SRI LANKA CYCLE CHALLENGE
21 -29 March 2026
We are so excited to announce the itinerary for the 2026 Sri Lanka Cycle Challenge!
Our 11th Bikes against Bombs ride will see us cycle from Sri Lanka’s western coast in Negombo deep through the heart of the island before finishing in Passikudah, a beautiful coastal town in the east.
We will cycle approximately 406km through Sri Lanka’s sleepy villages, lush rice fields, dense forests and nature reserves. We’ll also see Sigiriya Rock Fortress— a UNESCO World Heritage site!
The ride will be a real challenge and see us tackling some steep hills and rough terrain in the hot tropical sun.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Saturday 21st March 2026
Depart UK
If you have chosen the FLIGHTS INCLUDED option, today we will set off on our challenge, meeting the rest of the team at Heathrow before flying from the UK to Colombo airport.
Flight details
Qatar Airways – Flight QR8
Departing London Heathrow Terminal 4 at 14.56
Arriving Doha at 00:35
Qatar Airways – Flight QR660 (22/03/26)
Departing Doha at 02.05
Arriving Colombo International Airport (CMB) at 09:15
Please note that if you want to extend your stay or change your flight details this needs to be done via Action Challenge and will potentially incur an extra cost which is not included in the current cost of your place and fundraising target. Please let us know ASAP if you want to make amendments beyond those who have already made those requests. If you are booking your own flights please ensure you arrive into Colombo on the 22nd March. We start cycling on 23rd March.
Day 2 – Sunday 22nd March 2026
Arrival in Sri Lanka
We touch down in the tropical warmth of Sri Lanka and transfer to our hotel in Negombo, a relaxed coastal town just north of the capital. After an early lunch, our bikes are fitted and ready for the road ahead. As evening falls, we gather for a welcome dinner by the sea – a moment to meet our guides, share our first stories, and set the tone for the incredible days to come.
Hotel: Jetwing Beach, Negombo
Day 3 – Monday 23rd March 2026
Negombo to Sigiriya
70km ride
Our first ride begins at sunrise as we set off along Sri Lanka’s western coast, the air filled with the scent of salt and coconut palms. The route takes us inland through sleepy villages, lush rice fields, and coconut plantations — scenes of everyday rural life unfolding as we pedal past. After roughly 70 km of riding, we rest in Narammala village before transferring 100km deeper into the heart of the island to our hotel in Digampathaha, with sweeping views of the majestic Sigiriya Rock rising from the jungle.
Hotel: Kassapa Lion’s Rock
Strava: Route
Day 4 – Tuesday 24th March 2026
Sigiriya
60-70km ride
Today’s circular route takes us deep into Sri Lanka’s countryside — through forests, farmland, and quiet villages where time seems to slow. We cycle past the Ganewampola Nature Reserve and around the shimmering Hurulu Wewa Dam, likely full at this time of year. Depending on our pace, we may extend the ride slightly before transferring back to the hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way for sunset to the viewing rocks close to the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock Fortress— a UNESCO World Heritage site rising 200 metres above the plains.
Hotel: Kassapa Lion’s Rock
Strava: Route
Day 5 – Wednesday 25th March 2026
Mahiyanganaya
118km ride
Today is the longest and most rewarding ride of the challenge.
We set out toward the remote heart of Sri Lanka — a land of forests, rivers, and quiet backroads far from the tourist trail. Our route passes through Bakamuna and Elahera, skirting the western edge of Wasgamuwa National Park. Keep your eyes open for wildlife along the way! Crossing the mighty Mahaweli River, we enter the Uva Province before finally reaching Mahiyanganaya — tired, elated, and filled with a deep sense of accomplishment.
Hotels:
Strava: Route
Day 6 – Thursday 26th March 2026
The Sri Lankan Lake District
70-80km ride
This stunning ride takes in the Sri Lankan ‘Lake District’. The roads are likely to be the quietest that we experience, the countryside will be most untouched and the chance of animal and bird life is at its highest.
Hotels:
Strava: Route
Day 7 – Friday 27th March 2026
The MAG Project and Passikudah
68km ride
After days of inland riding, today we head northeast — towards the sea. We set off early from Mahiyanganaya, with a transfer of 60km, before we mount up and start our last ride. The ever-changing scenery takes us from dense forests to open plains that stretch toward the coast. We will arrive at the MAG project to hear and see some of the inspirational work that they carry out in Sri Lanka. Around midday, we will have lunch and then this afternoon, we start on our final short stretch to our hotel in Passikudah as the ocean comes into view with its golden sands and gentle waves welcome us to the east coast. Having cycled across the island from west to east, this is a true moment of triumph.
Hotel: The Calm Resort
Strava: Route
Day 8 – Saturday 28th March 2026
Colombo
After a relaxed breakfast, we leave the coast and begin our long journey back across the island to Colombo. It’s a day to relax, reflect, and watch the changing landscapes pass by — from paddy fields to bustling towns to the capital’s skyline. We will meet for dinner this evening (please note this is not covered in the cost of your place).
Hotel: The Kingsbury Hotel
Day 9 – Sunday 29th March 2026
Depart Sri Lanka
We depart early to Colombo airport for our day flight and arrive in the UK in the evening, bidding goodbye to the team and what has been an amazing challenge and a life-changing experience.
Flight details
Qatar Airways – Flight QR665
Departing Colombo at 10.30
Arriving Doha at 12:45
Qatar Airways – Flight QR5
Departing Doha at 16.45
Arriving London Heathrow at 22:00
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RIDES
LIFE ON THE CYCLE
What is a typical cycling day?
On cycle days we wake early for breakfast at our accommodation and then begin cycling. We cycle on average between 60-100kms per day over 7-9 hours with regular breaks to fuel-up on snacks and fluids. After a lunch stop en route, we spend the afternoon cycling until we reach our accommodation where we secure our bikes, freshen up and have the evening to relax. Transfers are kept to a minimum to really get the full experience but are sometimes unavoidable. Every evening the Team Leader gives a briefing about the following day, with information such as the topography and any ‘hot-spots’ to look out for.
How fit do I need to be for the challenge?
This challenge requires a good level of fitness and we recommend that everyone trains to ensure you are prepared. We have provided a training guide and would recommend a mixture of training in the gym and on the road – getting used to being on the bike, road and weather types is vital. As well as being fit you need to feel comfortable cycling and being around other road users. We also recommend trying to train on some gravel/uneven routes given we have some time on these type of tracks in Sri Lanka.
Who supports the ride?
Alongside MAG staff, we are always accompanied by an Action Challenge Team Leader and two medics who will meet us at the airport and who will accompany us for the entire trip. There will also be a ground team of fully qualified local guides with our group at all times. All cycle repair equipment will be provided by our local team and back up vehicles will be with us throughout the challenge. Luggage will be transferred to each night’s accommodation.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
No. Bikes are provided by the ground team. We will have a bike fitting on the first day we arrive in Sri Lanka at the hotel and any items you have brought with you will be fitted at that point too.
Do I need to bring bike equipment?
You must bring a helmet with you on challenges, and it is imperative that this is worn at all times when riding. If you wish to bring your own saddle or peddles with you, you may do so, however, standard ones are provided. There will be at least one if not two water bottle holders on your bike, but you will need to bring a water bottle with you – please check your kit list for anything else you may need. Branded cycling jerseys are provided.
Food and drink
We will have an unlimited supply of fully purified and treated water and three nutritious meals a day. Breakfast will be at the accommodation and will typically consist of continental style as well as bread, eggs and some local dishes. All lunches will be served en-route at selected lunch spot. Dinners will be served at the hotels. We recommend that you bring some of your favourite snacks with you for extra energy however snacks will also be provided at each rest stop.
If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please let Sarah know: sarah.tavener@maginternational.org
WHAT TO EXPECT IN SRI LANKA
Weather
March is in the middle of the dry season in Sri Lanka with temperatures averaging around mid-30s °C. The average temperature ranges between 16-26 degrees with an average of seven hours of sunshine each day.
Terrain/Distance
You will be covering approximately 406 kms on a mixture of terrains, including dirt roads, tarred roads and smooth gravel roads riding up and down hills.
Accommodation
All accommodation is linked in the day-by-day itinerary above. For most nights, you will be sharing and for those who selected single accommodation, that is available for the last two nights for a supplement.
What is the time difference?
The time zone in Sri Lanka is BST + 5.5 hours.
Visas
You will need to get a e-visa for travel to Sri Lanka if you hold a UK or Irish passport. There is no need to apply for this yet and we will provide all the information – including the correct link and documentation – nearer the time.
Currency
The currency for Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) which can be bought in the UK. US dollars are widely accepted at hotels. USD or GBP can also be exchanged on arrival into Sri Lanka at the airport. ATM machines are available in cities/airports but please don’t rely solely on these to obtain your money for the trip. During the trip you will need money for tipping the local team, alcohol (not included in any food and drink), gifts and any other personal purchases.
Vaccinations
You can see a summary of vaccine considerations for Sri Lanka here, you will need to ensure that you speak with a medical professional or travel clinic – such as Nomad or MASTA – about vaccines for Sri Lanka, as you may be required or encouraged to have some. While Yellow Fever is not endemic in Sri Lanka, a specific conversation should be had about Yellow Fever requirements especially if you are travelling to Sri Lanka from a Yellow Fever risk country.
Phone signal and electronics
You may have some intermittent mobile phone signal during the cycle so let your friends and family know that you may only hear from you sporadically depending on your data roaming package. Charging points may be limited at times during the cycle so you could consider bringing a power pack. For Sri Lanka the plug type is D and G, (D is the plug with three round pins in a triangular pattern and G is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern). E-Sims are widely used and a great way to manage your communications when abroad. It is best to organise these in advance of leaving the UK.
Staying healthy / Emergency support
As well as the support team who will be working alongside the ground crew, the trip is also fully supported with an extensive network of communications and back up support should it be required. This includes:
- Two-way radio contact between Action Challenge staff and local staff
- Satellite phone for emergencies
- Full expedition medical kit carried by the media and 24-hour contact with the Action Challenge head office
- Comprehensive evacuation procedures
- If for any reason you have to leave the group early, local staff will arrange transfers, accommodation and medical care if necessary. All costs incurred due to an early departure will be covered by you before departing Sri Lanka.
Insurance
You will need to get insurance to take part in Sri Lanka 2026 and provide this information prior to departure. The group chat on what’s app is a great place to see who else people are using and have used in the past if you are unsure who to go with.
Blood group information
To visit a MAG clearance site in Sri Lanka, we need your blood group information. If you are unsure, please check with your GP or book an appointment to find out, and then email your blood group to: sarah.tavener@maginternational.org
Are MAG working in Sri Lanka?
MAG have been operational in Sri Lanka since 2002 – including whilst the conflict was ongoing in parts of the country – and our teams have been finding and removing deadly landmines and unexploded bombs to help communities to return home and to rebuild.
You can read more about our work on the MAG website.
There is also a link to some inspiring stories of our Sri Lankan female teams here.
During this cycle challenge we are planning to visit a team so you can see the work of MAG in action and inspire your sponsors to support you even further.