Polonnaruwa Bicycle Tour: Exploring the Ancient Kingdom

While Anuradhapura holds the title of the oldest ancient capital, Polonnaruwa—Sri Lanka's second medieval capital—arguably offers the more spectacular and better-preserved ruins. And the absolute best way to explore this compact, flat archaeological park is by hopping on a bicycle.

Why Cycle Polonnaruwa?

Unlike the sprawling ruins of Anuradhapura, the monuments in Polonnaruwa are clustered relatively close together, but just far enough apart to make walking tiring in the dry zone heat. A bicycle gives you the freedom to move at your own pace, seamlessly riding from ancient palaces to massive stupas under the shade of ancient trees.

Highlights of the Ancient City

As you pedal through the park, ensure your route hits these spectacular milestones:

• The Royal Palace Group: Start at the ruins of King Parakramabahu I's massive royal palace. Though only the thick brick walls remain, imagine it as the seven-story structure it once was.
• The Quadrangle (Dalada Maluva): The most concentrated area of ruins. Features incredibly ornate stone architecture, including the circular Vatadage and the uniquely inscribed Gal Pota (stone book).
• Rankoth Vehera: Polonnaruwa's largest stupa, a towering structure of red brick reminiscent of the great stupas of Anuradhapura.
• Gal Vihara (The Rock Shrine): The undisputed highlight. Four colossal statues of the Buddha (standing, sitting, and reclining), flawlessly carved from a single massive granite rock face. The artistry and serene expression on the reclining Buddha are world-renowned.

Practical Tips for Your Ride

• Start Early: The ruins open at 7:00 AM. Get there early to beat the intense midday sun and the large tourist bus crowds.
• Rentals: Nearly every guesthouse in the area rents bicycles for extremely cheap rates (usually around $2-$3 for the day).
• Monkeys: Polonnaruwa is famous for its large troops of Toque Macaques (the stars of the Disney documentary 'Monkey Kingdom'). They are mischievous—do not leave food in your bicycle basket unattended!

Polonnaruwa forms the eastern point of Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. If you are doing a multi-day tour encompassing Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa, taking advantage of a private driver package provides the necessary flexibility to dictate your own fascinating journey through history.