Nuwara Eliya Highlands Cycling Tour from Kandy
Active
5h - 6h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This half-day cycling tour will take you on a thrilling and challenging ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Start from the Ceylon Tea Museum and cycle through verdant tea fields. Travel over steep rocky trails, gravel lanes, wide smooth concrete roads, and wilderness. Pass through Galaha, Pupuressa, Ramboda and finally end at Nuwara Eliya. Stop by the Damro Tea Factory along the way for a nice cup of hot tea.
Available options
Per Person
Pickup included
What's included
Refreshments and water.
Bikes - Scott Aspect hard tails with hydraulic brake
Back up vehicle.
Service of an well experienced English-speaking cycling guide.
Detailed itinerary
1
You will be starting your tour at 7:00 am from your hotel in Kandy. Your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the Ceylon Tea Museum, which was once the Hantana Tea Factory. You will find that it is too early for the museum to be open
2
Your guide will also bring the bikes, helmets and other necessary safety equipment. The bike ride will start there and take you through the Hantana Tea Estate. This is now an area of abandoned tea trees and narrow wild trails. You will see many birds and will be refreshed by the fresh cool air.
3
Your ride will take you through the small villages of Galaha and Pupuressa. The area is quite beautiful and filled with nature. You will travel over steep challenging inclines and proper carpeted roads. You will be able to view colorful tea pluckers at work and take photos at locations with fantastic views.
4
Once you get to Ramboda, you will be able to choose whether you wish to continue cycling till the end or, if you feel tired, travel the rest of the way on the support vehicle. At Ramboda you will pass through Delta Tea Estate and go on cycling along the A5 main road. Along the way, you will stop at the Damro Tea Factory for a short break and some delicious fresh and aromatic Sri Lankan Tea.
At approximately noon, you will get to Nuwara Eliya completing your tour.
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Multi terrain cycling tour with distance of 50 - 70 km.
Difficulty Rating: 7 / 10
About Kandy
Kandy, the last royal capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Nestled in the hills, it offers a cooler climate and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. It's a major attraction for both locals and tourists.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)
A picturesque lake in the heart of Kandy, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a boat ride. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic sites.
Nature
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (boat rides may have a small fee)
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
One of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia, featuring a vast collection of plants, trees, and flowers. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.
Nature
2-3 hours
Moderate
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
A forest reserve adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, offering a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for guided tours)
Kandy Esala Perahera
A grand festival held annually in August, featuring a vibrant procession of dancers, drummers, and elegantly decorated elephants. It's one of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka.
Cultural
Multiple days
Free (special seating may have a fee)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kottu Roti
A popular street food made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.
Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
Rice and Curry
A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, meat, and fish curries.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
Hoppers (Appa)
A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg cooked in the center.
Breakfast/Dinner
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.
String Hoppers (Idiyappa)
A traditional dish made from rice flour and coconut milk, steamed to form a bowl-like shape, often served with coconut sambal.
Breakfast/Lunch
Vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Elephant watching
Tea plantation tours
Boat rides on Kandy Lake
Tea tasting
Spas and wellness centers
Visiting temples and historic sites
Attending cultural performances
Best Time to Visit
January to April
This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Esala Perahera festival in August is a major highlight.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Sinhala, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Kandy is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- Bandaranayake International Airport • 100 km
By train
Kandy Railway Station
By bus
Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Kandy. They are affordable but can be crowded and uncomfortable for long journeys.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PickMe
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central Kandy
Peradeniya
Daluwala
Day trips
Nuwara Eliya
65 km • Full day
Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a cooler climate.
Sigiriya
100 km • Full day
Home to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climb to the top offers stunning views and a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history.
Dambulla
80 km • Full day
Home to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five beautifully decorated caves with numerous Buddha statues and murals.
Festivals
Esala Perahera • August
Vesak • May (date varies)
Kandy Perehera • August (following the Esala Perahera)
Pro tips
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
- Take the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy for a memorable experience.
- Try local street food like kottu roti and wood apple juice for an authentic culinary experience.
- Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of Kandy's history and culture.
- Attend a cultural dance show to experience the rich traditions and heritage of the region.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
