From Dambulla/Sigiriya: Ancient City of Anuradhapura by Bike

Exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura by bike is a captivating journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history. Travelers embark on a 6.5-hour adventure, starting from the picturesque towns of Dambulla or Sigiriya. Along the way, they’ll uncover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the majestic Ruwanveliseya stupa and the impressive Jetavanaramaya. With convenient hotel pickup, all entrance fees included, and flexible cancellation policies, this tour promises an immersive experience. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to witness the architectural and spiritual wonders that have shaped Anuradhapura’s past. What secrets will this ancient city reveal to those who explore it by bicycle?

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Anuradhapura on a 6.5-hour bike tour, priced from $120 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Discover key landmarks like Ruwanveliseya, Abhayagiriya, and Jetavanaramaya, dating back to the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD.
• Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Ruwanveliseya stupa, Abhayagiriya complex, and the world’s largest brick building, Jetavanaramaya.
• Admire intricate carvings, such as the Moonstone and Guard Stones, and the iconic Samadhi Buddha Statue carved from a single granite block.
• Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, with all entrance fees to the Anuradhapura UNESCO site included in the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, this 6.5-hour bike tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and Theravada Buddhist heritage of one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Priced from $120 per person, this experience promises an immersive journey through ancient ruins dating back to the 4th century BC. Guests can expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Pickup from Anuradhapura hotels kickstarts the adventure, allowing travelers to discover well-preserved landmarks like the Ruwanveliseya, Abhayagiriya, and the world’s largest man-made brick structures at Jetavanaramaya.

All of this is enjoyed while savoring the tranquility of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.

Itinerary

The tour’s itinerary begins with a hotel pickup at 8:00 am, allowing participants to embark on their exploration of Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest inhabited towns.

At 9:30 am, the city tour commences, providing a close-up view of the site’s rich history and architectural wonders dating back to the 4th century BC through the 11th century AD.

Key highlights include the Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayagiriya, and Jetavanaramaya – the world’s largest man-made brick buildings.

Other notable landmarks are the Moonstone, Guard Stones, Thuparama and Lankaramaya Dagobas, Brazen Palace, Twin Ponds, Samadhi Buddha Statue, and Isurumuniya Temple rock carvings.

At 12:30 pm, the tour concludes with a return to the hotel, leaving participants to reflect on the profound cultural and historical experience.

Historical Sites

Among the highlights of the tour are the well-preserved ruins and significant landmarks that span the ancient city’s history from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. Visitors can explore the Ruwanveliseya, a massive stupa dating back to the 2nd century BC, and the Abhayagiriya, a grand Buddhist monastic complex. Nearby, the Jetavanaramaya stands out as the world’s largest man-made brick building. Other notable sites include the Moonstone, Guard Stones, Thuparama and Lankaramaya Dagobas, Brazen Palace, Twin Ponds, Samadhi Buddha Statue, and Isurumuniya Temple rock carvings.

Historic Site	Description
Ruwanveliseya	Massive stupa from 2nd century BC
Abhayagiriya	Grand Buddhist monastic complex
Jetavanaramaya	World’s largest man-made brick building

Ruwanveliseya and Abhayagiriya

Two of the most striking historical sites in Anuradhapura are the Ruwanveliseya and Abhayagiriya.

The Ruwanveliseya is a massive stupa dating back to the 2nd century BC, while the Abhayagiriya is a grand Buddhist monastic complex that showcases the architectural prowess of the ancient city.

Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of the Ruwanveliseya, which stands over 50 meters tall.

The Abhayagiriya, on the other hand, was once home to a massive brick structure, the largest of its kind in the ancient world.

Today, these two sites offer a glimpse into Anuradhapura’s rich Buddhist heritage, inviting travelers to step back in time and enjoy the city’s captivating history.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Jetavanaramaya and Moonstone

Jetavanaramaya stands as a testament to the architectural mastery of ancient Anuradhapura, housing the world’s largest brick building constructed entirely without mortar.

Nearby, the enigmatic Moonstone – a decorative stone carving at the base of stairways – exemplifies the refined artistry that adorned the sacred sites of this bygone era.

The Jetavanaramaya impresses with its sheer scale, rising over 120 meters high.

Visitors can marvel at:

1. The intricate brick carvings adorning the structure.

2. The precise engineering that allowed this mammoth to be built without mortar.

3. The serene statues of the Buddha that once graced the interior.

4. The sweeping views from the top, overlooking the ancient city.

Samadhi Buddha Statue

Nestled within the ancient city, the Samadhi Buddha Statue captivates visitors with its serene and contemplative pose, embodying the essence of Buddhist spirituality that permeated Anuradhapura.

This iconic statue, dating back to the 4th century AD, depicts the Buddha in a state of deep meditation, his face radiating an aura of profound inner peace.

Carved from a single block of granite, the statue’s intricate details and graceful proportions showcase the exceptional skill of the ancient Sinhalese sculptors.

Visitors are drawn to this sacred site, where they can pause, reflect, and connect with the tranquil spirit that infuses this remarkable artistic masterpiece, a testament to Anuradhapura’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights

Visitors can discover well-preserved ruins and significant landmarks that offer a glimpse into Anuradhapura’s rich history and cultural heritage. The tour highlights include:

Experiencing the tranquility under the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be the world’s oldest human-planted tree, grown from a branch of the tree where Buddha attained enlightenment 2500 years ago.

Exploring the massive Jetavanaramaya, one of the world’s largest brick buildings from the 3rd century BC.

Admiring the intricate carvings and architecture of historic sites like the Ruwanveliseya and Abhayagiriya.

Discovering the enigmatic Moonstone and Guard Stones, remnants of Anuradhapura’s grandeur.

These highlights provide an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient past, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s storied legacy.

Inclusions and Booking

This tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Participants are provided with private transportation from their hotel and back, as well as mountain bike charges for exploring the ancient city. Plus, all entrance fees to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura are covered, along with fuel surcharges, driver expenses, parking fees, and government taxes. Refreshments like complimentary water are also offered.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Private vehicle from hotel and back
Biking	Mountain bike charges included
Entrance Fees	Access to Ancient City of Anuradhapura
Additional Fees	Fuel, driver, parking, and taxes included

Booking is made easy with a reserve now and pay later option, and pickups are available from hotels in Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, and Kandalama.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prior Biking Experience Required for This Tour?

No, prior biking experience is not required for this tour. The tour includes mountain bike charges, allowing participants to explore the historical sites comfortably without needing previous cycling expertise.

Can We Opt for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, this tour can be booked as a private tour instead of a group tour. The private tour option allows you to explore Anuradhapura at your own pace with a personal guide and in a more exclusive setting.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

No, water and refreshments are provided on the tour. The tour includes complimentary water and other refreshments, so you don’t need to bring your own. Just bring yourself and be ready to explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions and is suitable for all ages. However, the tour involves extensive walking and biking, so participants should be physically able to handle these activities. Children under 12 may require adult supervision.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

The tour provider generally allows customers to customize the itinerary to visit specific sites within the ancient city of Anuradhapura. However, the duration and pricing may be impacted by any changes to the standard tour program.

Recap

This bike tour offers a unique way to explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can enjoy the rich history and impressive architecture of the Ruwanveliseya stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and other significant landmarks.

With convenient hotel pickup, included entrance fees, and flexible cancellation, this tour provides an engaging and hassle-free experience for those seeking to discover Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: