MOTO TRAIL : SRI LANKA

The adventure continues across a vast plain, dotted with lush jungles, rolling rice paddies and majestic coconut groves, all punctuated by the presence of numerous sparkling lakes. The trail will take you to the ruins of Ritigala, a very old monastery believed to have been built in 300 BC and which has lain dormant since time immemorial. Explore the mystical history of this abandoned place and feel the magic that emanates from its remains in the midst of the wilderness.

What will you choose? The group will decide on its destination: either discover the splendour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where the majestic ruins bear witness to Sri Lanka's former greatness, or explore the Buddhist caves of Dambulla, adorned with mural paintings and sacred statues. Both options offer a superb drive through the countryside, revealing historic relics and enchanting landscapes bordering irrigation canals, adding a picturesque touch to this memorable day.

You will ride to the majestic Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive rock formation, also known as Sigiriya, offers not only fascinating historical remains, but also enigmatic murals that reveal centuries of history. After this enriching experience, you'll head back north-east for around twenty kilometres of minor roads, then a few tracks, before venturing onto a perfectly maintained track that will take you to the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Head south for an adventure across the vast plains, where the infinite horizon is punctuated by oases of perfectly preserved nature, majestic azure lakes and jewels of unspoilt natural parks. This little-known part of the island, far off the beaten track, reveals its secrets as your journey progresses.

Your journey will take you to the Gal Oya Natural Park, a nature reserve where flora and fauna flourish in a delicate balance. Majestic elephants roam the vast grasslands, while exotic birds fill the skies. This unspoilt Eden will reveal its natural treasures on this unforgettable adventure.

Your westward journey begins against the backdrop of the majestic Knuckles mountain range, an imposing mountain whose rugged beauty has endured through the ages. Following an impeccable road, you'll begin an ascent through lush high-altitude rainforests, a unique ecosystem that stretches above 1,000 metres.
Suddenly, the landscape changes, giving way to the first tea plantations that gently undulate over the green hills. Scattered rural villages add a touch of authentic charm to this captivating stage.

In the secret heart of the island, the high plateaus rise like a sanctuary, guardians of the country's highest peaks. At altitudes approaching 2,000 metres, your wheels will take you along winding roads, revealing a veritable masterpiece of nature: the vast expanses of tea plantations, a living fresco fashioned by the artistic hand of the earth.

You'll enjoy an immersive experience in which the highlands reveal their natural splendour in a way that will exceed your expectations.

You've heard of Ceylon's famous tea. On this stage, you'll see it undulate before your very eyes. Every bend is an invitation to explore further, to plunge into contrasting landscapes where the mystery of tea mingles with meadows, to arrive at plateaus of dairy farms resembling Swiss nature. Deliberately choosing a winding path, your itinerary will be a ballet designed to immerse your senses in every inch of this land.

Heading for the south coast, you'll leave behind the mountainous terrain of the central region. Your first stop, the impressive Diyaluma waterfalls, will surprise you with their wild majesty. Then, in the heart of the plain, silent sentinels of the region's rich past, the imposing Buddha sculptures of Buduru-Wagala will greet you.

Your journey then becomes an adventure on a patchwork of roads and tracks through the countryside, each turn immersing you in rural life where exotic scents and vibrant colours mingle.

Full throttle, heading ever further south. We pause at the sacred rock of MulkiriGala, where the spirituality of the place blends with the surrounding natural splendour. Continuing our journey, we head for Galle, the former Dutch fortified town. Here, the ramparts and walkways of the old Dutch fort invite us to immerse ourselves in history.

After exploring the remains of this colonial fortress, you'll stroll through Galle's picturesque alleyways. The stores that line these passages each tell a story through their handicrafts and local works of art. Take the time to lose yourself in these bustling streets, as each corner reveals a different facet of the heritage and creativity that animates this city steeped in history.

Goodbye Sri Lanka! It's the end of your adventure, with a heavy heart but a head full of memories...

You'll drive to Colombo for your transfer to Negombo airport, depending on your flight schedule.