visit the Avukana Buddha Statue and the Dambulla Cave Temples, completing your exploration of the island’s cultural heartland.
The final ride brings you back to Colombo, where a farewell dinner at the historic Galle Face Hotel marks the perfect end to a truly epic adventure.
From winding mountain passes to ancient capitals and serene beaches, the Cultural Triangle & Highlands tour is more than a ride — it’s a complete journey through the soul of Sri Lanka.
Keen to extend your holiday off the bike?
If you would like to spend a few days extra on the beach while continuing to explore Sri Lanka in the comfort of an A/C vehicle or relax at a luxurious resort in the Maldives we are here to help. Contact us to enjoy exclusive and all-inclusive rates for your holiday extension.
Sri Lanka Beach Resorts
Maldives Luxury Resorts
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driving license?
Yes. You will need a valid motorcycle license from your home country and/or an International Driving Permit (IDP). You will also require a local endorsement the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) which we will obtain for you before your arrival.
Is it safe to ride in Sri Lanka?
Generally, yes, provided you ride defensively. Traffic in Sri Lanka can be chaotic, with buses, tuk-tuks, pedestrians and wildlife crossing. The Timeless Sri Lanka tour is fully guided, which helps you navigate local traffic customs, road signs, and potential hazards. Your experienced tour lead will set a manageable pace and provide safety briefings each day.
What is the riding skill leve required?
The Timeless Sri Lanka tour is suitable for riders with moderate to advanced experience. Sri Lankan roads can be busy and unpredictable, so you should be comfortable handling a motorcycle in varying traffic and weather conditions. If you’re unsure about your skill level, reach out to the Ride On Sri Lanka team for personalized advice.
What are the road conditions like?
- Primary Roads: Generally in good condition, though you may encounter potholes or uneven surfaces.
- Mountain/Hill Country Roads: Winding and scenic, with occasional hairpin bends.
- Coastal & Rural Routes: Can be narrower, and watch out for pedestrians, livestock, or wildlife crossing.
During monsoon seasons, expect sudden downpours and slippery patches. The tour calendar often avoids peak monsoon periods, but always bring rain gear as weather can be unpredictable.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Yes, you need bring your own helmet, jacket, and protective gear to ensure proper fit and safety standards. Here’s what we recommend to bring:
- Helmet
- Riding Jacket
- Riding Pants
- Gloves
- Riding Boots
- Base Layers
- Rain Gear
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Mosquito Repellent
What's included in the package?
From the moment you arrive at the airport until the end of the tour everything is included:
- Accommodation x 13 nights
- All meals & soft drinks
- Royal Enfield 350cc Classic + fuel
- Local temporary license
- Entrance fees to sites/monuments (worth US $210)
- Jeep safari in Yala
- English speaking guide
- Mechanic
- Support Vehicle with A/C
- Airport Transfers
- Up to $250 coverage for bike damages
What's Not included in the package?
- Airfares
- Entry visa fee
- Personal Insurance (must cover motorcycle touring with 350cc)
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Tips & Gratuities
- Extra services (eg. laundry)
- Optional excursions
How Much Riding Per Day Can I Expect?
Riding durations vary between 3–6 hours per day, depending on the route and planned stops at attractions. There will be regular breaks for sightseeing, meals, and photo opportunities.
What are the accommodations standards?
Depending on the tour you choose – Luxury or Budget – the accommodation is a selection of mid-range to high-quality hotels or boutique guesthouses, chosen for comfort and local charm. Expect clean rooms with private bathrooms. In more remote regions, options may be simpler but still vetted for cleanliness and safety.
What about food & dietary restrictions?
Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious and can be spicy. The tour typically includes breakfast, and you’ll find a range of local and international meal options for lunch and dinner. If you have special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal), inform the tour operator in advance so they can make necessary arrangements.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Make sure your travel insurance explicitly covers motorcycle riding with 350cc engine capacity, including accidents and potential medical evacuation. Most standard policies don’t automatically include coverage for motorcycles over a certain engine size, so read the fine print or upgrade to an adventure rider policy.
What happens in case of accidents or medical emergencies?
In the event of an emergency, we rely on both public and private services to provide immediate assistance. We will promptly inform your emergency contact as well as your country’s embassy or consular mission. Please note that you are responsible for any expenses incurred in such situations; therefore, ensure your insurance policy covers motorcycle touring accidents. If necessary, Ride On will cover any initial expenses, which must then be reimbursed accordingly.
How Do I Book and What Is the Payment Process?
To confirm a booking, we require a 30% deposit. The balance is due three months before the tour date. Currently, we only accept bank transfer payments. Once you are ready to confirm, get in touch and we will send you an invoice with instructions.
What is your refund policy?
Deposits are generally non-refundable unless we have to cancel the tour. However, if you decide—or are unable—to join the tour for any reason, we will do our best to find a solution that works for both parties, whether by transferring the deposit to a different tour or, if possible, providing a partial refund. For more details on our refund policies please read the Terms & Conditions
Can I Extend My Stay or Explore Other Parts of Sri Lanka?
Absolutely! We would be happy to offer you a completely tailor-made extension of your trip even without motorcycle or a few days in the Maldives. Contact us to start planning info@rideonsrilanka.com
Absolutely! If you wish to extend your stay we can offer tailor-made packages even without motorcycle, including holiday packages in the Maldives. Contact us for more details info@rideonsrilanka.com
Empowering Futures, One Ride at a Time
We believe in making a positive impact beyond the road. That’s why we are proud to support Mihiri Gedara, a foster home in Galle, dedicated to providing education, care, and a brighter future for young girls in need.
For every booking we receive, we pledge $50 to help sustain their incredible work.
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