Ride the A9. See the island.
STAR9 is 250 km, one day and nine stars, from Jaffna in the North to Dambulla in the heart of the island. Ride on your own or with a team of up to five. It's almost flat, a little humid and a lot of fun, and your backup vehicle can roll along with you.
You'll set off to the drum beat of the kovil and finish beside ancient cave temples. In between, the palmyra trees ('Thal') slowly give way to coconut palms ('Pol'). You'll pass busy towns, quiet stretches of open road, food stalls, tea stops and people who will wave, cheer and smile as you go by.
Whether you ride it for the finish line, the photos or the food, there's a place for you on the A9.
#DanceTheA9
A9 Route
Did you know that the A9 Road we use in Race The Pearl, is the artery that connects Jaffna and Dambulla and was not accessible to the public from 1990 until it's reopening in 2009? This period marks a significant chapter in the country's history, a painful story, and the growing hope of connecting two cultural and economic hubs of Sri Lanka, Jaffna and Dambulla
Connecting Cultures Over 250 km
From the kovils of Jaffna to the cave temples of Dambulla, the A9 is a 250 km journey through the island's living culture. Ride past colorful Hindu kovils and ancient Buddhist temples, through busy towns and quiet countryside, with food stops and friendly faces all the way. And with Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla's UNESCO World Heritage sites close to the finish, it's an easy trip to turn into a few extra days of exploring.
The 250 km Of A9 From Jaffna to Dambulla
The first 250 km covers 9 key cities with cultural and historical significance. The 9 cities will be called the STAR9 Jaffna Our journey begins in Jaffna, a city rich in Tamil culture, and renowned for its intricate temples including the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. This temple, significant for its elaborate festivals and architecture, draws thousands of devotees, particularly during its annual festival which is one of the longest in the region. Elephant-Pass Elephant Pass has been a strategic military base since 1760 when the Portuguese built a fort, which was later rebuilt and garrisoned by the Dutch in 1776 and later by the British. Kilinochchi .The Kilinochchi town was established in 1936 as part of a colonization project that sought to ease overpopulation and unemployment in Jaffna. A crucial city during the civil war ended in 2009 today is seeing dividends of peace. Omanthai Omanthai offers a glimpse into the past as the former checkpoint that marked divisions, it is now a symbol of the journey toward unity. vavuniya In Vavuniya, the cultural melting pot of Sri Lanka, we witness the diverse cultural influences that bridge the northern and southern parts of the island. Vavuniya is earmarked to become an economic hub for the North Mihintale Mihintale emerged as a beacon of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage. Known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, this ancient site is where Buddhism was first introduced to the island. The area is famed for its spiritual significance and archaeological marvels, including a large stupa and several ancient sculptures and relic Anuradhapura A short detour off the A9 brings us to Anuradhapura, once a major center of Sri Lankan civilization and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city is celebrated for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, including enormous dagobas, ancient pools, and imposing temple ruins. Sigiriya Continuing the journey, another Short detour leads to Sigiriya, often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This ancient rock fortress is famous for its massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high, originally selected by King Kasyapa (AD 477-495) for his capital. Visitors can explore the frescoes, the mirror wall, and the landscaped gardens, which blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature. Dambulla Dambulla, is renowned for the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO World Heritage site features a series of spectacular cave temples and a massive collection of Buddha statues and murals dating back to the 1st century BC. The temple serves as a significant religious site and a beacon of Buddhist heritage, drawing pilgrims and tourists from around the world. Traveling the A9 Road is to traverse through the living history and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka. Each town and site along this restored highway tells a story of heritage, struggle, and renewal. The road itself is a thread that weaves together the diverse stories of resilience, linking ancient cities, sacred sites, and communities in a narrative of reconciliation and unity. Join us on the A9, where every mile tells a story of resilience and every destination opens a new chapter in the beautiful narrative of Sri Lanka
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