Anuradhapura Sacred City Cycle

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s capital for well over a thousand years, and its sacred city is spread across a wide, level landscape that suits a bicycle perfectly. Riding lets you cover distances that would be tiring on foot, pausing whenever something catches your eye.

The route links the great stupas, from the gleaming white Ruwanwelisaya to the vast brick mass of Jetavanaramaya, once among the tallest structures of the ancient world, and the forest monastery of Abhayagiri with its carved moonstones and guardstones. At the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, pilgrims in white bring flowers and chant. Quieter stops include the Twin Ponds, the serene Samadhi Buddha and the rock temple of Isurumuniya beside its pool.

Between the monuments you ride past village homes and the banks of ancient reservoirs that still water the surrounding fields.

Good to know

• Start early, around opening time, to ride before the midday heat of the dry zone.
• An entrance ticket is required for the archaeological area; active temples ask visitors to remove shoes and hats and cover shoulders and knees.
• The terrain is flat and suitable for most riders; bicycles are well maintained and a helmet can be provided on request.
• Bring water, sunscreen and socks for walking on hot temple terraces.

The ride can be added to any private itinerary through the Cultural Triangle, with the start time and pace set entirely around you.