Discover the captivating history of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, on this unique biking tour. Pedal through the ancient royal city, exploring iconic sites like the majestic Royal Palace and the awe-inspiring Gal Viharaya. With expert guidance, uncover the spiritual significance behind the intricate carvings and monuments that have stood the test of time. This UNESCO World Heritage experience offers a chance to learn about the rich heritage of this remarkable destination.

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Key Points

Guided 4-hour biking tour of Polonnaruwa’s ancient sites, including the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and Parakramabahu Statue, with pickup from local hotels.
Tour explores grand palaces, temples with intricate carvings, and sites of spiritual significance like the Gal Viharaya and Lankathilaka stupa.
Highlights include the well-preserved 12th-century Royal Palace complex with an Audience Hall, Queen’s Palace, King’s Palace, and more.
Captivating Nissankamulla Palace showcases intricate stone carvings and offers panoramic views of the ancient city.
Tour culminates at the awe-inspiring Gal Viharaya, Thuparama stupa, Lankathilaka temple, Vatadage, Rankoth Vehera, and Parakramabahu Statue.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The biking tour of Polonnaruwa, a captivating ancient city dating back to the 12th century, offers a 4-hour experience. Priced at $95 per person, the tour includes English-language guidance and pickup from hotels in Polonnaruwa and Girithale.

Guests can explore the city’s grand palaces, intricate carvings, and spiritual sites on a 3.5-hour bike ride. The tour covers highlights like the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, and Parakramabahu Statue.

Complimentary refreshments, water, and all fees are included. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, enjoying flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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Bike Exploration of Polonnaruwa

Participants commence their 3.5-hour bike exploration of Polonnaruwa’s ancient wonders at 9:00 AM.

Participants begin their 3.5-hour bike exploration of Polonnaruwa’s ancient wonders at 9:00 AM.

They’ll discover:

Grand palaces and temples with intricate carvings and architectural designs.
Spiritual significance of historical sites like the Gal Viharaya, Lankathilaka stupa, and Parakramabahu Statue.
Sri Lankan heritage embodied in these ancient marvels.

Along the way, tuk-tuk pick-up and drop-off, mountain bike rental, entrance fees, and refreshments are included.

With flexibility to reserve now and pay later, travelers can enjoy this captivating journey through Polonnaruwa’s past.

Visiting Royal Palace

As the bike tour commences, one of the first stops is the grand Royal Palace. The impressive 12th-century palace complex boasts a unique architecture, featuring well-preserved columns, intricate carvings, and a sense of grandeur. Visitors can explore the various sections of the palace, including:

| Section | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Audience Hall | Impressive stone carvings and pillars |

| Queen’s Palace | Ornate design and hidden chambers |

| King’s Palace | Magnificent scale and architectural details |

| Bathing Pool | Serene setting and ancient engineering |

| Gymnasium | Insight into royal leisure activities |

The Royal Palace offers a glimpse into the power and sophistication of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, captivating visitors with its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Discovering Nissankamulla Palace

After exploring the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the bike tour then leads visitors to the captivating Nissankamulla Palace.

The bike tour then leads visitors to the captivating Nissankamulla Palace after exploring the grandeur of the Royal Palace.

This architectural marvel showcases the ingenuity of the Polonnaruwa era:

Intricate stone carvings adorning the palace walls
Remnants of a once-grand throne room, hinting at the seat of power
Panoramic views of the surrounding ancient city, a testament to its strategic location

Wandering through the Nissankamulla Palace offers a glimpse into the majesty and sophistication of the 12th-century kingdom, leaving visitors in awe of the city’s rich history.

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Exploring Gal Viharaya and Other Monuments

From the grandeur of the Nissankamulla Palace, the bike tour moves on to explore the awe-inspiring Gal Viharaya.

Visitors marvel at the four colossal Buddha statues carved directly into the granite rock. Nearby, the Thuparama stupa and Lankathilaka temple captivate with their intricate architectural designs.

The group then visits the Vatadage, a circular relic house featuring beautifully preserved stone carvings.

The tour culminates at the Rankoth Vehera, a massive stupa, and the mighty Parakramabahu Statue, honoring the celebrated 12th-century king.

Throughout, the group connects with Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, immersed in the spiritual significance of these ancient marvels.

There's plenty more to explore in Polonnaruwa District

Discovering the Spiritual Significance

The bike tour allows visitors to deeply connect with the profound spiritual significance of Polonnaruwa’s ancient sites.

Exploring the Gal Vihara, an impressive rock carving of four massive Buddha statues, evokes a sense of peace and reverence. The Lankathilaka Temple, with its intricate carvings and towering stone walls, emanates a powerful spiritual presence.

Visiting the Rankoth Vehera, a giant stupa believed to house sacred relics, instills a humbling appreciation for the region’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Through these immersive encounters, travelers can truly appreciate the soul-stirring essence of Polonnaruwa’s historic marvels.

Inclusions and Amenities

The bike tour includes a tuk-tuk pick-up and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless start and end to the adventure.

Rental mountain bikes allow visitors to explore Polonnaruwa’s historic sites with ease. Entrance fees to the Ancient City are covered, along with fuel surcharges, driver costs, and parking.

Complimentary refreshments and water are provided throughout the tour. All government taxes are included in the price, making it a hassle-free experience.

The tour also offers a reserve now, pay later option, providing flexibility to maintain travel plans.

With these comprehensive inclusions, visitors can focus on seeing Polonnaruwa’s ancient wonders.

Important Considerations

While packing for the tour, visitors should remember to bring their passport or ID card and a charged smartphone.

The bike tour of Polonnaruwa’s ancient sites is designed to be flexible, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later to maintain their travel plans.

Key considerations for the tour include:

Dressing comfortably in lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for cycling
Bringing sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Staying hydrated by utilizing the complimentary refreshments provided

With these simple preparations, visitors can fully enjoy the extraordinary sights and rich heritage of Polonnaruwa during this unique biking experience.

Common Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Bike Tour?

The minimum group size for this bike tour is not specified. The tour can be booked for individual travelers or groups, with the price remaining the same regardless of group size.

Are Electric Bikes Available as an Alternative?

No, electric bikes are not available as an alternative for this tour. The tour provides standard mountain bikes for the 3.5-hour bike exploration of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include specific sites. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing guests to tailor the itinerary to their interests and explore the ancient city’s highlights at their own pace.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request a longer cycling exploration to visit additional historical sites within Polonnaruwa’s ancient city at an additional cost.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Unfortunately, the tour details do not mention any student or senior discounts. The operator seems to offer a set price per person without special pricing tiers. However, it’s worth inquiring if they provide any such discounts upon booking.

The Sum Up

The "From Polonnaruwa: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa by Bike" tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic wonders of Polonnaruwa. Visitors can enjoy the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site, from the grand Royal Palace to the awe-inspiring Gal Viharaya. With expert guidance and complimentary refreshments, this 4-hour biking adventure provides an engaging and informative way to connect with the spiritual and architectural marvels of Polonnaruwa.