Polonnaruwe Ancient City Cycling Tour from Trincomalee/Nilaveli

Sri Lanka , Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwe Ancient City Cycling Tour from Trincomalee/Nilaveli

Active

12h - 14h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka by cycle. Paddle your cycle across the ruins of ancient UNESCO heritage sites and water reservoirs to the countryside in Polonnaruwa. This tour contains 10 tours around the Polonnaruwa ancient city and sees 12-century ruins and miraculous stones that you are bringing pride to Sri Lanka.

You will have a chance to get a mouthwatering village lunch and taste a toddy. In the afternoon we will start to ride alongside paddy fields and Polonnaruwa lake with an amazing panoramic view. Later we will come back to Trincomalee, Nilaveli, and drop off your hotel in Trincomalee, Nilaveli.

Available options

Polonnaruwe Ancient City Cycling Tour from Trincomalee/Nilaveli

Pickup included

What's included

All Government tax & charges

Mineral Water Bottles

Transportation in a Comfortable A/C Vehicle

Cost of Cycle and equipment

English Speaking Cycle Safari Guide

Detailed itinerary

To the east of the Cultural Triangle, following the Anuradhapura era is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. The Polonnaruwa legacy may have lasted for only two centuries however judging by the colossal monuments and monasteries it left behind it is clear that it was dynasty that cannot be easily forgotten. The archaeology remains at Polonnaruwa are exhibited at the Museum of the Central Cultural Fund and its visitor centre.
It was King Vijayabahu I who defeated the Chola invaders and regained its land after 52 years. Since then Vijayabahu devoted his long reign to the restoration of the country. However Polonnaruwa is largely King Parakramabahu’s city. He built walls that would surround the city and further strengthened the fortifications of its inner city. The great Parakramabahu tank was built after he linked up and expanded three former tanks of Polonnaruwa,

The Rajanganaya Dam (also sometimes called Rajangana) is an irrigation dam built across the Kala Oya river, at Rajanganaya, bordering the North Western and North Central provinces of Sri Lanka. The main concrete dam measures approximately 350 m (1,150 ft) and creates the Rajanganaya Reservoir, which has a catchment area of 76,863.60 hectares and a total storage capacity of 100.37 million cubic metres

What's not included

Sigiriya Lion's Rock

Dambulla Rock Temple

Any other tours & services not mentioned above

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a vibrant island nation known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to pristine beaches and verdant tea plantations, it offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with stunning frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (LKR 5,000 for foreigners)

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located in Kandy, this temple houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth and is a significant pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget (LKR 1,500 for foreigners)

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world to see leopards, Yala National Park is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Nature Full day Moderate (LKR 6,350 for foreigners, including safari jeep)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti bread, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.

Street Food Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Wildlife safaris Surfing White-water rafting Beach lounging Ayurvedic spa treatments Tea plantation tours Yoga and meditation

Best Time to Visit

December to April (for the west and south coasts) and May to September (for the east coast)

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is generally dry and pleasant. It's ideal for beach activities, wildlife safaris, and exploring cultural sites.

25°C to 30°C 77°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable transport services and agree on fares in advance
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 35 km from Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Colombo Central Bus Stand, Bastion Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel, with options ranging from local trains to express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Galle Fort Colombo Fort

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya

180 km from Colombo • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a scenic hill station with tea plantations, waterfalls, and historic sites.

Adam's Peak

40 km from Ratnapura • Full day

A sacred mountain believed to contain the footprint of the Buddha, Adam's Peak is a popular pilgrimage site with a challenging but rewarding hike.

Festivals

Vesak • April/May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • August (full moon day)

Pro tips

Travel by train for a scenic and affordable way to explore the country, especially the route from Kandy to Ella
Hire a private driver or use app-based taxi services like Uber and PickMe for convenient and reliable transport
Visit lesser-known attractions like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa to avoid crowds and experience authentic Sri Lankan culture
Try local street food and dishes like kottu roti, hoppers, and rice and curry for an authentic culinary experience
Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and using your right hand for eating and giving