About this experience
Ride through the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the island's capital from the 11th to the 13th century and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this private guided cycling tour. You start at 9:00 am at the entrance to the old city, where your cycling guide and supporting crew have your bike ready, and begin at the ruins of King Parakramabahu I's palace, a 12th-century building that once rose seven storeys. Beside it stands the same king's Council Chamber, whose base, pillars and finely carved outer walls still survive. You also see the mysterious Satmahal Prasada, a stepped pyramid whose builders are unknown, and pass the Atadage and Hatadage, the first and second shrines of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Polonnaruwa.
The Gal Vihara is a highlight, with its standing, seated and reclining Buddhas carved from solid granite. Along the way you also see the vaulted Thuparama, Rankoth Vihara, the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, the Shiva temple built by the Cholas, and the circular Vatadage. After the old city you pedal to the Parakrama Samudra, the vast reservoir built by King Parakramabahu, then ride back through green countryside home to toque macaque monkeys, finishing at about 12:00 pm with a cooling king coconut. Cycles, your cycling guide and supporting crew, a back-up vehicle with cycle carrier, water and refreshments during the ride, a canoe ride and insurance cover of up to USD 2,000 are included. The tour is private, runs in English and welcomes riders aged eight and above. Entrance fees, hotel transfers and meals are not included.
