MOTORCYCLE TOURS SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean just south of India, is a country full of contrasts, rich culture, and diverse landscapes. Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, it offers travelers incredible experiences – from beaches and lush jungles to mountain peaks. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible to tourists from around the world.

Motorcycle Routes and Off-Road Trails in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a dream destination for motorcycle tours and off-road adventures. The roads are full of scenic landscapes, leading through vast tea plantations, tropical forests, and along the coasts of the Indian Ocean. Popular motorcycle routes include riding through the Central Highlands, including areas like Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and along mountain roads with views of tea plantations.

Is Sri Lanka a Good Country for Motorcycle Tours?

Absolutely. Motorcycle routes in Sri Lanka offer a variety of terrains – from paved, winding mountain roads to sandy and muddy trails, which are perfect for off-road adventures. The country is known for its well-maintained roadsconnecting cities and villages, while also offering plenty of opportunities to explore less-traveled paths and local trails.

The places we visit during our motorcycle adventures are carefully selected, but each route can differ depending on the specific tour. Regardless of which journey you choose, you will always have the chance to explore the most beautiful and spectacular corners of Sri Lanka!

REGIONS AND PLACES TO DISCOVER DURING UNFORGETTABLE TOURS IN SRI LANKA

Descriptions of regions and places you can explore during unforgettable motorcycle tours in Sri Lanka:

Central Province

The Central Province is the heart of Sri Lanka’s mountain landscapes, filled with green hills, tea plantations, and historical monuments. Major cities include Kandy, famous for the Temple of the Tooth, and Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England” due to its colonial architecture and cooler climate. Matale offers fascinating routes through lush forests and historic temples. This region is ideal for motorcycle tours, exploring winding roads among hills, and off-roading in the Knuckles Range National Park.

Uva Province

The Uva region, with its scenic towns of Badulla and Ella, is known for its spectacular waterfalls and tea plantations. Ella offers breathtaking views of valleys, the Nine Arch Bridge, and Lipton’s Seat. This area is perfect for motorcycle adventures and off-road routes through mountainous terrain.

Southern Province

The Southern Province is a paradise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Galle, with its historic Dutch fort, Matara, and Tangalle offer beautiful beaches ideal for relaxation and water sports. This region also serves as a base for safaris in Yala National Park, where you can admire wildlife such as elephants and leopards.

North-Central Province

This region is full of ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These locations offer a wealth of monuments, temples, and ruins of ancient palace complexes. The region is also perfect for off-road and motorcycle tours, offering routes through historic lands and lush forests.

Eastern Province

Known for its pristine beaches like Arugam Bay and Trincomalee, this province is popular among surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Off-road trails lead through tropical forests and smaller villages, offering opportunities to explore traditional culture and wildlife.

Sabaragamuwa Province

Ratnapura, the gem capital, is known for its sapphire and ruby mines. This region is also home to Udawalawe National Park, where you can admire wild elephants, and Adam’s Peak, a mountain pilgrimage site offering spectacular views of the island’s panorama. Motorcycle and off-road routes lead through picturesque valleys and hilly terrain.

Northern Province

The region encompassing Jaffna is less developed for tourism, making it ideal for off-road adventures and discovering untouched beaches and local traditions. Motorcycle routes pass through remote villages, where you can experience local culture and cuisine.

Western Province

Colombo, the country’s capital, and Negombo are key points on Sri Lanka’s tourist map. Colombo is a vibrant city full of modern buildings, markets, and restaurants, while Negombo is known for its beautiful beaches and canals. The region offers varied motorcycle routes along the coast.

North Western Province

This region includes towns like Kurunegala and Puttalam, where you can enjoy a mix of mountain and coastal landscapes. The area is popular among off-road enthusiasts, motorcycle tours, and bird watchers at the Puttalam Lagoon.

Exceptional Towns and Villages:

• Haputale – A town with panoramic views of tea plantations.

• Tissamaharama – A starting point for safaris in Yala National Park.

• Kataragama – A sacred town visited by followers of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

• Weligama and Hikkaduwa – Ideal for surfers and coral reef enthusiasts.

FACTS AND ATTRACTIONS IN SRI LANKA

Sigiriya (Lion Rock)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this impressive ancient fortress atop a rock offers fascinating frescoes, palace ruins, and breathtaking views of the surrounding jungles. It’s a perfect stop during motorcycle exploration of Sri Lanka, combining historical and adventurous experiences.

Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

Located in Kandy, this temple is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism, housing a relic of the Buddha’s tooth. It’s a unique stop on your route, combining motorcycle adventures with a spiritual atmosphere.

Yala National Park

Known for its large population of leopards, Yala offers incredible safaris where you can also see elephants, crocodiles, and many bird species. A visit here is a great way to combine motorcycle tours with wildlife observation.

Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)

A towering pilgrimage site for various religions, renowned for the footprint at the summit, attributed to Buddha, Adam, or Shiva. Trekking to the top at sunrise offers magical views and unforgettable experiences.

Galle Fort

A colonial town and fort built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. An ideal place for a motorcycle trip combined with exploring architecture and culture.

Anuradhapura

An ancient city full of historic stupas, temples, and palaces, being one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. A perfect spot for history enthusiasts during a motorcycle expedition.

Polonnaruwa

Another ancient city with impressive temple ruins and Buddha statues. Visiting this place is like a journey to the past, which will fascinate both history lovers and adventure seekers.

Nuwara Eliya

Known as “Little England”, this town is surrounded by tea plantations and colonial buildings. Motorcycle routes in this area are scenic and offer spectacular views of green hills.

Ella

A popular mountain town known for the Nine Arch Bridge, waterfalls, and Ella Rock summit. It’s a perfect place for trekking and motorcycle adventures.

Udawalawe National Park

Famous for its large population of wild elephants, offering safaris where you can see these majestic animals up close. Motorcycle routes in this area allow you to explore the beauty of southern Sri Lanka.

Kandy Lake

Picturesquely located in the heart of Kandy, the lake is ideal for relaxing walks or rides along its shores, enjoying views of the city and hills.

Trincomalee

Known for its beautiful beaches and natural harbor, it’s an ideal place for relaxation and water sports, such as diving and snorkeling. Motorcycle tours to Trincomalee offer a blend of adventure and relaxation.

Arugam Bay

A world-class surfing spot, attracting water sports enthusiasts from around the world. A perfect destination for relaxation after intense motorcycle rides.

Jaffna

The cultural hub of the north, full of Tamil temples and colonial monuments. It’s a place for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Horton Plains and World’s End

A plateau with trekking trails leading to a spectacular cliff drop of 870 meters. It’s a perfect place for an off-road adventure combined with breathtaking views.

Dambulla (Dambulla Cave Temples)

Cave temples carved into rocks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring hundreds of Buddha statues and wall paintings. A motorcycle ride to Dambulla offers a journey through beautiful landscapes and historical sites.

Minneriya National Park

Known for its large herds of elephants, which can be seen during safaris. It’s a great place for wildlife enthusiasts, located on the route between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Tangalle

A coastal town with beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxation after an exciting motorcycle expedition along the southern coast.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

An orphanage for elephants, where you can watch feeding and bathing of these majestic animals in the river.

Mirissa

A popular destination on the southern coast, known for whale and dolphin watching, as well as beautiful beaches.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean, is characterized by a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C, and the climate is shaped by two main monsoons:

• Southwest Monsoon (Yala): Lasts from May to September, bringing rainfall to the southern and western coasts as well as the central regions of the island.

• Northeast Monsoon (Maha): Occurs from October to January, affecting the northern and eastern parts of the country.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka:

• Southern and Western Coasts and Central Regions: Best conditions are from December to March, when rainfall is minimal.

• Northern and Eastern Parts of the Island: Best to visit from May to September, when the weather is drier.

CUISINE IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lankan cuisine is a rich blend of flavors and aromas, combining Indian, Arabic, Malay, and European influences. Many dishes are based on rice, often served with a variety of curries, both meaty and vegetarian. Coconut, in the form of milk or freshly grated pulp, adds creamy texture and subtle sweetness to many dishes.

Popular Dishes:

• Rice and Curry: A traditional meal consisting of rice and various types of curry, often served with side dishes like sambol (spicy salad) or papadam (crispy flatbread).

• Hoppers (Appa): Thin pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, served sweet or savory, often with an egg in the center.

• Kottu Roti: Chopped roti bread stir-fried with vegetables, meat, or egg, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.

• Lamprais: A dish of rice, meat, and vegetables steamed in a banana leaf, influenced by Dutch cuisine.

Sri Lanka also offers a variety of tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple, banana, papaya, mangosteen, and rambutan, which make a perfect addition to the local dishes.