Sri Lanka Motorcycle Tour with Dylan Wickrama

‍We leave bustling Negombo and head northeast into the interior. The traffic soon becomes lighter, and the roads wind through coconut plantations. Later, the area becomes hillier, and rubber plantations replace the palm trees. Our destination is the Leaf Hotel, nestled in a wide valley near the Olu Ella Waterfall, which is part of a cinnamon plantation. Sri Lanka is the world’s second-largest cinnamon producer, and we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Ceylon cinnamon—the true cinnamon that originally comes from Sri Lanka.

‍From Olu Ella, we continue northwards through lush green hill country. Tea and rubber plantations alternate along the way. We stop for lunch in a small village amidst a landscape of lakes. Here, we visit a family known to Dylan and learn more about their life. It’s one of the many encounters we’ll have on this trip, as Dylan enjoys sharing the stories of his compatriots with you. In the evening, we reach the busier town of Kurunegala, but fortunately, our hotel is located outside the town.

The route today doesn’t look far on the map. However, as we avoid main roads as much as possible, Dylan takes us on smaller roads through unspoiled landscapes. Along the way, we encounter rice farmers and, likely for the first time, elephant tracks. It’s also good to arrive in Sigiriya not too late, so we have enough time for a short hike to enjoy the sunset. The view of the Lion Rock (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the seemingly endless jungle, and the setting sun are well worth the effort.

‍We are now in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Before breakfast, while it’s still cool and not crowded with tourists, we visit the impressive cave temples of Dambulla. Getting up early is worth it, as the temples are serene in the morning. We can have breakfast like the locals at a small eatery. Afterwards, we ride our motorcycles to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those interested can explore this extensive site by motorcycle in the afternoon. In the evening, we have the opportunity to visit a friend of Dylan’s, a monk at a monastery, who provides us with a unique insight into temple life.

‍It’s time for a change from culture to nature. We head into the truly high mountains, and Sri Lanka is the land of a thousand curves! We enjoy the winding roads and the cooler temperatures as we ride through an agricultural region. Shortly before reaching our beautifully located chalet, which will be our home for the next two days, those who wish can tackle and enjoy a challenging off-road section.

‍From the terrace, we see a completely different landscape. The cool climate in the Knuckles Mountains National Park even requires a long-sleeved sweater for breakfast. The day is free for hiking tours or a motorcycle trip down to Meemure, Sri Lanka’s oldest village. Along the way, we observe the changing climate zones. Dense pine forests in the mountains transition to rice paddies in the valley, where it’s warm enough to swim in the river. It’s a beautiful day with stunning views of mountain peaks and rugged valleys.

‍The day involves a mix of ascending and descending roads. Initially, we feel like we’re in the Alps on the famous 18-Bend Road, Sri Lanka’s most impressive hairpin road—except for the monkeys along the roadside and the refreshing coconuts waiting for us at the bottom. But we don’t stay low for long. To reach Nuwara Eliya, we climb back up, arriving in the heart of the tea-growing region. If British colonial influence is visible anywhere in Sri Lanka, it’s here. The architecture in this cool region stands out from the rest of the country, and the mist that often rolls in is reminiscent of English weather. Ideal conditions for the world-famous Ceylon tea.

‍Today, we visit a tea factory to learn about the journey of tea leaves from plant to teabag. During the subsequent motorcycle tour through the tea plantations, we watch tea pickers at work and may even try it ourselves—realizing how challenging the job is! Afterwards, adventurous riders can tackle the challenging Devil’s Staircase towards Ella. Those who prefer a relaxed pace can take the support vehicle straight to Ella, a popular backpacker hub known for its scenic train routes, the impressive Nine Arches Bridge, and hiking opportunities. With tourism, we also find great coffee here again.

Today, we face a long journey ahead. From the mountains, we descend into the humid jungle climate. We travel through the peaceful Gal Oya Valley National Park, once again entering elephant territory. Today, we experience the greatest and most refreshing contrast of the trip. After the touristy Ella, we head off the beaten track: In Ampara, there are almost no tourists. The region has captured Dylan's heart in recent years with its authenticity and should definitely be shown to you. Since tourism is still in its infancy, the infrastructure is not very developed. We will stay in a simple guesthouse, which is located right on the shore of Lake Malyiadi. For those who wish, they can move their bed outside in the evening. Under an open shelter (including a mosquito net), sleeping is even more comfortable, as once it gets dark, all we hear are the sounds of the jungle.

‍Today, we enjoy the morning on or in the lake. We can paddle out on a raft, watch the fishermen at work, and relax in a hammock. In the late afternoon, we will embark on an exploration tour of the region to hopefully spot and observe elephants in the wild. We will be supported by Dylan’s friend, Viraj, who loves his region and knows it exceptionally well. He is also a folk musician, and if we're lucky, he will visit us in the evening by the lake with his guitar.

From the off-the-beaten-path Ampara, we continue heading north. Today's journey is characterized by water. We pass between lagoons and the sea, and perhaps encounter a few sandy tracks. We can certainly feel how the culture gradually changes. Batticaloa is our first Tamil-influenced city. The food, writing, and temples here look different. Batticaloa has suffered greatly in the past due to war and the tsunami, but today it is a lively city, and at night, we might even hear the mysterious singing fish in the quiet lagoons.

‍Today, there’s plenty of off-road terrain ahead. Those who feel confident can drive from the coast through the jungle inland. For those who prefer tarmac, there is an option to take a longer but easier detour with the support vehicle. In the end, we will be rewarded with a beautiful route along the sea. In the evening, we are staying north of Trincomalee, right by the sea, and will fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

Today is another rest day, but we won’t be bored. In the morning, the fishermen return from their tours, and there is plenty of activity at the fish market and in the narrow streets of the small town. In the afternoon, we will enjoy the beach, relax, or perhaps take a short motorcycle ride along the coast. At 5 p.m., we will visit the colorful Hindu temple Koneswaram for the Puja (a Hindu prayer ritual). The scents of incense and the sound of bells will enchant us. Afterward, we can enjoy the beautiful evening atmosphere over the town. The temple, due to its unique location, offers a stunning view of the coastline with a postcard-perfect ambiance.

‍After breakfast, we head westward, looking forward to a longer off-road tour. Along the way, we will stop in small villages, chat with the locals, and enjoy the red sand under our wheels. Our destination for the day is Anuradhapura. This city was once the capital of Sri Lanka. The many temples and massive stupas (dagobas) are a testament to the long and primarily religious history of this place. At the sacred Bodhi tree, the direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in India, there is a lively atmosphere. In the evening, when the devotees light incense and coconut oil lamps, the atmosphere becomes especially beautiful, and we will take time to visit the 103-meter-high stupa – the largest in the country – and observe the people.

‍Our goal today is the west coast. Just a moment ago, we were on the east coast, and this evening, we will have crossed the entire width of the island! While Trincomalee was Hindu and Anuradhapura Buddhist, today we reach Kalpitiya, where Muslim and Christian cultures merge. Kalpitiya is known among kiters for its wind, as well as its turquoise sea and white sand.

‍We enjoy a final day of rest together in this surreal landscape. We will take it easy, visit a fishing village, and if possible, drive over the sandy peninsula to Uchchimuni Beach. A final highlight!

‍Today, we head south along the coast. One last time, we will enjoy the lush nature and warm hospitality. Afterward, we will head directly to Negombo, where we will return our rental motorcycles and enjoy the last evening together on the beach. However, it will be a bit more challenging: There is no place on the trip where traffic is as dense and stressful as around the Colombo/Negombo region. We will need to focus and be very alert.

You will receive a transfer to the airport. Individual return flight