Anuradhapura sacred city by bicycle

What happens

The sacred city covers a huge area of dagobas, tanks and monasteries, and cycling is the only practical way to see it without a car. Flat, but hot and long; start at opening. Shoes come off at every shrine, so wear ones that slip off.

What is in the price

Season

Runs all year.

Limits

• Minimum age 8.
• About 15 km of flat cycling in the heat.

Where it is offered

• Anuradhapura

Day tours with this activity

• Anuradhapura sacred city from ColomboOptional extra · day tour, $126 per person for two, from Colombo, tickets included, temple-run sites paid there
• Anuradhapura and Mihintale from SigiriyaOptional extra · day tour, $74 per person for two, from Sigiriya (Dambulla and Habarana), tickets included, temple-run sites paid there

Tours with this activity

• Cultural Triangle in depth, 4 daysIncluded · tour, $402 per person for two, 4 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, temple-run sites paid there
• Wilpattu to the south coast, 12 daysOptional extra · tour, $1,368 per person for two, 12 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, temple-run sites and one activity paid there
• Complete island, 14 daysOptional extra · tour, $1,716 per person for two, 14 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, temple-run sites paid there
• Slow travel with the north and east, 21 daysIncluded · tour, $2,411 per person for two, 21 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, Udawattakele forest ticket and temple-run sites paid there
• Culture and heritage, 7 daysIncluded · tour, $694 per person for two, 7 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, temple-run sites paid there

Read more

• What to wear in Sri Lanka and temple etiquette

  At temples cover shoulders and knees, take off shoes and hats, never pose with your back to a Buddha; Buddha tattoos have led to refused entry. 7 Nov 2026.

• Sri Lanka entrance fees 2026: Sigiriya and parks

  Sigiriya is USD 35, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura USD 30, the Temple of the Tooth LKR 3,000; a park ticket for two is USD 71.86. Checked 7 November 2026.

• Sri Lanka 14-day itinerary: the whole island loop

  Fourteen days covers ancient cities, the hills, two parks and the south coast, no day over 4h30 in the car. About USD 1,709 each with Majeste, 7 Nov 2026.