Cycle The Backroads of Sri Lanka

Our Clients’ Reviews

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Average Review Rating: from 47 reviews.

Mary Russell

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written February 2013
My 4th cycling trip, and by far the most enjoyable. Stunning scenery, wonderful food, long distances big hills.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Visiting the Elephant Orphanage was a very moving experience. Some are victims of the War in Sri Lanka, and are not able to go back to the wild. I was dubious as I do not approve of caged animals, but these elephants are free.
Cycling to the top of Nuwar Eliya. It was the hardest climb I have ever done, and seriously hurty..
Cycling 102KM, the last 6 in a torrential downpour
What did you think of your group leader?
Suresh, the group leader was amazing. He has a very smooth operation going, the trip runs like clockwork. He would organise wake up calls for each room, and would give detailed description of the day and the next section. He was super efficient and took all of the organisational stress out of the trip. He also has a very big heart, and made a very big effort at the end of the trip; there had been 3 birthdays, suresh organised a group cake for the 13 that had not had one. He had an incredible support team also, all very good humoured and very willing to help.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This has to be on your tick list of "must do" trips. The fitter you are before you go the more enjoyable you will find it. Develop a love / tolerance of curry before you go.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be warned, the state of the street dogs in Sri Lanka is heart breaking. Since returning I have learned of a charity that is helping. Google SOS Animal SL
The kids will ask for Pens (and money) take pens!
Robbie Walker-Brown

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written February 2013
A really great trip with a really nice group and a total star in Suresh 'the big Sri Lankan' and his team. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island and the cycle route and places of interest visited was a great way to see the country and get a real feel for the people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
A combination of a great guide and team, a really nice group, amazing wildlife and World Heritage Sites makes this tricky.....however the multi religious site at Katamgara was pretty insprational as was the Dambulla Cave Temple!
What did you think of your group leader?
Suresh was a total star! Nothing was too much trouble, he was supportive, knowledgable and made the holiday that bit special. Even the elephant jokes were in the best spirit of the holiday!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go and enjoy! However, the time of year we went (January/February) means this will be challenging for some because of the heat and humidity. You do need a good level of fitness for the more challenging rides (or ride in the bus!).
Chris Hull

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written January 2013
Sri Lanka is a beautiful and varied country, offering something for everyone. This trip provides a great introduction to these delights. The cycling can be tough on a couple of the days but this only increases the sense of achievement, and there's always the bus ( or train).
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Every day was special on this trip. Be it the unusual Sigiriya, the cultural and beautiful Polonnawura, the spectacular mountainous centre of the country from Kandy, through Nuwara Eliya to Ella, the wildlife, the beaches, the towns or the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
What did you think of your group leader?
Suresh, Upali and Dasun were all great, very attentive caring and fun. A great team.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
You will enjoy this trip most if you are fit. For sure there's a back-up vehicle, but why book on a cycling holiday to sit on a bus.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you haven't visited Sri Lanka, then be sure to add it to your list and don't miss the blue whales.
Barb Gannon

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written January 2013
This is superbly organised, well catered for, has exceptional logistic back-up, well thought through sight seeing and cycling routes and excellent post cycling activities. The fourth cycling holiday we've been on and the best in terms of delivery and customer service. Suresh is a legend, hang on to this "gem", he knows how to ensure your holiday is a fantastic experience. This cycling holiday has set the benchmark and will be hard to top thanks to Surehsh and his team.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I was inspired by a rider who at 58 (and not having had much riding experience), who had suffered breast cancer and leukemia in the previous few years completed the hardest day of the ride doing a 2000m climb to Nuwalia Aya. I was also inspired by Suresh, our Leaders' patience and attention to detail as well as his knowledge and ability to fix up all sorts of issues and problems. No problem was ever too small for him. He always put the riders first and himself last.
What did you think of your group leader?
Suresh our Group Leader is just the best. Words cannot praise his patience in dealing with 14 diverse and sometimes demanding customers. Nothing was too difficult for him to attend to, he catered for everyones needs, consulted when he thought it was appropriate (eg. food choices) and thought about everyone and their requirements. Suresh you "rock" big time. Thanks ever so much for making this holiday pleasant, comfortable and one of the best cycling tours I have been on so far.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Advice - take it easy, it's not a race, slow down and enjoy the "journey" and the vivid scenery. For newbie riders, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate again. A fellow American rider said to us - you Aussies are the Kings of Hydration, we have to be, in 35+ heat in Summer. Many Northern country riders who haven't ridden in hot countries are apt to get caught out. Take at least 2 tubs of gatorade/rehydation fluid (available at most western supermarkets) for the 14 days to re-hydrate and chug it down all day with each refill of water. Take your own bike water bottle as the plastic water bottles used means you'll have to physically stop to unscrew the lid to drink. If you haven't used nappy rash barrier cream (or chamois cream), get some and apply before riding (and at toilet stops), it'll help both male and female riders with chafing - big time. Take a small back pack to carry and and re-apply 30/50+ sunscreen, plus camera, plus a moist flannel (to cool you down, clean off mud and re-apply sunscreen). For the ladies, figure out how to use the hose toilets, thy're much more hygienic and cool you down - so practical for Asia
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I loved this ride for the variety. It has been well researched and planned. I like the riding till the afternoon and then activities - climbing Sigiriya rock, Dambulla Caves, Safari (though this was so boring because it was overcrowded and way too long), train ride in lieu of the 2000m climb (what an experience), going to a festival and just having the option of chilling out if we needed to. It had challenging rides and some not so challenging, but just visually stunning. I liked the option of of having the option of opting out when we were flatlining and needed the sag wagon and re-joining when we had re-charged, without being made to feel guilty about sitting some km's out. Overall, it was made pleasurable by Suresh and his support crew of Upali, Kasum ad Amila and of course the fantastic group of non pretentious folk whom I had the fortune of getting to know. Thanks for a top holiday!
Peter Jenkins

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written January 2013
A superb trip. Our leader Suresh was outstanding. There were almost no bus journeys, it was cycling all the way. A big plus for me.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The general experience of cycling the backroads, seeing the real Sri Lanka.
Excellent hotels and food, both local and western
What did you think of your group leader?
Suresh was outstanding. He was available 24/7, always cheerful and thinking ahead
Kept us informed, made sure he interacted with everybody personally, to ensure we were happy and our needs were being met.
He went the extra mile whenever it was needed.
His backup team were also excellent, and always friendly and positive

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It is very hot, make sure you have the lightest gear possible.
Dave Gannon

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written January 2013
An excellent holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Descending the big hill and riding through Kandy university. It was such a contrast to the busy traffic outside the campus.
What did you think of your group leader?
Suresh did an excellent job. He worked hard to make every moment memorable and his attention to detail was admirable. I recommend him highly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We went in January which is the coolest time of the year however I struggled with the heat at times. I suggest you bring Gatorade powder or similar to replace body salts etc.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
My wife and I went with a group that enjoyed being together and this made for a really good holiday.
clive beauvais

CYCLE THE BACKROADS OF SRI LANKA

Written December 2012
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with warm and friendly people who made us feel welcome everywhere we went.Our cycling trip enabled us to see the scenery and learn alot about its culture and history.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Riding along the mud roads between the villages and the paddy fields showed us a way of life so differnt to ours in the UK.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was excellent and attentive to all our needs. He was rightly proud of his country and keen for us to immerse ourselves in its culture, sample the local food, and learn of its history.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There was quite alot of cycling on main roads which, with extra transport and organisation, could be avoided. In particular, riding through the streets of Kandy was not an experience to be enjoyed. With a larger vehicle, the cycles and cyclists could have been transported across these sections.