Polonnaruwa’s medieval capital survives in an unusually complete state, with the Gal Vihara’s four Buddhas carved from a single granite face standing as the clear centrepiece. The Royal Palace complex, the Sacred Quadrangle and the Vatadage are all within comfortable cycling distance of each other, and a specialist heritage guide brings the site’s layout and history together into a coherent story. Exploring by bicycle at a relaxed pace suits the flat, spread-out site particularly well. Early morning visits offer both the best light and the fewest other visitors.