Complete guide to exploring Polonnaruwa ruins by bicycle - what to see and in what order?

Polonnaruwa by bicycle is genuinely one of the best ways to see any archaeological site in Sri Lanka - flat terrain, wide paths, manageable distances. Here is my recommended clockwise route from the main entrance to minimise backtracking:

1. Royal Palace Complex (Parakramabahu's palace and audience hall) - start here, closest to entrance
2. Gal Potha (the stone book inscription) - 2 minutes ride
3. Hatadage and Atadage (tooth relic shrines) - same quadrant
4. Lankathilaka - towering brick image house, very photogenic
5. Kiri Vehera - white dagoba, well-preserved and peaceful
6. Gal Vihara - the absolute highlight: four magnificent rock-carved Buddha figures; budget 30-40 minutes here
7. Lotus Pond (Nelum Pokuna) - cycle north past the tank shore
8. Tivanka Image House - northernmost major site, worth the extra 2km

Practical tips:
- Hire a bicycle outside the main gate: 200-400 LKR for the day; check brakes before leaving
- Start by 7am - by 10am the heat is significant with little shade between sites
- Carry at least 1.5 litres of water; a vendor near Gal Vihara sells coconuts
- Single entry ticket covers all sites: USD 25 for foreigners (buy at the ticket office, not at individual gates)
- Allow 4-5 hours for a thorough visit