So, let’s talk scenery. I’d never been to Sri Lanka before, and wow—this place isn’t just beautiful. It’s downright intoxicating. 

Picture this: tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see, the charming old town of Ella nestled in the hills, pine forests that feel like they’ve been plucked from a dream, and rolling green farmland where cows lazily graze. Oh, and did I mention the jaw-dropping mountain roads that offer some of the most stunning views? Add to that the contrast of highland forest and dry savannas, and you've got an island that will make you want to stop every five minutes for a photo (I may have done that... a lot). 

But here’s the kicker—Sri Lanka isn’t just about pretty pictures. The country is a living, breathing masterpiece of flora and fauna. And trust me, I’ve traveled a fair bit, but nothing prepared me for the sheer diversity of its ecosystem. From lush forests to protected national parks, it’s clear the locals take immense pride in preserving this natural wonderland. And when you’re cycling through it all, you really get to take it all in... at your own pace.

Caution: Hills Ahead! 

While it was mostly downhill, it wasn’t all downhill, because where’s the fun in that? 

There were plenty of steep, but short, uphill climbs that made me question my life choices (just for a second). But, of course, no uphill is complete without a glorious, ear-to-ear-smile-worthy descent waiting at the end. 

Cycling through Sri Lanka was like riding through every kind of terrain you can imagine: flat roads, gravelly patches, sandy trails, muddy stretches, rocky paths, and some memorably bumpy roads that had me clinging to my handlebars.  

But here’s the thing — I don’t think I would’ve truly gotten Sri Lanka without experiencing it on a bike. Sure, you could see the sights from a car or a bus, but that would’ve been missing the full effect. When you’re pedaling through it all, you’re in the thick of the adventure. Every pedal-stroke, every turn, every climb — TOTALLY. WORTH. IT.

If you’re reading this with one eye closed, allow me to reassure you: If I can do this, you totally can too. No, seriously. With Grasshopper Adventures, you're not alone. The guides are local legends who know the ins and outs of the terrain like the back of their hands. They’ll guide you through every twist and turn, making sure you feel supported the whole way. And if your backside’s had enough (trust me, it happens), no worries! The Rest & Ride vehicle is always there, following along to give you the chance to hop off your bike, take a break, and enjoy the ride in comfort. Just sit back, relax, and take in the views from the van while the rest of the group pedals on. No pressure — just pure adventure. 

Beware of the locals 

Okay, so this might sound like a warning, but it’s actually a really good thing. The locals in Sri Lanka are an absolute treat. They’re warm, friendly, and an all-around bubbly bunch. Language doesn't seem to be the issue here, many people speak English and before you know it you’ve already made new friends. From the guy selling fresh coconut water to the family you wave at as you ride past, the people here are genuine, welcoming, and ready to share a smile. 

But what really blew me away was their deep love for the environment. I saw it everywhere. Like at a train station in Colombo, where a little kid placed his trash on top of the bin. Without missing a beat, an older vendor sitting nearby calmly called him back and told him to put it in the bin, not just on top of it. And you know what? The kid listened. That small moment hit me hard. If that’s not grassroots-level environmental commitment, I don’t know what is. 

It’s this kind of commitment and care for the land that makes cycling through Sri Lanka feel even more special.  

Watch out! Wild animals on the loose 

Okay, you might want to keep your eyes peeled in Sri Lanka’s national parks. As a city girl who’s only ever seen wild animals behind bars, I wasn’t prepared for the wild encounters I’d have here.

This small island is home to thousands of acres of protected forests where wildlife and local communities live in harmony. Translation: you’re not just cycling through nature — you’re cycling with nature. And it's everywhere. 

One night, after dinner, I took a casual glance off the hotel balcony, and what did I see? I thought it was an anteater, casually munching away on the ground. Turns out, it was a mother and baby wild boar. Cute, right? But the surprises didn’t stop there. 

Later that night, my partner had an up-close encounter with a monkey-mongoose hybrid (yes, it’s as strange as it sounds). The true species was never confirmed, but I’ll let you imagine the moment — it was straight out of a wildlife documentary. 

And the fun didn’t end there! The next morning, as we sipped our coffee, we watched an entire pack of wild boars cross the clearing. Just another day at Yala National Park, right? 

So, if you’re wondering if you’ll see wildlife during your tour, I’ll give you the answer: absolutely.  

If you're feeling a little uneasy about the wildlife (or a monkey-mongoose encounter), Grasshopper’s legendary local guides have you covered. They know this land like the back of their hand and will help you navigate both the terrain and the animal kingdom. Trust me, you’ll feel totally at ease with these experts guiding you through the experience. So, if you do come face-to-face with some wildlife, just know that it’s all part of the adventure — one that your guide has seen a thousand times and will help you embrace with a smile. 

Coastline attention! 

I’m from the Philippines, where marine life is abundant and the beaches are known world-wide to be some of the most beautiful (I’ve been to islands only the locals know about, and it’s like stepping into paradise). So, when I set out to explore Sri Lanka, I honestly didn’t expect the same level of awe from its beaches. But oh boy, was I wrong! I have two words for Sri Lanka’s shorelines: In. Love. 

One of the highlights was riding the Sea Train, which runs along the coast from Galle Port to Colombo. This 3-hour ride was an absolute gem—scenic views that literally took my breath away. We timed it perfectly so that the sun was setting over the water, with beams of light dancing through the coastal palms as the train rolled along.  

The locals take such pride in their beaches, and it shows. Every stop was pristine, no trash in sight. It was clear that this coastal beauty is well cared for, and I only wish we had more time to cycle along these shores, taking in more of this stunning coastline. (Next time, right?) 

Weather warning! 

Ah, Sri Lanka — the island that spoils you with a year-round paradise vibe. But here’s the thing: the weather isn’t one-size-fits-all. The coastal side? It's a beachy dream. You’ll be cruising along in your shorts and tank top, basking in the sunshine. But the moment you head into the hills — think Nuwara Eliya and the central highlands — it’s a different story. One minute, you’re enjoying the warm sunshine, and the next, a mountain mist rolls in, bringing with it a highland breeze that’ll have you reaching for that extra layer. You’ll want to pack a warm jacket for those stops. The cool air in the hills is no joke! 

But, don’t let that fool you, the sun still knows how to make its presence felt. You might think you’re safe from getting burned, but before you know it, you’ve got a tan (or worse, a sunburn). So bring along your sunscreen! 

A Love Affair with Sri Lanka 

Oh, Sri Lanka! You’ve truly swept me off my feet. From the lovely locals to the jaw-dropping landscapes, this island has a way of leaving a mark on your heart (and legs).  

I’ll definitely be back — and, quite possibly, ready for an even more challenging adventure. If you’re considering this kind of trip, skip the buses and cars. Grab a bicycle instead. There’s nothing quite like experiencing Sri Lanka on two wheels. The sights, the sounds, the rush — it’s a breath-taking (literally) and rewarding pursuit that I’ll remember forever.