Resplendent Ceylon, the renowned Sri Lankan luxury hospitality unit of Dilmah and Across Ceylon, a leading adventure travel company, are excited to announce their collaborative endeavour ‘Tour de Resplendent’, an exhilarating cycling tour that traverses the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka, showcasing the islands natural beauty and cultural heritage, and connecting some or all of the five remarkable Resplendent resorts – Ceylon Tea Trails, Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Cape Weligama, Ahu Bay & Kayaam House.
This unique collaboration kicked off with Nicolas Roche, a celebrated former professional world tour cyclist, a four-time Olympian and two-time winner of stages in the Tour of Spain. Nicholas embarked on an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience, combining Resplendent Ceylon’s acclaimed properties with the adventure, expertise and safety guidance of Across Ceylon. Nicholas embarked on a journey that took him through lush tea plantations, pristine coastal areas and charming local villages, offering a diverse and enriching perspective of Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes. Nicholas commented “What an incredible journey – cycling through the different communities, sights, sounds and flavours Sri Lanka offers has been an incredible privilege. Seeing the country this way not only offered a unique experience for me but also showed how we can support and celebrate local communities along the way”.
Malik J Fernando, Chairman Resplendent Ceylon, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration stating, “Resplendent is all about curating meaningful journeys – partnering with Across Ceylon gives us another opportunity to do that. The ‘Tour De Resplendent’ exemplifies our commitment to offering unparalleled experiences for our guests and allowing them to immerse themselves in the many different sides of Sri Lanka. The synergy between Resplendent Ceylon and Across Ceylon is also apparent in our shared vision of promoting responsible tourism and showcasing the true essence of Sri Lanka”.
Ruchira Walpita from Across Ceylon shared his perspective on the partnership stating “We’re excited to develop this niche market with Resplendent Ceylon. Between our experienced guides and quality gear together with Resplendent Ceylon’s iconic properties, we are confident that we can show the best of Sri Lanka to the growing community of cycling enthusiasts all over the world.”
The ‘Tour De Resplendent’ is designed for both experienced and beginner cycling enthusiasts, offering various routes and difficulty levels to cater to a wide range of participants, with pampering stays at the Resplendent Ceylon resorts spread across Sri Lanka. With a focus on safety, comfort and the spirit of exploration, this cycling tour promises to be an unforgettable journey that combines the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer.
Whilst the tour is customizable to each individual, the Tour De Resplendent consists of four stages. Each one has a different terrain and takes you through varying regions of Sri Lanka. The first stage covers the South western coast of Ahungalla to Weligama, while the second stage takes you to the wild jungles of Yala, with a 65km ride. The third stage of the ride transports you to from Yala to the emerald tea country, and then by train to Hatton, while the fourth stage involves a combination of a bike ride with a scenic train ride from Haputale to Lindula which spans 35km.
