Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore its ancient ruins through an all-inclusive guided cycling tour. This four-hour adventure takes visitors on a leisurely 10-kilometer journey, providing personalized attention in a small group setting. With an English-speaking guide leading the way, participants can enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable destination. From tuk-tuk hotel pickup to entrance fees and necessary equipment, the tour ensures a hassle-free experience. But there’s more to discover about this captivating tour that may pique your interest.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Polonnaruwa District.
Key Points
- Guided cycling tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, exploring well-preserved ancient ruins and cultural heritage.
- Approximately 4-hour tour covering 10 km, suitable for all cycling skill levels with a focus on culture.
- Inclusive package with hotel pickup/drop-off, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, bicycles, and safety gear.
- Small group size (max 10 participants) for a personalized experience, with flexible booking and cancellation options.
- Tour not recommended for pregnant women, those with back/heart issues, or children under 3’9" (120 cm) due to safety concerns.
Tour Overview
Polonnaruwa: All Inclusive Ancient City Guided Cycling Tour
Tour Overview
The Guided Cycling Tour in Polonnaruwa is an exhilarating activity that allows visitors to explore the ancient capital of Sri Lanka on bicycle.
Over the course of approximately four hours, you will cycle for around 10 kilometers across the well-preserved ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The tour is limited to just 10 people, ensuring a personalized experience with an English-speaking guide.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture while enjoying the scenic landscape at a leisurely pace.
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Pricing and Booking
The Guided Cycling Tour in Polonnaruwa is priced from $85.00 per person, and participants can reserve their spots without any upfront payment.
This tour offers a flexible booking process, allowing travelers to reserve their spot now and pay later. Plus, the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for those who may need to adjust their plans.
Some key highlights of the pricing and booking information include:
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No upfront payment required to reserve a spot
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
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Prices starting from $85.00 per person
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Convenient reserve now, pay later option
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Flexible booking accommodates changes in travel plans
Itinerary Details
Polonnaruwa: All Inclusive Ancient City Guided Cycling Tour
The tour begins with hotel pickup by tuk-tuk at 8:00 AM, allowing participants to arrive at Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, by 8:20 AM.
Once there, cyclists will meet their knowledgeable English-speaking guide and embark on an exploration of the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Riders will wind their way through the iconic ruins, learning about the history and significance of the ancient structures.
The tour allows guests to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa, cycling at a leisurely pace to fully appreciate the grandeur of the former royal city.
The cycling excursion concludes with a return to the hotel by 11:30 AM.
Included in the Tour
Polonnaruwa: All Inclusive Ancient City Guided Cycling Tour
The tour includes several key features to enhance the cycling experience in Polonnaruwa. First, travelers enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s exploration. Plus, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the tour, providing valuable insights into the historical significance of the UNESCO-listed ruins.
The tour also includes:
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Entrance fees for all sightseeing activities
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All government taxes and charges
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Water and snacks to keep you energized during the cycling
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Use of high-quality bicycles and safety gear
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Photo opportunities at the best viewpoints in the ancient city
With these inclusions, the cycling tour offers a comprehensive and hassle-free way to discover the wonders of Polonnaruwa.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTour Restrictions
While the Polonnaruwa guided cycling tour offers an immersive cultural experience, it does have certain restrictions in place for the safety and comfort of participants.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back or heart problems, as the cycling can be physically demanding. Plus, children under 3 ft 9 in (120 cm) aren’t permitted to join the tour, as the bikes may not accommodate their smaller stature.
These restrictions are in place to ensure that all participants can fully enjoy the tour without compromising their wellbeing.
The tour operator emphasizes the importance of disclosing any relevant medical conditions or concerns prior to booking to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Customer Feedback
The Polonnaruwa guided cycling tour has received positive customer feedback, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on a single review from a traveler hailing from the UK.
The customer highlighted several aspects that contributed to their enjoyable experience:
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Knowledgeable and engaging English-speaking guide who brought the ancient city’s history to life.
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Comfortable cycling on well-maintained paths through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Ample opportunities to explore the well-preserved ruins and soak in the serene atmosphere.
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Seamless logistics, including hotel pickup and drop-off, making the tour hassle-free.
Reasons to Book
Travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience can find several compelling reasons to book the Polonnaruwa guided cycling tour. Exploring the ancient city’s UNESCO-listed ruins by bicycle allows visitors to cover more ground while enjoying fresh air and exercise. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the English-speaking guide provides valuable insights into the site’s history and significance. With hotel pickup and dropoff, as well as all entrance fees included, the tour offers excellent value and convenience. Cancellation flexibility and no upfront payment required further add to the appeal. Whether a history buff or an active traveler, this tour is an excellent way to discover the wonders of Polonnaruwa.
| Reasons to Book |
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| Immersive cultural experience |
| Explore by bicycle, cover more ground |
| Small group, personalized experience |
| English-speaking guide, valuable insights |
| Excellent value, convenience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Helmets Provided for the Cycling Tour?
Helmets are typically provided for cycling tours to ensure participant safety. However, the information provided does not explicitly state whether helmets are included in this specific tour. It’s best to confirm this detail with the tour operator prior to booking.
Can I Bring My Own Bicycle Instead?
No, participants are not permitted to bring their own bicycles for this guided cycling tour. The tour operator provides bicycles as part of the package, and using their equipment is required for safety and logistical reasons.
Are There Any Stops for Refreshments During the Tour?
The tour provides regular stops for refreshments during the 4-hour cycling journey. Participants can enjoy water and local snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the exploration of the ancient Polonnaruwa ruins.
Is the Tour Guide Licensed or Certified?
The tour guide is licensed and certified. Tour companies typically require their guides to have appropriate certifications, licenses, and training to lead tours and ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour overview does not mention an option to extend the duration, but it’s possible to inquire with the tour provider about any customization or add-ons. Customers should contact the tour operator to discuss their specific needs and preferences.
Recap
The Polonnaruwa All Inclusive Ancient City Guided Cycling Tour provides an immersive experience for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With a small group, an English-speaking guide, and all necessary equipment, travelers can leisurely cycle through well-preserved ruins, gaining valuable historical insights along the way.
The hassle-free tour, including tuk-tuk pickup and entrance fees, ensures a memorable cultural adventure.
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