Over 65,000 square kilometers in extent, with breathtaking vistas, squelching primal rainforests, tea plantations, sandy scrub jungles and loads of unpaved roads . . . mountain bikers, welcome to paradise! Cruising on two wheels is often the best way of getting up close and personal in places of interest, especially in the culturally-rich zones. You won't miss anything!Sri Lanka has superb possibilities for biking, taking you on trails though its range of landscapes from stunning mountains, past tropical rainforests and gorgeous beaches.

Though mountain biking in the serious sense of the word is relatively new to the island it has caught on pretty fast. Both locals and tourists alike are to be found taking part in organized tours or just thrashing about on their own. If you have your own bike you can join a group out on a ride; if you don't you can rent one or just join an organized tour that includes the bike in the package. 

With regards to sourcing out a biking adventure, most major tour operators and hotels offer mountain biking holidays. Alternatively, you can select your own trip by contacting one of the smaller 'adventure' dedicated operations. (Incidentally these smaller operators are the ones generally used by tour companies and hotels to organize their own tours). 

Tours range from technical rides on switch backing single-track - for those of you who know your endos from your bunny hops - to gentler rides that would suit the most discerning of couch potatoes. 

Proper cycle tracks are hard to come by, but with a profusion of dirt roads and paths criss-crossing the island, there is no shortage of places to go mountain biking. 

Of the few planned rides that are in existence, one of the best established is the Southern Cycle Route, or the National Cycling Trail - Coast Route. Developed by the Sri Lanka Adventure Operators' Association and the Tourism Cluster of USAID, this clearly marked-out route takes in a good portion of the southern coastal belt. Starting in Kalutara, (which is a few towns south of Colombo, along the Galle Road) it meanders through the backcountry in continuing loops of 20 to 30 kilometres. Blue signs indicating turns mark out the trail. Unfortunately these are not entirely dependable as they seem to be irresistibly attractive to souvenir hunters. Ask for directions when confused. 

You can either cycle the entire route or stick to the shorter segments. Exploring the whole trail might take the better part of two days since the sights along the way tend to distract and slow things down a bit. The flat terrain makes for an easy ride and the fact that you ride almost entirely on minor roads means that you get a taste of what 'real' Sri Lanka is all about. 

For those who want to stick to what the operators have on offer, a tour to suit your time, budget (and energy!) limits can easily be arranged. The bikes available range from tried and tested cross-country machines like Specialized Rockhoppers to locally assembled units. The latter come equipped with Shimano components and are very capable of handling whatever is dished out. An advantage that a more advanced bike like the Rockhopper would have of course is that of a lesser weight. 

Longer tours have support vehicles in attendance, which means you don't have to lug all your gear along with you. It also means that should any breakdown or emergency occur, there is always someone at hand. Some of the most breathtaking rides on offer are those on the tea estates and highlands of Sri Lanka - the crisp air and stunning scenic beauty of the region result in some very invigorating biking. Clinging to a narrow mountain pass 6,000 feet above sea level takes on an almost divine aura when it's just you and your bike. 

For those of you who don't want to be part of a bigger group, and want to bring your own bike along, a sense of adventure and average map reading skills will guarantee rides that are hard to forget. Plan out and decide on your route with the help of someone who knows the area (Sri Lanka is a small place, so everyone knows something about nearly everywhere!). Stick to the roads, however, and don't hesitate to ask for directions. 

It is also possible to use public transport to get to where you want to bike from. Bikes can be taken on board trains as personal luggage if they are dismantled and in carry-on bags. If they are to be sent separately, arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure and check in with the parcels counter. If you are using the bus, it will be possible to load the bike on at a main departure point. Speak to the conductor and arrange things with him. 

You might get a few strange looks as you coast along, but that's only because mountain biking is still quite new to the island. When passing through villages, prepare for young boys to challenge you for a sprint. They may ride single speeds and you may have the latest creation with 27 gears and umpteen other modern conveniences, but you still don't stand a chance. When Messrs. Raleigh & Co. designed the single speed Standard even they never knew it could be ridden so fast! 

Look out for dogs and fast moving vehicles. The dogs can be outrun or put off by a squirt from a water bottle. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the cars - so watch out. 

Refreshments can be bought from wayside shops. King Coconut water and Kimbula Banis is a very good way of restoring your electrolytes, sugar and carbohydrates. King Coconuts come naturally sealed, so they are safe to drink. A Kimbula Banis is a long, crocodile-shaped bun coated with sugar. Go for freshly prepared food and stay away from meat or fish during the ride - the protein will be harder to digest and it's safer, too. 

Unless you are part of a group on tour with a support vehicle, it makes sense to carry a repair kit. Most villages do have cycle repair shops but not the specialty tools or knowledge to deal with a complex mountain bike. If you have Presta valves, carry a pump since the type used locally will not fit. Schraeder valves can be filled at petrol stations or tyre shops that deal in motor vehicle tyre repairs. 

Dress lightly and wear your clothes in layers - you can take them off as it gets warmer. An early morning on the coast can be quite chilly, likewise an afternoon in the mountains can be surprisingly warm.