The Ancient City of Anuradhapura Cycling Tour Standard Option
ID: GYG257697-445987
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
This tour takes you the oldest city of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. Feel the weight of two millennia in the ruins of the city, which was grand in its heyday. Hear the local legends and stories about Anuradhapura
Your tour will start at the Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Park) at approximately 8 AM where you will be met by your cycling guide and provided with bicycles and helmets as well as refreshments for the ride. Depart along the third-oldest manmade reservoir in Sri Lanka. The embankment of Tissa Wewa is 2 miles long and 25 feet tall.
From Tissa Wewa, bike to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura City, where the ancient monuments and ruins lie. Your guide will tell you many native stories and legends about Anuradhapura along the way. En route to the city, stop by the Isurumuniya Temple, built by King Devanampiyatissa in the 3rd century BC. This temple is the location of many famous stone carvings that you will get to see, including the Isurumuniya Lovers, the Royal Family, and the Elephant Bathing.
Once you get to the Anuradhapura Ruins, view the Abhayagiri Stupa that was part of the massive Abhayagiri Monastery. The Stupa was the second largest brick structure in the world after Jetavanaramaya. You will be able to see the elaborate moonstones and the reclining Buddha. You will also be able to see the famous giant Samadhi Buddha statue and the beautifully designed Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna) that were also part of the Abhayagiri Monastery.
After the Abhayagiri monastery area, continue to the Jetavana Pagoda, built in the 4th century AD and the largest brick structure of the ancient world. Jetavana remains an impressive sight with its carved bas reliefs, high arches, and beautifully shaped lotus pedestals.
The last stop is at the Ruwanwelisaya Pagoda, the oldest that is still in use where you can see pilgrims worshipping. Here you’ll see plenty of elephant sculptures, from the full-sized elephant sculptures in the outer wall to the old stone elephants in the base of the stupa.
Highlights
- Cycle along the ancient Tissa Wewa manmade reservoir
- Take a guided tour of the ruins in Anuradhapura
- See the Abhayagiri monastery and Jetavanaramaya stupa
- Visit Ruwanwelisaya, the oldest stupa in Sri Lanka
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Please eat breakfast before the tour as there will be no food stops along the way
All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You must fill out a travel information form
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
You must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts
Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Park), Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Guide with sign "Lakpura LLC"
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
