Complete guide to exploring Polonnaruwa ruins by bicycle - what to see and in what order?
I'm spending a full day at Polonnaruwa and I want to hire a bicycle and explore independently without a guide. Which ruins are the highlights I cannot skip? What order should I ride them in to minimise backtracking? Practical tips on shade, water, and entrance tickets welcome.
More
2 Answers from travellers
Outdated Information: This answer is over 6 months old. Prices, schedules, or availability may have changed. Please verify current information before making travel plans.
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
Fully agree with Indika's route. One addition: if you arrive by train, the Polonnaruwa station is 4km from the archaeological museum and bicycle hire stalls line the road between them. The museum itself is excellent and worth 30 minutes before you start riding - it contextualises what you are seeing at the ruins.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Kataragama sacred site - what is it, can tourists visit respectfully, and what should I know?3 answers
- Staying in Kandy - best area to stay and what to actually do in the city itself?2 answers
- Complete guide to exploring Polonnaruwa ruins by bicycle - what to see and in what order?2 answers
- Dambulla Cave Temple dress code and entry fee.1 answer
- Should I visit Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa.1 answer
- Polonnaruwa ancient city bicycle tour guide.1 answer
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture