Padavigampola Village Cycling Tour from Pinnawala

This tour takes you cycling through the ancient forests of Sri Lanka to the rural village of Padavigampola. Cycle from Pinnawala to Padavigampola. Discover the hidden historical treasures surrounding it. Learn more about the trade, traditions and culture of the village. Walk through the paddy fields and get to know more about the methods used. Try out the delightful local crops in a village lunch cooked over wood fires. This is a tour filled with fun and adventure for everyone

• Cycling through the wilderness.
• Guided Tour of the old village of Padavigampola and its surroundings.
• Visit to Paddy Fields.
• Authentic Sri Lankan village lunch.

• Mountain bikes and helmets.
• Managing the entire cycling route.
• Well experienced cycling guide(s) and his fees.
• 1-Bottle of water per person per day during cycle tour portion.
• All taxes & Service charges.

• Hotel Pick.
• Entrance fees (If any).
• Food or drinks not mentioned above.
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of personal nature.

Your tour will start at approximately 0800 hrs from Pinnawala elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala where your guide will meet you. He will bring the necessary equipment such as the bicycles, First aid kit for emergencies, bicycle chargers and etc. You will then be biking cross country through the woods to Padavigampola. You will be passing the Pinnawala elephant Orphanage and traveling along lush green paths to the village. The route is full of nature and extremely beautiful. You will get there within an hour or two; depending on the rest stops you take along the way.

Padavigampola is a little hamlet surrounded by the ancient tropical forests of Sri Lanka. This tranquil village holds monuments dating back to the stone age and neolithic era (4000 BC to 3000 BC). The most valuable archaeological monument of this village is the Gal Massa (dolmen) - a type of single chamber megalithic tomb that usually dates from the Neolithic era and consists of two or more vertical megaliths supporting a horizontal capstone. The dolmen at Padavigampola is the only known such example in Sri Lanka. There is also a large rock face near the village with caves tunneled into it during the time of the ancient king Walagamba. Your guide will take you on a detailed tour, where you will get to see all these and more. These historical marvels will give you a better understanding of the ancient heritage of Sri Lanka.

Afterwards you will visit one of the local farmers who will take you on a visit to his paddy fields. He will explain more about rice cultivation and you will also get to know more about the other crops planted locally. Once you get back you will find a delicious indigenous herbal meal waiting for you. You will find that the entire wholesome meal comprises of the harvested rice, local produce and fish from the river nearby. Slow cooked over a wooden fire the food is infused with a wonderful smoky flavor and is served on lotus leaves over a woven tray.

After a relaxing meal you will have a sometime left when you can find your own entertainment. There are activities galore for you to do. You can go for a short bike ride or hike, or simply sit down and start a conversation with a villager with the assistance of your guide. There may be singing and dancing as evening falls too.

At approximately 1530 hrs you will be leaving the village and cycling back. Your guide will drop you off back at the town of Pinnawala or at your hotel as per your choice.