A supported bicycle trip through Sri Lanka with TDA Global Cycling. Here is a description of the trip – https://tdaglobalcycling.com/tea-route/tea-leaves-tuk-tuks

The trip was completed February 2026 and blog posts are listed below. Some summary thoughts on the trip and bicycle touring in Sri Lanka

• This was the first edition of the Tea Route bicycle ride put on by TDA. It was well organized and run. As a supported trip, it included hotel reservations, routes, support from medical/mechanical and general organization. There were ~30 of us riders, ~7 staff and ~5 drivers. I’ve done other TDA trips before but they were primarily camping so this was a step up.
• Sri Lanka is a nice place to visit. People are both friendly and curious in a good way. Multiple times, people stopped and tried to be helpful on routes or asked questions. It is less chaotic than India. Basic services were easy to find.
• While mostly Buddhist, there is a mixture of Hindu, Muslim and Christian as well. We got a good chance to go to both far north, south and highland areas.
• Interesting historical areas going way back in time, tea plantations, cinnamon and other attractions.
• The roads are generally in good condition. Some areas can be busy, but we were routed on many quiet country lanes that were delightful to ride.
• Two largest challenges seem to be weather (hot/humid, on edge of uncomfortable) and stray dogs. Most dogs OK, particularly if you could stop and talk with them, but occasionally gave chase.

Overall, enjoyed my trip.

List of the latest blog posts from the trip

• Mount Lavinia, last day riding
• Bentota, country roads
• Ahangama, a little further up the coast
• Tangalle, sleeping dogs and freeways
• Tissamaharama, relaxing rest day
• Tissamaharama, down from the mountain
• Ella, up and down…
• Nuwara Eliya, transfer day
• Kandy, rest day
• Kandy, climbing into a rest day
• Sigiriya, looking for elephants and climbing a rock…
• Polonnaruwa, big road and the smaller roads
• Trincomalee, rest day and temple visit
• Trincomalee, riding in the rain
• Mullaitivu, following the path of the civil war
• Jaffna, mangrove route to a larger town
• Mannar, long straight riding
• Anuradhapura, rest day and tourist time
• Nikaweratiya, country lanes
• Kurunegala, first riding day
• Negombo, fish market, this time for real
• Negombo, initial shakedown ride
• Negombo, arrival in Sri Lanka
• On my way!