Bookable as a motorcycle tour or cultural trip (with small program adjustments).
This dreamlike journey connects Off Road Adventure with cultural attractions and a tropical beach vacations. We will get a great insight into the diversity of this island paradise.
We will experience days where we get acquainted with the ancient Buddhist culture prevalent throughout the island, followed by days discussing the political realities of the island nation and its recent inglorious past, especially during our visit to the impressive war memorial in the former war zone of Killinochi; again followed by days where we can admire the tropical wildlife and dwell in the pleasures of sea, sun and sandy beaches.
The tropical setting provides an incredible backdrop throughout our cultural and historic explorations. A very funky and inspiring tour you will cherish for long.
Day 1: Arrive in Sri Lanka.
Lodging in Negombo, a lagoon city not far from the airport.
Day 2: Negombo – Kalpitiya.
A small drive through village streets. We visit the Kalpitiya peninsula, renowned for its surf.
Day 3: Negombo -Habarana – Dambula. (180km).
Today we our way takes us into the island. At first along the coast and then on small village roads we head towards Dambulla.
Day 4: Dambula -Sigiriya – Ritigala – Anuradhapura (120 km).
We are in the heart of the Buddhist cultural triangle, visiting some historic monuments but mainly having fun riding the Jungle tracks connecting some of the sights.
Sigiriya, the Lion Rock is a monolith, with historic ruins of a former capital dramatically located at its top. An incredulous extravagant palace existed here around 500 A.D. Spiral stairs take you up to the frescoes to the famous “cloud girls”. Dressed in transparent blouses they are blessing their viewer with their seductive and graceful beauty since one and a half millenia .
Day 5: Anuradhapura – Willipatu National Park- Jaffna (210 km).
Once an important capital, from where 119 kings have ruled their empire, Anuradhapura lies now in oblivion. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Early morning visit to the Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, one of the holiest places for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Subsequently, we head north through tropical jungle on roads that were former rebel territorry. This area accounts for the Willipattu National Park today. We are heading towards the historic capital of Sri Lankan Tamils, Jaffna.
Day 6: Jaffna.
Jaffna lies on a peninsula surrounded by lagoons and forests and is the northernmost city of Sri Lanka. The port city had been for decades drawn from ethnic conflict affected. It is mainly inhabited by Tamils. We visit an ancient Hindu temple perched on a small island, and enjoy the special flair of driving around causeways, with the ocean right on the edges of the road.
Day 7: Jaffna -Killinochi- Mullaittivu-Kuchavelli (200).
Heading towards the East Coast, first to Mullaittivu and then Killinochi. All former rebel areas, which will provide politically interesting topics of conversation. Kuchavelli and Nilaveli have some nice secluded beaches.
Day 8: Kuchchaveli – Polonnaruwa (134 km).
The Buddhist excavations of Polonaruwa, the capital of the second largest kingdom of Sri Lanka are among the best on the island.
Day 9: Polonaruwa – Wasgamuwa.
We stay at a lake in the National Park.
Day 10: Pollonaruwa – Mahinyangana – Kandy.
Today a pure driving day is back in fashion, but a varied route, decorated with lakes and rice fields is never monotonous. The trail leads us to Kandy.
Day 11: Kandy.
The former capital of Ceylon is idyllically situated on a lake surrounded by hills. We visit the famous botanical garden, and the sacred tooth temple. Together with the many pilgrims from all over Sri Lanka, we visit the evening ritual.
Day 12: Kandy – Pinnawela – Nuwara.
No trip to Sri Lanka may miss him, the visit to the elephant orphanage. We see the daily routine in the elephant home and the care of the great gray giants. Then it goes through small mountain roads to Nuwara, a colonial Übrigbleibsel, famous for the surrounding tea plantations. Spice gardens, tea plantations and rolling hills characterize the present day.
Day 13: Nuwara – Bagawantalaba – Bentota (150 km).
It goes back to the coast, the charming beach of Bentota. The day’s stage today offers almost countless curves and hills that make motorcycling an exhilarating experience.
Day 14: Bentota.
Bentota is one of the beaches for which Sri Lanka is famous, with the most beautiful sunset of the island. Here we spend 2 nights cozy to rest and reflect. For all adventurous there are trips to Galle and in the beautiful hinterland.
Day 15: Bentota – Kitulgala.
Beach Day with excursions into the hinterland on request.
Day 16: Kitulgala – Negombo
On small roads we avoid the traffic chaos of Colombo to get around and reach again Negombo. Dinner and flight to Europe.
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
Price: € 3,480 at least 4 participants.
Inclusions: 16 days (15 nights) good upscale hotels, all meals, motorcycles / gasoline, baggage car, all entrance fees.
Not included: drinks, gratuities, other purchases.
