Exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a bike tour is an enthralling way to uncover Sri Lanka’s rich history. Departing from Dambulla or Sigiriya, visitors can enjoy the 12th-century architectural marvels that dot the landscape. With an expert guide leading the way, they’ll have the freedom to discover iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya rock carvings at their own pace. This captivating adventure promises to transport history enthusiasts back in time, leaving them eager to delve deeper into Polonnaruwa’s fascinating past.

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Key Points

A 5-hour bike tour that explores the historic sites of Polonnaruwa at the participants’ own pace, including the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya rock carvings.
Includes tuk-tuk pickup from Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, or Kandalama, as well as bike rental, guide, refreshments, and entrance fees.
Features an immersive guided bike ride through Polonnaruwa’s 12th-century cultural heritage, with a focus on Sri Lankan history and architecture.
Allows for flexible booking and changes, with no upfront payment required and a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance.
Offers a rundown of Polonnaruwa’s well-preserved ruins, including the Vatadage and its beautifully carved moonstone carvings.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This bike tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa at their own pace.

The 5-hour activity includes a tuk-tuk pickup, cycling through the historic site, and visits to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and Parakramabahu Statue.

An exhilarating 5-hour activity featuring a tuk-tuk pickup, cycling through Polonnaruwa’s historic landmarks, including the Royal Palace and Gal Viharaya.

Priced from $95 per person, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, mountain bike rental, cycling guide, refreshments, and all entrance fees.

Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is available in English and includes pickup from select hotels in the Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, and Kandalama areas.

Enjoying two wheels? We've reviewed these other cycling options in Polonnaruwa District

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a tuk-tuk pickup at 8:00 AM from the participant’s hotel.

Explorers will arrive at Polonnaruwa by 10:00 AM, where they’ll spend the next 3 hours discovering the ancient city’s highlights, including:

The impressive Royal Palace
The ornate Nissankamulla Palace
The serene Gal Viharaya rock carvings
The iconic Lankathilaka stupa

Participants will explore 12th-century Sri Lankan history and architecture, marveling at the well-preserved structures and monuments that testify to the city’s past grandeur.

The tour allows visitors to experience Polonnaruwa’s rich cultural heritage through an immersive, guided bike ride.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes an air-conditioned luxury private vehicle for transportation, as well as the rental of mountain bikes and a cycling guide to lead the exploration. Complementary refreshments and water are provided throughout the tour. All government taxes are included, and the entrance fees to Polonnaruwa, which is approximately $30 per person, are covered.

| Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Air-conditioned luxury private vehicle |

| Bike Rental | Mountain bikes provided |

| Cycling Guide | Expert guide to lead the exploration |

| Refreshments | Complimentary water and snacks |

| Entrance Fees | Polonnaruwa site admission covered |

Important items to bring include a passport or ID card and a charged smartphone.

Booking Information

Customers can reserve their spot on the tour with no upfront payment, allowing them to check availability for starting times and select the desired participants and date.

The flexible booking process makes it easy for travelers to plan their sightseeing activities:

No need to pay in advance to secure a spot
Check different start times and group sizes to find the best option
Select the preferred date that fits their schedule
Easy to make changes or cancellations up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund

More Great Tours Nearby

Getting to Polonnaruwa

Although the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is located inland, it’s conveniently accessible from several major towns in the region. Visitors can take advantage of the reliable transportation options to reach the site. The table below outlines the pickup locations and approximate travel times:

| Pickup Location | Distance (km) | Travel Time |

| ————— | ———— | ———– |

| Dambulla | 90 | 1.5 hours |

| Sigiriya | 60 | 1 hour |

| Habarana | 50 | 45 minutes |

| Kandalama | 75 | 1.25 hours |

With these convenient transportation options, travelers can easily incorporate a visit to the historic Polonnaruwa into their itinerary when exploring the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

There's plenty more to explore in Polonnaruwa District

Exploring the Ancient City

Once visitors arrive at the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, they’ll find themselves immersed in a captivating journey through 12th-century Sri Lankan history and architecture.

Visitors to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa are immersed in a captivating journey through 12th-century Sri Lankan history and architecture.

Highlights of the bike tour include:

Exploring the grand Royal Palace, once the seat of kings
Admiring the intricate carvings at the Gal Viharaya rock temple
Marveling at the towering Lankathilaka stupa, a stunning example of ancient engineering
Discovering the Vatadage, a circular relic house with beautifully preserved moonstone carvings

The tour provides a rundown of Polonnaruwa’s vast and well-preserved ruins, allowing visitors to truly step back in time and experience the grandeur of this once-thriving medieval capital.

Discovering Architectural Marvels

As visitors explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, they’ll be captivated by the architectural marvels that dot the landscape.

The Royal Palace complex showcases the grandeur of the 12th-century kingdom, with its intricate stone carvings and expansive layout.

The Gal Vihara features four impressive Buddha statues carved directly from the rock, exemplifying the skill of the city’s craftsmen.

The Lankathilaka shrine impresses with its towering brick walls and ornate stone detailing.

Everywhere, the city’s monuments stand as testaments to the region’s rich cultural heritage and engineering prowess.

Experiencing 12th-Century History

By exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa on a guided bike tour, visitors can enjoy the rich history and architecture of 12th-century Sri Lanka.

The tour highlights key sites, including:

The impressive Royal Palace, a testament to the architectural prowess of the period
The Gal Vihara, a collection of four massive Buddha statues carved out of a single slab of granite
The Lankathilaka and Vatadage structures, showcasing the intricate stone carvings and engineering skills of the time
The towering Parakramabahu Statue, honoring one of the most renowned kings of the Polonnaruwa era.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike for the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own bikes for this tour. The tour package includes the rental of mountain bikes and a cycling guide. Using the provided bikes ensures a seamless experience exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, though they’ll need to be able to ride a bike comfortably. The tour provides mountain bikes, and the pace is manageable for most kids. However, the activity may not be appropriate for very young children.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities along the way. Participants can use the restrooms at the historical sites during the exploration of Polonnaruwa Ancient City, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the 5-hour bike tour.

Can I Store My Luggage With the Tour Operator?

The tour operator does not provide luggage storage during the bike tour of Polonnaruwa Ancient City. Participants are advised to leave any large bags or luggage at their hotel before the tour starts.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers a private bike tour option for guests. This allows for a more personalized experience with the guide. Pricing for the private tour may be higher than the group tour.

The Sum Up

Exploring Polonnaruwa by bike offers a unique and immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history. From the iconic landmarks to the captivating 12th-century architecture, this tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it an ideal adventure for history enthusiasts. With flexible exploration and expert guidance, travelers can truly experience the cultural and historical significance of this ancient city.

You can check availability for your dates here: