Photo: Ashali Dias ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
Tea, hairpins and the ocean.
From Negombo via Sigiriya and Kandy into the tea-growing hill country: Nuwara Eliya, the Horton Plains plateau, Ella and the 18 Hairpin Bends road, then down to Yala National Park and the south coast. Narrow mountain roads, tuk-tuks, tea estates at 2,000 m and the ocean at the end. A relaxed Royal Enfield tour for anyone wanting winter sun and corners.
- Sigiriya rock and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- World’s End on the Horton Plains
- The 18 Hairpin Bends and the Nine Arch Bridge at Ella
- Yala leopards and the beaches of Tangalle
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Briefing
Negombo by the ocean
Pick-up at Colombo airport, a beach hotel in Negombo twenty minutes away, bike collection and a briefing on riding on the left.
Overnight: Hotel in Negombo - DAY 2 · 170 km, tarmac
Sigiriya, the Lion Rock
North via Kurunegala and Dambulla to Sigiriya. An afternoon climb of the 200-metre rock with its fifth-century frescoes, then the view from neighbouring Pidurangala at sunset.
Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya - DAY 3 · 110 km, tarmac
Elephants and Kandy
Via the Dambulla cave temple and the spice gardens of Matale to Kandy at 500 m. The Temple of the Tooth and the evening ceremony.
Overnight: Hotel in Kandy - DAY 4 · 90 km, mountain switchbacks
Up into tea country
The A5 along the Mahaweli river via Gampola and the Ramboda falls to Nuwara Eliya at 1,868 m. A tea factory en route and a night in a colonial hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya - DAY 5 · 70 km, 9 km walk
Horton Plains and World’s End
An early ride up to the Horton Plains at 2,100 m and a 9 km walk to the 880-metre drop at World’s End and Baker’s Falls. Back via Ambewela.
Overnight: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya - DAY 6 · 130 km, switchbacks
Ella and the 18 Hairpin Bends
Via Haputale and the Ravana falls to Ella, then down the A26’s 18 Hairpin Bends to Wellawaya and back up for the fun of it. The Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
Overnight: Hotel in Ella - DAY 7 · 140 km, tarmac, safari
Down to Yala
Down from the hills via Wellawaya and Kataragama to Yala National Park. An evening jeep safari: leopards, elephants and crocodiles.
Overnight: Lodge near Yala - DAY 8 · 120 km, coastal tarmac
The south coast to Tangalle
Along the coast via Hambantota to Tangalle, a swim in the ocean and bikes handed back on the beach. Farewell seafood dinner.
Overnight: Beach hotel in Tangalle - DAY 9 · Transfer 230 km
Transfer to the airport
Breakfast and a transfer along the Southern Expressway to Colombo airport, about four hours.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Royal Enfield Classic 350 / Himalayan hire
Support vehicle carrying luggage
Local riding guide
3–4-star hotels and estate bungalows
Breakfasts and dinners
Fuel, the Yala safari and Horton Plains entry
Colombo airport transfers
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Motorcycle deposit
Sigiriya and Temple of the Tooth tickets
Lunches
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Category A licence and at least a year of riding; left-hand traffic and chaotic town streets call for calm. Ivan holds an introductory session on Lankan roads and helps choose light kit for humid heat.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Full riding kit: helmet, protection, gloves and boots
- Rain gear and waterproof covers
- Documents and insurance for your chosen riding format
- Compact soft luggage without unnecessary weight
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.