Motorcycle tour Sri Lanka 21 days

Day 1 Departure to Sri Lanka Negombo

Today you will board the plane and leave the world behind for a while.
In 21 days you will return - with stories in your heart, dust on your soul and memories you will carry with you forever.
This is not just any trip. This is an adventure that will never let you go.

Day 2 Arrival Colombo/Negombo

Arrival in Sri Lanka - Welcome to Negombo

Depending on the airline, you will arrive in the morning or afternoon at the airport of Colombo. From here it is only a short drive of about 20 minutes to our hotel in the cozy center of Negombo.

In the afternoon, the motorcycles will be delivered and we will meet the mechanic and driver who will accompany us throughout the trip.

We spend the night right by the sea, in a comfortable hotel with pool, bar and restaurant. This is where your journey really begins - with your feet in the sand and the sound of the ocean in the background. Vacation feeling: to.

Day 3 From Negombo to Kalpitiya: tranquility, palm trees and coastal atmosphere

After breakfast, we leave the hustle and bustle of Negombo behind us. Soon it gets quieter on the road - especially once we turn off the main road and onto the smaller, more relaxed back roads.

We follow a stretch of coastal road, past numerous shrimp farms and local fishing villages. Then it continues unpaved, across an oasis of palm tree plantations, heading north.

Our destination is Kalpitiya - a region on the rise among kite- and windsurfers, with a relaxed atmosphere and many small-scale resorts. We spend the night at a resort right by the lagoon. Walk to the beach, plop down in a hammock, or watch the surfers play with the wind. This is Sri Lanka at its best: quiet, warm and full of character.

Day 4 Kalpitiya to Dambulla ( rice fields, water tanks and hidden roads )

Today we head east during this wonderful motorcycle journey through Sri Lanka. Soon we leave the main road behind and dive into the small, remote back roads. The asphalt gets less tight here and occasionally we drive over a stretch of dirt road - exactly what makes this ride so fun and varied.

We drive through a region full of ancient water tanks (artificial lakes) and endless rice fields. This part of the motorcycle tour Sri Lanka shows a very different side of the country: quiet, green and authentic. The horizon is vast, with here and there a small village that seems to emerge from nowhere.

A day full of peace, space and true Sri Lankan rural views - exactly why this motorcycle vacations Sri Lanka is so special.

At the end of the day, we arrive at our overnight spot: a fine hotel with pool and pool bar - Perfect for cooling off with a drink in hand and ending the day relaxed.

Day 5 Dambulla stay ( Sigiriya Rock temple )

Today we stay an extra day in Dambulla, and for good reason. There is an awful lot to see and do in this region.

Within walking distance of the hotel is the impressive Golden Temple, with the famous Cave temples of Dambulla. This historic Buddhist temple complex is a true treasure trove: ancient caves with more than 2,100 square meters of colorful murals, showing, among other things, the story of Buddha's seduction by the demon Mara. A place that still feels deeply spiritual.

In the afternoon, you can choose to take a ride of about 20 kilometers to the iconic Sigiriya Rock - one of Sri Lanka's most impressive sights and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This giant rock proudly rises above the landscape, and on top you will find the remains of a royal palace, citadel and ancient gardens with moats. During the climb you will pass the famous Mirror Wall with frescoes of "cloud maidens," and the remains of the Lion's Gate - where the name Sigiriya (Lion Rock) comes from.

A day filled with spirituality, history and breathtaking views.

And tonight? We finish relaxing by the pool or at the hotel's pool bar. Just recovering from all the beauty.

Day 6 Dambulla to Polonnaruwa ( along lakes and traditional evening meal )

For those who attended yesterday's Golden Temple and the caves of Dambulla has not yet visited, there is still a chance to do so in the morning. It remains a magical place that really should not be missed.

After lunch, we got back on our bikes for a relatively short ride of about 2.5 hours direction Polonnaruwa. We follow quiet roads along the historic Angammedilla Canal and the serene Giritale Wewa Lake, with the occasional curious monkey or water buffalo along the side of the road.

We spend the night in an attractive hotel on the outskirts of Polonnaruwa, surrounded by vast rice fields Which glow golden in the evening sun.

And then dinner ... that will be an evening to remember. About 6 kilometers out of town, we drive along a narrow dark path toward a secluded restaurant where a authentic Sri Lankan festive meal is waiting for us. Our host gets almost everything from his own garden, and his wife transforms it into a table full of scents, colors and flavors that will make you lick your fingers. A culinary experience, pure and homemade - exactly as it should be.

Day 7 Polonnaruwa to Trincomolee ( past villages, elephants and endless rice fields )

Today we continue eastward, via narrow secondary roads where daily life takes place right along the route. We pass landscaped channels where locals wash, do laundry or just cool off, and drive past sprawling rice fields that seem to merge into the horizon.

Then things get more adventurous: we leave the asphalt and dive into the eastern part of the Somawathiya National Park in. Here we drive unpaved and with any luck we'll see another wild elephant in the distance - an impressive sight in this rugged, unspoiled area.

After a short stretch of main road, we turn off again for a beautiful drive over off-road trails, right through the heart of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Rice fields, small villages and pure silence accompany us to our destination.

We spend the night just outside Trincomalee, in a luxury hotel with pool, located on a quiet river that flows into the Indian Ocean. Time to stop, take a dip and enjoy the comfort after a day of adventure.

 Day 8 Trincomolee to Pasikudah ( Off-road adventure through elephant territory and villages to the coast )

We start the day with a real morning full of adventure: off-road right through the heart of the Somawathiya National Park. Here narrow, dense trails alternate with wide, sandy roads where we can drive briskly. This is the habitat of wild elephants, and there is a real chance of encountering a few along the way - an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

After this rough start, we take a stretch of the paved thoroughfare, but ... as you've come to expect from us, we regularly seek out the smaller ones, unpaved paths up again. We meander through quiet villages, along water tanks (large lakes built for irrigation) and again those endless, restful rice fields.

At the end of the day, a wonderful luxury hotel by the sea, with a pool where you wash off the dust as you watch the sun slowly sink into the ocean. A deserved moment of rest after a day full of natural beauty, dusty roads and real discoveries.

Day 9 Pasikudah to Mahiyangana ( Deep into the unknown interior )

Also today we do not choose the easy way. Soon we leave the main road and go unpaved the inland of Sri Lanka. We drive through a distinctly less developed part of the country, where time seems to have stood still. Few people live here, and the open plains with vast rice fields provide a special sense of space and tranquility.

This is a real off-road route - pure and challenging. Some pieces may smooth or heavier are when the ground is wet, which only adds to the adventure.

After this beautiful stretch of nature, we take the main road to Mahiyangana. This town is far off the beaten tourist trails, and that is exactly what makes it so interesting. The atmosphere is relaxed, the environment unspoiled. We stay here two nights, giving you plenty of time to take in this special place.

A day with dust on your boots, a smile on your face and the feeling that you have landed in the real Sri Lanka.

Day 10 Mahiyangana stay ( special safari )

Today we'll let the bikes rest for a while, but that certainly doesn't mean the adventure stops. On the contrary - this will be a day full of unique encounters and pure nature experiences.

In the morning, we will visit the Veddas, Sri Lanka's oldest indigenous tribe. This encounter is more than a cultural outing: it is a glimpse into a traditional lifestyle which has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. You will hear stories of hunting with bow and arrow, medicinal plants and their deep connection to nature - an impressive and respectful experience.

Later in the day, we pull the wilderness of Maduru Oya National Park in for a safari. This park is still undiscovered by mass tourism, which means we have the kingdom almost to ourselves. Here live still wild elephants, free and undisturbed. Around sunset they emerge from the woods, often in small groups - and that very moment, with the last warm light of the day and the stillness of evening slowly setting in, makes this a magical moment.

A day that touches you - by the people you meet, and by the nature that makes you forget for a moment that there is any world at all beyond all this.

Day 11 Mahiyangana to Kandy ( Temple of Tooth )

After a good breakfast, we start our trek toward the impressive Knuckles Forest Reserve. We take the old mountain road uphill, winding through a landscape of pristine nature. The ascent is spectacular, and we take all the time we need on the way dwell on the views - breathtaking panoramas of valleys, misty peaks and the deep green of the jungle.

But we are not done yet. Before we reach Kandy, we make another extra loop through rolling tea plantations - a ride that makes you feel as if you are driving through a postcard. The smell of fresh tea, the rhythmic picking of leaves, and the gently undulating fields make it an almost hypnotic experience.

Once arrived in Kandy, we immerse ourselves in the spiritual soul of the island. By tuk tuk we visit the world-famous Temple of the Tooth, a sacred place where Buddha's tooth is kept. This relic has not only religious but also historical and political significance - for centuries it was believed that whoever possesses the tooth has the right to rule the country.

Afterwards, you can wander around the vibrant center of Kandy, with its markets full of colors, smells and local activity.

Our hotel is not far from downtown and offers a wonderful view over the valley. A perfect place to end the day and prepare for what is to come.

Day 12 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya ( From city bustle to colonial tranquility )

We start the day with a solid dose of reality: Driving out of Kandy means diving into hectic traffic, complete with honking tuk tuks, smoking old buses and a joyful chaos of people, markets and movement. But strangely enough, this is also part of the charm of Sri Lanka - you feel for a moment that you are in the middle of everyday life.

After a while we say goodbye to the crowds. We climb a mountain pass with 18 hairpin turns, and with each turn it becomes calmer and greener. We turn off and find our way again across the narrow, rural roads, this time surrounded by a sea of rice fields glistening in the sunlight.

We drive through the Victoria Randenigala Rantembe Sanctuary, an area where nature and peace prevail, and start climbing again. The fresh air announces that we are going up again - and yes, there they are again: the tea plantations, vast and enchanting as ever.

In the early afternoon we arrive at our hotel, just outside Nuwara Eliya. The rest of the day is up to you: visit the beautiful Pedro Tea Estate, where tea has been produced since 1885 - a step back in time. Then we take a tuk tuk to the atmospheric center of Nuwara Eliya. This city is not called 'Little England' mentioned. You will find here old British colonial houses and hotels, like the famous Grand Hotel, where you can have a perfect cup of tea or coffee in style.

We end the day with a delicious dinner at a authentic colonial building, where the atmosphere and food make you feel that you have landed in another place AND in another time.

Day 13 Nuwara Eliya to Ella ( Over mountain passes and tea fields )

After a chilly morning in Nuwara Eliya, we continue our journey. Soon we leave the main road behind us and we once again dive into the green sea of tea plantations. The air is fresh, the silence deep - only the sound of our engines and the rustling of leaves.

As we climb, narrows the road and the asphalt becomes less and less - the charm of off-road riding in its purest form. Just over the mountain top we take a narrow path making its way through dense forest, before it leads us past small villages where life revolves around tea picking. Here children wave after us, and you can see the daily life of people living in harmony with the land.

We swing on toward Ella, and if the weather cooperates, we'll get a breathtaking view of the valley. The road winds its way past cliffs and plantations - a drive that will excite your senses and make your heart beat faster.

Ella is a cozy, relaxed village with a laid-back backpacker vibe, nice restaurants and a great location. Known for the Nine Arch Bridge, the Ella Rock and surrounding waterfalls, it is a place where you let go of time for a while.

We spend the night just outside the center, in the middle of the woods, with a phenomenal views of the surrounding mountains. The tranquility, views and scents of the forest make this a magical place to end the day.

Day 14 Ella to Tissamaharama ( To the south, among mountains, elephants and rice fields )

After a good breakfast, we leave the mountainous landscape of Ella behind us, but not without first enjoying the quiet, winding roads winding through the hills. The morning light makes the tea plantations almost golden - a final greeting from the highlands.

We take a narrow, winding road down, which eventually connects us to the larger road heading south. Here the landscape changes slowly - from fresh green mountains to plains of barren grass, dusty paths and sweltering heat.

We traverse the Lunugamvehera National Park, a vast area where nature still rules. Keep your eyes peeled: elephants can just cross the road here - an impressive and at the same time moving experience to encounter these giants in their natural habitat.

Our destination today is Tissamaharama, but we sleep just outside the town, where our small houses hidden among the rice fields. A hidden oasis of tranquility. With a lovely garden, a cooling pool, and the sound of birds in the background, it feels like time goes just a little slower here. The perfect place to relax and recharge.

Day 15 Tissamaharama to Udalawale ( Morning among the predators and an evening under the stars )

For the early risers among us, today there is a optional safari on the program in Yala National Park - one of Sri Lanka's most famous natural parks. To visit 04:30 we leave quietly with the jeep while the world is still asleep. The stars are still in the sky as we drive along dark roads toward the park boundary.

Yala is popular and touristy, but with good reason: in addition to elephants, it is also home to leopards, crocodiles, water buffalo and numerous exotic birds. Excitement rises at every turn in the route - what will we see today?

Around noon we are back. Time to have lunch, talk about what we've seen, and then we get back on the motorcycles for a short but adventurous ride. We ride mostly off-road, by forests, along quiet canals and traverse several small parks. This part is pure and raw, it smells of earth and trees, and sometimes you can see monkeys disappearing among the leaves.

Our final destination today is Udawalawe National Park, where we don't sleep in an ordinary hotel, but in a unique overnight spot: luxury tents on stilts in the middle of a wooded area. The showers are outside, under the open sky - a magical experience. And there is a pool To cool off after today's dusty ride.

A campfire, stars overhead and the sounds of the jungle in the background... THIS is the real adventure.

Day 16 Udalawale to Mirissa ( elephant weather house )

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we begin the day with a special visit: the elephant orphanage near our overnight stop. Here, young and injured elephants are taken in, cared for and prepared for a return to the wild. It is a impressive and moving experience to see these beautiful animals up close - and realize how much care is needed to give them a second chance.

After this special visit, we get back on our motorcycles for the ride south. Once again we choose the small roads, which takes us right through palm tree plantations, rice fields and rural villages lead. The smell of tropical fruit, the smiles of children playing along the road, and the warm breeze make for a relaxing ride.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Mirissa, a tropical coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere. Here you can feel the ocean before you see it. Our hotel is just 300 meters from the beach, and in the immediate vicinity you will find cozy restaurants, beach bars and hammocks among the palm trees.

Time to put on your flip-flops, order a cold drink and watch the sun slowly sink into the sea. You smell the salt water, you hear the waves breaking ... this is the ultimate vacation feeling.

Day 17 Mirissa stay ( Free day at tropical beach )

Today is all about your pace, your choices, your moment. No helmet, no motorcycle - unless you want to, of course. You have a free day at the tropical beach of Mirissa, where, with your feet in the sand and a fresh coconut in your hand, you can become totally absorbed in the moment. Nothing is required, everything is allowed.

Fancy some action?
Then grab the local train towards Galle, an atmospheric town 40 kilometers away. The colonial charm of the old fort, built by the VOC in 1663, oozes history. Wander through narrow streets, discover hip coffee shops and admire the mix of European and Asian influences. A perfect combination of culture and adventure!

Prefer the open water?
For those who want to experience the ultimate nature moment: early morning boats leave from the coast for an unforgettable whale and dolphin excursion. After about two hours of boating, you are in the habitat of, among others. the blue whale - The world's largest animal - and with some luck you'll see it breathe, dive, disappear into the depths ... a magical sight that will give you goosebumps.

Or ... just stay right where you are. Beach, sun, sea, a good book, a cool drink - let time stand still for a moment.

Whatever you choose today, this is your day in paradise.

Day 18 Mirissa to Deniyaya ( Tropical rainforest )

We leave the tropical south coast behind and open the throttle toward the mountainous interior. The sea slowly disappears from view and gives way to endless rice fields, which cover the hills like green carpets. The further we climb, the cooler the air becomes and the narrower the roads. Slowly, the first tea plantations also reappear - silent proof that we are once again entering a different climate and landscape.

After a relaxed ride of about 3 hours we arrive early in the afternoon in a special setting: the Sinharaja Rain Forest National Park. This pristine rainforest is a true paradise for nature lovers. Here no traffic, no crowds - only the sounds of birds, monkeys and the rustling of leaves. An oasis of peace, where you will fall asleep at night with the symphony of the jungle around you.

After lunch we set out: a guided jungle track of about 3 hours Takes you through the dense forest. Your eyes and ears will be working overtime. Have your camera ready for unusual birds, tropical plants and maybe a cheeky monkey or two.

But ... be warned: your biggest "friend" on the road? The leech. Small, tough and always looking for an elevator. But oh well, it's part of the adventure, right?

Day 19 Deniyaya to Kitulgala

After a night surrounded by the gentle whistling of birds and the rustling of the jungle, we begin the day with a leisurely breakfast as nature slowly awakens around us. The tropical sounds are like music in the background - as if the jungle wants to give us one last serenade before we move on.

We ride through a beautiful mountain and wooded area, where the fresh morning air tickles your senses. Slowly we descend through picturesque hairpin bends, overlooking valleys shrouded in mist and rays of sunlight seeping between the trees.

For a moment we hit the main road, but as you've come to expect from us, we quickly find the peace again. We turn off in the direction of Kitulgala, a beautifully situated village in a hilly, densely forested area.

Our overnight spot is unique: open cottages right on the river, where you literally sleep with the sounds of running water and the nightlife of the jungle in the background. Here you don't have to do anything to relax - nature does the work for you.

Day 20 Kitulgala to Negombo ( rafting )

The morning in Kitulgala begins with the sound of lapping water and singing birds - a natural alarm clock that reminds you how special this trip has been. This region is known for its whitewater adventures, and for those who want to end the trip with an extra dose of adrenaline, this is the time to take on the rough waters of the Kelani River to brave. With helmet and paddle, you'll brave the rapids surrounded by lush greenery - a memory that will quicken your heart rate for a long time to come.

After lunch under the shade of tropical foliage, we get on our motorcycles for the last time. The motorcycle hums like a faithful companion that has already given you so many unforgettable moments. We leave the mountains behind and ride on quiet back roads to Negombo. The asphalt takes us past rice fields, small villages and swaying palms. We avoid the crowds as much as possible, as if to hold the peace for a while longer.

Arriving at the hotel where it all began feels like coming full circle. There is a certain melancholy - the trip is over - but also a deep sense of accomplishment. In the evening, we gather for a joint farewell dinner, where stories are shared, laughter is shared about adventures along the way, and perhaps even dreams of the next trip are already forming.

The journey ends ... but the memories? They remain for life.

Day 21 Departure and arrival home