A visit to Galle isn’t complete without a cycle ride to experience the surrounding countrysideof this UNESCO heritage city. While the main city offers a rich amalgamation of history and cultural spots for you to observe the countryside offers you a charming view into the simple lifestyles of the residents of Galle and the greenery of the villages which is a refreshing change to keep your spirits high and relax. Not every trip is about sightseeing but sometimes just enjoying the moments and rejuvenating oneself, in this case in the countryside.

Galle’s southern paradise comes together with acres of rubber estates, lush tea plantations and trails through spice gardens. Paddy fields with water buffaloes are a common sight as you cycle across the vast expanses and come across the villages going on with their daily activities. One might come across the occasional toddy tappers marketing their fresh harvest and the fisher folk heading towards the seas. Early morning tours are super refreshing as you start the day by the marshlands around the Koggala lake. As the morning mist sets flocks of birds can be observed dwelling in and around the waters. The Paddy and Lake trail offers 26km adventure alongside the north shoreline of the Koggala lake which takes you through a stretch of bright green paddy to a shaded Ambalama by a coconut grove set in a large stunning natural garden. To the north of the Koggala Lake you’ll find the Kahanda Kanda ride which takes you up along to a small hill which is surrounded by expanses of tea and includes a stop at adistinctly decadent hotel. You will get the opportunity of visiting the Kahanda Kanda tea factory where you can observe the production of low-country tea where they take you through the extensive process of drying the leaves to its final form. You can opt for a morning ride to Kahanda Kanda from the beach to arrive in time for leisurely lunch or pick a post lunch ride to make a stop for a dip in the crystalline waters at the beach and arrive to some tantalizing sunset cocktails whilst enjoying the view. Venturing deep into the villagers, most of the cycling paths are mostly dirt or gravel roads which will take you past lagoons, palms and mangrove forests. Stop for refreshing sip of fresh king coconut in the middle of the day and meet the locals and witness local industries such as rope making and crab catching. Rubber plantations are abundant in this area and you may, with the help of your tour guide observe rubber tapping and learn more about the production of rubber. You may even get the chance of riding to some excellent birdwatching spots along the way, make sure you pack your binoculars!

The outskirts of Galle though rarely popularized has just as much to offer compared to the main city which is set abuzz with a flurry of activity. Ideal for anyone who enjoys being in tune with nature and yearns to relax away from mainstream activities.