Detailed Cycling Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Belihuloya
SCHEDULE
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Arrival in Belihuloya.
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Dinner and overnight stay River Garden Resort (HB).
Nestled amidst the beautiful hill country, Belihuloya is a picturesque little town located in Sabaragamuwa province, 616 metres above sea level. The beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country and making it one of the richest bio-diversity spots in Sri Lanka - and an ideal location for nature lovers! Belihuloya is perfectly in tune with nature and provides a gorgeous setting for all sorts of adventures from climbing to canoeing and trekking. Here, you can enjoy the scenic waterfalls, historic sites, and nature trails.
Day 2
Day 2 - Cycling Trail to Kosgama(FB)
SCHEDULE
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Early breakfast at the hotel.
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Start the cycling trail to Kosgama at 7:00 am.
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Lunch at River Garden Resort.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the River Garden Resort (FB).
CYCLING DISTANCE: 22 kms (to Kosgama and back via Ambalathenna and Marangahawela)
DURATION: 4 - 5 hrs
GRADING: Soft / Moderate
Today, you will take an early departure to a 33 km cycling trail takes you through small towns and villages, paddy fields and forest patches. The first section is rather easy 9 km ride River Garden Resort to Ambalanthenna along the main road and past the Sabaragamuwa University. From Ambalanthenna onwards, the trail continues on smaller and rougher roads in the forests before entering the village of Kosgama, surrounded by beautiful sceneries over the paddy fields. And then comes the real challenge - the 6 km steep uphill ride from Kosgama to Marangahawela. Here, the lush forests will provide you with a cool shade and, after the tiring climb, you will get to enjoy an easy 12 km downhill ride from Marangahawela back to River Garden Resort along the main road.
Day 3
Day 3 - Horton Plains – Bambarakanda Falls
SCHEDULE
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Early departure to Horton Plains with packed breakfast.
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Arrival in the Horton Plains National Park around 7:00 am.
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6 km trail to Baker’s Falls and World’s End.
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Lunch will be provided in a suitable location.
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Cycling trail to Bambarakanda Waterfall.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the River Garden Resort (FB).
TREKKING DISTANCE: 6 km trail in Horton Plains National Park
GRADING: Soft
CYCLING DISTANCE: 15/21 kms to Bambarakanda Waterfall, and 20 km back to Belihuloya
GRADING: Moderate / Hard
The famous Horton Plains is a nature reserve characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, forests, and grassland. The highest plateau in the island, spanning approximately 10,000 hectares, is home to 24 species of mammal - such as elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine, and leopard.
More about the trekking trail in Horton Plains:
In Horton Plains, you will first visit the Baker’s Falls. To reach them, you will deviate from the main trail and go approximately 500m on a steep downward path. From the waterfall, you will continue to the World’s End - the famous escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands of the southern region of the island. When the clouds clear up, the misty cliffs boast a fabulous view of the tea estates below and all the way out to the distant southern coastline.
After the trek in the national park, you will head on to Bambarakanda Waterfalls, 21 kms from the park’s entrance. You may go all the way by bike or car, or take the vehicle for the first 6 kms to Udaweriya Estate Junction and start cycling from there.
The 15-km trail from Udaweriya to Bambarakanda, going through Kingslyn and West Haputale Estates, is demanding, but the sceneries at the majestic waterfall will be the most rewarding! Bordered by steep rocks and dark green forests, the 240-meter-high Bambarakanda is Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall, and you may have refreshing bath in the deep pool underneath it.
From the waterfalls, you will cycle 6 kms to Kalupahana, from where you may go by car, or cycle, 14 kms back to River Garden Resort.
Day 4
Day 4 - Departure
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Canoëing in Samanalawewa.
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Departure.
Surrounded by rugged mountain sceneries, the still calm waters of the Samanalawewa reservoir offer an idyllic location for canoëing. Whether you want to go for a relaxed little paddle for a couple of hours, venture out to the mouth of the Belihuloya River or spend an entire day exploring the perimeter of the reservoir, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. A well-experienced guide will provide you with the right technics, safety instructions and modern life jacket.
