Cycling along the paddy trail
Cycling along the paddy trail
The administrative capital of the Southern province of Sri Lanka, Galle is well known for its Fort, low lined streets, fine boutique properties and its natural harbor. The location offers various activities for tourists and travelers, but the cycling experience stands out to be one if it’s finest.
The cycling experience which is run by Idle bikes is a gentle 12 km paddy trail through the countryside. The guide has to be met at the Idle bikes office located close to the coast of Wijaya beach, where every cyclist in the expedition will be provided with comfortable bikes, helmets, water and will be briefed about the tour. Even with little practice and for those who are “I’m not a cyclist” this is a must do ride, as the guides are very helpful in assuring you ride safely while enjoying sceneries on the way.
Being an amateur myself, cycling with a few other amateurs was fun and we were able to get off our feet pretty quick. The best thing about the ride was that in a short time, we were able to get away from the busy main roads and built-up towns into the quiet countryside, and the difference is quite striking. Without buses thundering and tooting alongside you, the paddy fields and hills around this area are so much more picturesque.
A part of the ride has to be taken through narrow bullock cart tracks with paddy fields on either side. We stopped to watch the farmers going about with the farming and the smiles of the locals with an encouraging nod are welcoming. Our guide pointed out some rarely sited birds and several plants and we were lucky to see peacocks, water buffalos and monkeys on tree tops.
As we cycled through the village little kids shouted and waved at us, as we sped past. Half way through our ride we took a coconut stop to relax a bit and enjoy the refreshing coconut drink in a beautiful large garden.
During our journey we had some incredible photo moments and the guide is very accommodative in taking time over pictures of the countryside. This journey provides some nice pictures to a traveler’s album and insight knowledge of the other side of Galle.
The paddy trail is a really nice way of seeing some of the inland areas of Sri Lanka and a lovely ride through the countryside, fantastic views, wildlife and a nice change from the coast.
Another extended version of the paddy trail is the lake trail which is a total of approximately 30 Km and includes a beautiful section cycling alongside the North West shoreline of Koggala Lake. The extended ride is suitable for keen and regular cyclists.
By Irshad Marleen
(Sri Lanka Tailor-Made)
