Sri Lanka · UNESCO Heritage Sites

Full-Day Polonnaruwa Bicycle Tour with Ancient Ruins and Monkey Tracking

1 Day Round trip from Polonnaruwa Easy pace

Monkey Camping in Polonnaruwa Ancient Site

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the Polonnaruwa ancient site by bicycle
02 Spot and interact with monkeys in the Sri Lankan forest
03 Marvel at Rankot Vihara, the largest stupa in the city at 180 ft high
04 Discover sacred landmarks including Lankathilaka Gedige, Kiri Vihara, and Shiva Devale

Explore Polonnaruwa in a unique way on a sturdy bicycle as you combine ancient-site discovery with monkey tracking in the Sri Lankan forest. Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a royal city and the second-largest kingdom in Sri Lanka, and learn about its well-planned archaeological remains with a local expert. Along the way, uncover the significance of its ruins, temples, stupas, and Hindu kovils while gaining insight into the greatness and discipline of Polonnaruwa's early rulers.

Explore Polonnaruwa in a unique way on a sturdy bicycle as you combine ancient-site discovery with monkey tracking in the Sri Lankan forest.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Polonnaruwa

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Bicycle Tour and Monkey Tracking

Meet your tour guide at the agreed-upon location in Polonnaruwa for a brief introduction before starting your visit to the ancient city. As you ride through the Sri Lankan forest, spot and interact with monkeys along the way.
Understand the importance of the ruins, temples, stupas, and Hindu kovils with your local expert. Marvel at Rankot Vihara, the largest stupa in the city, standing 180 ft high.
See Lankathilaka Gedige, built during Parakramabahu's reign.
Take a stroll through Kiri Vihara, surrounded by forests and rediscovered in the 19th century.
Explore Shiva Devale, a Hindu temple built in the 13th century.
Learn about the strategic importance of Polonnaruwa and why it is known as a camp city. Look for the spots that served as safe hideouts for armies, giving it the name 'Kandavuru Nuvara'.