A Drive Through Rattota
Introduction
Cycling through Rattota in Sri Lanka’s Central Province offers an exhilarating and scenic adventure for thrill-seeking cyclists. Starting from Colombo, this challenging journey winds through the picturesque Matale area, featuring steep climbs, sharp hairpin turns, and breathtaking vistas.
The route begins on the A6 Highway, transitions to Dodangaslanda Road, and continues on the B274 through Rattota into the Knuckles Mountains, covering approximately 30 kilometers. Highlights include the twisty and narrow Dodangaslanda Road, where cyclists navigate tight, steep hairpins and blind corners amidst diverse scenery, from paddy fields to lush jungles.
The Aluvihare Rock Temple near Matale offers a historical stop with cultural significance, while Bambarakiri Ella waterfall provides a scenic break with its wooden suspension bridge. The climb to Riverstone presents majestic views of forest-clad mountains and tea plantations, with multiple pull-over points to enjoy the panoramic scenery.
This route through Rattota promises die-hard extreme cyclists a memorable experience, blending physical challenge with stunning natural beauty.
Colombo to Maskeliya: A Scenic Journey
The three-hour journey from Colombo to the town of Maskeliya spans 60 kilometers of breathtaking scenery, offering a glimpse into the best of Sri Lanka’s hill country. As you leave the bustling city behind, the road winds through lush pine forests, where towering trees create a tranquil atmosphere.
Along the way, babbling streams and cascading waterfalls enhance the serene ambiance, offering perfect spots for refreshing breaks. The journey takes you through misty mountaintops, where the road often disappears into the fog, adding a mystical touch to the landscape.
Passing through the heart of Sri Lanka’s renowned tea country, the rolling hills carpeted with vibrant green tea plantations provide panoramic views that are truly captivating. The Castlereigh and Moussakele reservoirs, surrounded by lush greenery, offer spectacular vistas, with their calm waters reflecting the surrounding hills. Wildlife sightings, encounters with local villages, and glimpses of historical and cultural landmarks add layers of charm and depth to the journey.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this route promises a memorable and enchanting experience.
Daha Ata Wanguwa (18 Bend Road)
Daha Ata Wanguwa, commonly known as the 18 Bend Road, is an iconic 41-kilometer asphalted route in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, connecting Kandy and Mahiyanganaya through challenging mountainous terrain.
Originally constructed by British colonial rulers in the mid-19th century as an estate supply route, this road has a rich history and is famed for its 18 hairpin bends that have tested the skills of motorists for over a century. The route winds through lush, hilly landscapes, offering cyclists breathtaking views and a unique experience. The defining feature of the road is its hairpin bends, each presenting a new challenge requiring precise handling and control.
Along the way, cyclists can enjoy panoramic views of the Mahiyangana valley and stop in charming towns like Digana and Udadumbara to experience local life and culture. The combination of steep inclines, sharp bends, and varying altitudes makes this route ideal for experienced cyclists seeking a challenging ride.
With picturesque scenery and a rich cultural backdrop, this legendary route offers the thrill of conquering 18 hairpin bends and the chance to immerse oneself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of the region.
Hatton to Horton Plains, Ella, and Kandy
For extreme cyclists seeking a thrilling and challenging adventure, the route from Hatton to Horton Plains, Ella, and Kandy offers an unmatched experience through some of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Spanning approximately 250 kilometers, The journey kicks off in Hatton, a vibrant town renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. From here, cyclists face a steep and demanding climb to Horton Plains, ideal for those seeking a rigorous challenge. The route first takes riders past the tranquil Castlereigh Reservoir, to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with biodiversity and offering spectacular vistas. A detour to World’s End, a dramatic precipice with breathtaking views of the valley below, adds an unforgettable highlight to this leg of the journey.
This journey then takes riders from the dramatic cliffs of World’s End, through the lush valleys of Ella Gap, where, cyclists will encounter steep climbs, exhilarating descents, and iconic landmarks like Bambarakanda Falls and the Nine Arches Bridge, making this route a must for any avid cyclist.
The final leg of the journey takes cyclists from Ella to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, navigating a route that combines rolling hills with challenging climbs. The adventure concludes in Kandy, where cyclists can unwind by the serene Kandy Lake and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a site of immense cultural and religious importance.
Lipton’s Seat Loop
For extreme cyclists seeking a thrilling adventure, the Lipton’s Seat Loop promises a challenging and scenic ride that begins at Haputale Town Hall where, cyclists will immediately encounter an ascent, signaling the challenges that lie ahead. The journey to Lake Richmond is characterized by a mix of steep climbs and rolling hills, providing an invigorating start to the ride. Upon reaching Lake Richmond, cyclists can pause to appreciate the serene waters, surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for a brief rest and hydration.
From here, the route continues towards the Pitaratmalie Cloud Forest, where dense vegetation and cooler temperatures offer a refreshing change of scenery. Cycling through the mist-laden air and towering trees of the cloud forest creates a mystical atmosphere, with the path becoming more technical as it winds through tighter turns and steeper gradients.
Exiting the Pitaratmalie Cloud Forest, cyclists will face one of the most challenging segments of the journey as they ascend towards Thotalagala Mini World’s End. This part of the route features some of the steepest climbs, demanding both endurance and skill. The reward, however, is well worth the effort. Upon reaching Thotalagala Mini World’s End, cyclists are greeted with awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The sheer drop and expansive views offer a perfect opportunity to pause, take a breather, and capture stunning photos before tackling the final push towards Lipton’s Seat.
The final stretch from Thotalagala Mini World’s End to Lipton’s Seat is a demanding climb, but the rewards are substantial. As cyclists ascend, the views become increasingly breathtaking, with sprawling tea plantations stretching out as far as the eye can see. Lipton’s Seat, named after the renowned tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton, offers panoramic vistas of the lush tea estates below. On clear days, the viewpoint provides a remarkable view extending to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This iconic location is an ideal spot to celebrate your achievement, take a well-deserved rest, and soak in the stunning scenery.
Tissamaharama to Ella via Wellawaya
For extreme cyclists craving solitude and serenity, the journey from Tissamaharama to Ella via Wellawaya offers an invigorating and peaceful escape. This less-traveled route weaves through tranquil rural villages, lush rice paddies, and dense forests, culminating in breathtaking views of Ravana Falls and the dramatic Ella Gap.
Starting in the historical town of Tissamaharama, known for its ancient temples and serene lakes, cyclists embark on a route that offers a mix of flat and hilly terrains. As you continue, the road is flanked by vast expanses of lush green rice paddies, shimmering under the sun and offering a peaceful and picturesque backdrop.
From Wellawaya, the route begins to climb, leading cyclists into more challenging terrains characterized by steeper inclines and winding roads, perfect for those seeking an intense ride. As you ascend, you’ll cycle through dense forests, where the cool shade and rich biodiversity offer a refreshing contrast to the earlier flatlands. A major highlight of this section is the iconic Ravana Falls, a majestic waterfall cascading down from a height of 25 meters. A brief stop here provides a perfect opportunity to refresh and capture some stunning photographs.
The final stretch to Ella involves a challenging climb, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The road winds through the hills, offering increasingly spectacular views as you ascend. As you approach Ella, you’ll pass through Ella Gap, a breathtaking natural pass between two mountains.
The views from this vantage point are stunning, with a lush valley stretching out below and the distant horizon creating a dramatic backdrop. Considered one of the most scenic spots in Sri Lanka, Ella Gap marks the perfect conclusion to a route that offers both challenge and serenity for avid cyclists.