Welcome to Goa, Nuwan Kumara!
When I was planning my cycling trip to Sri Lanka, I stumbled upon a series of insightful YouTube videos by a local cyclist named Nuwan Kumara. His calm narration, practical tips, and breathtaking footage of Sri Lanka’s coastal and hill-country roads were more than just helpful—they were inspirational. So, when I finally landed in Colombo in May 2023, it was a delight to meet him in person. Nuwan welcomed me warmly and took me on a memorable cycling tour of the city, sharing its sights, sounds, and stories through the eyes of a local.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Nuwan is now on a journey that dwarfs anything either of us had attempted before. He’s cycling from the southernmost point of Sri Lanka—the rugged, windswept Dondra Head—all the way to the highest motorable road in the world: Umling La Pass in Ladakh, India.
He’s named the ride Sea to Summit: Indo-Lanka Friendship Green Bicycle Ride, and the name says it all. This isn’t just a test of physical endurance; it’s a cross-border journey powered by ideals—sustainability, international friendship, and the quiet power of human determination.
Nuwan crossed into India on March 29, 2025, via the newly launched international ferry service connecting Kankesanthurai (near Jaffna) to Nagapattinam. From there, he pedaled to Kanyakumari—India’s own southernmost point—before turning north along the country’s western coastline. His route has taken him through the lush backwaters of Kerala, the hills of Karnataka, and today, he rides into Goa.
It’s a special moment to welcome him here, in a place where cycling is gaining new traction every year.
So here’s to Nuwan Kumara, whose journey reminds us that bicycles are more than just a mode of travel—they’re vessels for connection, discovery, and change. As he continues his ride toward the Himalayas, I’m sure he’ll be welcomed with warmth and generosity by the many Indians he meets along the way.
Ride on, Nuwan. The summit awaits.
Follow Nuwan’s journey on:
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@daysofnuwan9842
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077490823135
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/days.ofnuwan/
Left: A photo of us during my 2023 Sri Lanka cycling trip, in front of the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo.
http://mycyclingdiary.barretomiranda.com/sri-lanka/
Right: Today at my home in Borda, Margao.