Anuradhapura Cycle through UNESCO with a local Guide

Overview

Dating back to the fourth century BC, Anuradhapura was the spiritual and secular capital of the island for well over a millennium. Pedal through this Cultural Triangle City of Anuradhapura, and explore 2000-year-old ruins of royal palaces and monasteries, ancient gardens, and esoteric relics.

Why you will love it!

• Explore the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura with your expert guide
• Cycle around ruins of the island’s first kingdom on lesser-known trails
• Hear fascinating tales of Buddhist life, history, engineering and architecture
• Experience the life in the neighbourhood and the joy of riding through lush greenery

What you will experience

Feel the weight of centuries in the ruins of the city, which was grand in its heyday. Hear the local legends and stories about Anuradhapura as you cycle through the ancient city by bike. Established in the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for centuries.

Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of South Asia’s most evocative sights. Start your exploration tour from the lush paddy fields. Cycle through the ancient citadel, discover the ingenious irrigation systems, the ancient structures that are now hidden in foliage and the beautiful villages that surround all these. Your path will be dotted with soaring stupas, especially Abhayagiri Dagoba, the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Take a break at Elephant Pond (Eth Pokuna) before you proceed to Basawakkulama Reservoir. Here, witness the local life this tank still supports and visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, one of the most sacred Buddhist relics in Sri Lanka.