polonnaruwa travel guide

Polonnaruwa Travel Guide (2024) – 6 Amazing Places to Visit!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2024

Categories SRI LANKA

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One of the most intriguing and mysterious places that I had the pleasure of visiting in Sri Lanka was Polonnaruwa. An important ancient city in Sri Lankan history.

Home to the Sinhalese kings and queens of the old and previous resting place of the tooth relic of Buddha, it’s a heritage site full of ancient gems to discover!

If you’re taking more of a cultural route on your adventures through the coconut island then you best put this UNESCO world heritage site on your list.

You’ll meander through stupas, ancient palaces, step-wells, temples, Buddha statues, coconut pitstops and more.

Here is my quick but insightful Polonnaruwa travel guide with places to visit.

How to reach Polonnaruwa?

Polonnaruwa is located 2 hours away from Sigiriya, around 4 hours from Kandy and is part of the cultural triangle of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradapura.

So, it’s definitely worth making your way here from Sigiriya and exploring the wonders of the Lions Rock. 

Read more – my top tips for visiting Sigiriya!

Personally,  I found the most convenient option of public transport in Sri Lanka to be buses.

Not only were they super cheap but they were frequent and you were never a few hours away from anywhere you wanted to go!

If you’re heading here from Sigiriya, buses run regularly to Polonnaruwa from the main town of Dambulla nearby.

From Dambulla, there are many buses heading to Polonnaruwa, Anuradapura, Kandy and even Colombo.

There are trains that head here from Colombo fort. But, you have to stop at Trincomalee first, then you have to head to Gal Oya for Polonnaruwa. It looks like a long journey.

Where to stay in Polonnaruwa?

I stayed in the super cute Thenuja Guest. It was a cheap, clean and conveniently located guest house off of the main area so it was like an oasis from the busy roads.

The owner was SO lovely and was totally cool with me cancelling my reservation for one night as I wanted to travel on to Kandy with some friends!

Bike rental from here was a mere 250 rupees for the WHOLE DAY! That’s just over £1.50!

Such a steal and they were really cute vintage bikes with a little basket for your bag or water.

There was also air conditioning which was a lifesaver in the humidity of Polonnaruwa and beer.

Life’s always better in heat when there is a cold beer to crack open! Click here to check available dates and rates.

How to get around Polonnaruwa?

Without a doubt, the best way to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is by bicycle.

This way you can get out in the fresh open air, cover a lot of the site and take a tour at your own leisure.

A little known fact about me, I am terrified of cycling!! When I was a little kid, I broke my arm when I fell off my bike (I went over the handlebars) and it took me 10 years to finally get back on the saddle.

But, I’m getting better and better each time and I couldn’t believe I actually enjoyed this bike ride through the ancient sites.

I would say that walking is also a good option, but, you may find there is a lot of ground to cover and one day may not be enough if you’re exploring on foot. Plus, it’s positively boiling!

So, you may find walking to be exhausting as it’s all open with little shade.

Tuk-tuks (3 wheelers) taxis and your own transport can also be driven around the site.

There is a main through road going all the way along and ample parking is available to stop off at the main points of interest.

We saw A LOT of school trips when we were there with their school buses parked all over the place so be warned, this place gets busy!

What is the cost of entry to Polonnaruwa

The ticket prices for Polonnaruwa are quite hefty at $25 USD per person. But, it is a UNESCO world heritage site and your contribution goes towards the upkeep of this wonderful place.

The opening times for Polonnaruwa are 7 am – 6.30 pm daily. 

Places to visit in Polonnaruwa – you cannot miss these!

Admittedly, I’m a little bit of a history buff. I just find that learning about history is such a great way to understand a country and I love to imagine what it would have been like all those years ago.

What’s great about Polonnaruwa was that, although some of the ancient sites are ruins, many of them were still almost fully intact. So, you got a really good picture and a history lesson through the stupas and temples!

I wouldn’t necessarily say you need a guide to get around these sites. Most of the points have tourist signs in English to let you know what part of the city it would have been and what it was used for in ancient times.

I’m just going to highlight some of the most important ones here.

I don’t want to spoil it for you and I think that you’ll have much more fun exploring the hidden gems around here on your own!

1. The sacred quadrangle

One of the most famous pictures of Polonnaruwa comes from the sacred quadrangle or Dalada Maluwa.

This is the heart of the ancient city and used to be home to the sacred tooth of Buddha which now lies in Kandy.

The Vatadage or circular relic house is the most impressive of the buildings here and has Buddha placed in the middle of a perfect circle.

Locals stroll the monument clockwise in prayer.

Beyond this, you can visit the other ruins in the area including the Hatadage, they’re all very impressive in their own way.

Top Tips for exploring the sites:  Make sure you take off your shoes if instructed when walking around the ancient sites and never get a photo with your back to Buddha!

2. The Citadel

The Citadel area of the site is what’s left of the royal residences, home to the Sinhalese kings and queens.

Polonnaruwa holds the remains of Parakramabahu’s Palace.

The palace is mostly in ruins today, but I love how a lot of the carvings still remain in the brick and stonework.

A fine example of this is the Council Chamber which has some beautiful carvings of elephants, monkeys and tigers!

Some of the supports for the roof are still there on top. Although they don’t support anything now, the pattern makes it look so effortlessly picturesque.

3. Lankatilaka Vihara

This striking Buddha statue goes all the way back to the 4th century and was built by King Parakramabahu.

This statue was actually one of my favourites because of the way it had formed over time.

It was uneven but that made it even more interesting to look at and wander around.

About five minutes after I took this photo however around 50 school kids showed up for their school trip!

4. Gal Vihara

Gal Vihara is a series of four Buddha statues that have been carved out of granite rock.

These statues are considered some of the best examples of ancient Sinhalese carving work and so it’s a popular site for this reason! You must check it out.

Buddha is usually presented in the four images which present different stages of his life.

These are; sitting, standing, walking and reclining. You’ll find all these stages here and they’re beautiful.

Top Tip: Watch your feet. Not only is the floor a million degrees, but you also have to take your shoes off and walk over quite a lot of little pebble stones.

If you have socks, I would highly recommend keeping them on.

5. Rankoth Vehera

One of the largest stupas in Polonnaruwa and the 4th largest in Sri Lanka is Rankoth Vehera.

Built in the tradition of Arunadhapura and constructed in 1187 AD, it’s one of the most revered stupas on the ancient site. It’s entirely made out of brick and has a unique beauty to it being all reddish in colour.

When I was circling I couldn’t find a way inside the stupa, so it was a hot walk over pebble stones to do a whole 360 turn back to my shoes.

I wouldn’t say that circling the whole thing is necessary as it looks the same from all angles! Save your feet.

6. Take regular (coconut) breaks

I would highly suggest spending a whole day in Polonnaruwa, or the good part of a day to make sure you see everything.

If you need to take a break don’t fret and make sure that you stop off at many of the coconuts and drink points.

All these stops will have a batch of fresh coconuts on the ice to chop open for you to drink – it is honestly so refreshing after a long day of cycling!

Where to eat in Polonnaruwa

There isn’t a wealth of restaurants in Polonnaruwa to choose from. There are a couple of cheesy Western remakes like ‘Pizza house’ etc. but I really fancied trying some local food.

Banana Leaf was the perfect place to stop off. It was a beautifully chaotic local diner that provided a Veg and Non-Veg buffet.

The language barrier was quite strong here but all that strife was worth it for the mouth-watering food!

Firstly they’d plonk a massive helping of rice into the middle of your plate, then you could choose as many little side dishes as you want.

This included Beet curry, Pumpkin, Aloo, Paneer etc. You also got Papad which is like a fried Poppadom and you could choose add ons like a drink or set yoghurt.

As much as I love to eat local, I’m a bit of a sucker for a Coca-Cola so I added this with my meal. Judge me if you want, but I like my home comforts!

It was relatively cheap at around 400 LKR and the owner, once we worked through talking in very loud voices, was such a lovely guy. Really genuine, sweet and cared about his customers.

Every local in the area was eating in there so it must be a good thing!

Note: There are no proper eateries in the heritage site itself only snack bars, you have to exit and go to the main town itself for restaurants!

Save this Polonnaruwa travel guide for later!

So that’s my Polnnaruwa travel guide for the ancient city in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura is the ‘go to’ ancient city on most travellers bucket lists in Sri Lanka but, I believe that Polonnaruwa has a lot to offer a history lover too. 

The main reason is that it draws in fewer tourists, so you don’t feel like you’re battling with people to enjoy exploring the sites.

I’m not sure if I’d go back to Polonnaruwa again after exploring it once but I definitely found that it’s stuck with me as one of my favourite ancient cities in Asia. Make sure you don’t skip it!

Read more of my Sri Lanka travel guides

My ULTIMATE Sri Lanka Bucket List 

The top places to visit in Galle Fort

Top things to do in Mirissa

Why you need to visit Kandy

A complete guide for Nuwara Eliya

Why you should visit Ella

Tips for hiking up Sigiriya Rock

The Ultimate Udawalawe Safari guide

A complete guide for the Sri Lanka south coast

Kandy to Ella train guide

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Polonnaruwa

Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious center. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday. You'll find the archaeological park a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery, Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock…

A short stroll north of the Royal Palace ruins, the area known as the Quadrangle is literally that – a compact group of ruins in a raised-up area bounded…

Lankatilaka

One of the most evocative structures in Polonnaruwa, the Lankatilaka temple was built by Parakramabahu I and later restored by Vijayabahu IV. This massive…

Rankot Vihara

The 54m Rankot Vihara dagoba, the largest in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest on the island, has been ascribed to the reign of King Nissanka Malla. Like…

Polonnaruwa Ruins

For three centuries Polonnaruwa was a royal capital of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms. Today's archaeological park is a delight to explore, with…

Tivanka Image House

Polonnaruwa's northern road ends at Tivanka Image House. Tivanka means ‘thrice bent’, and refers to the fact that the Buddha image within is in a three…

Archaeological Museum

This excellent museum has rooms dedicated to the citadel, the outer city, the monastery area (check out the model of the monks' hospital and medical…

Thuparama Gedige

At the southern end of the Quadrangle, the Thuparama Gedige is the smallest gedige (hollow Buddhist temple with thick walls) in Polonnaruwa, but is also…

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A Complete Guide to Polonnaruwa: Sri Lanka’s Ancient City

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that I may earn a small commission from if you purchase something through them. This comes at no extra cost to you!

In the heart of Sri Lanka quietly rests the remains of Polonnaruwa, an ancient city with significant importance.

This cultural site was the second capital of Sri Lanka and is therefore the second most ancient city in the country after Anuradhapura. It’s part of the famous cultural triangle (made up of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura) and is packed full of ancient structures including towering monuments, Royal Palaces, ruined temples and religious shrines.

Once the centre of a thriving empire, Polonnaruwa gave me major  Angkor Wat vibes, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. The temples are amazingly well preserved considering they are some of the oldest in the country, and all can be seen in a few hours. In this guide I’ll explain everything you need to know before a visit to Polonnaruwa, from how to get around, the best places to see and what to expect from this gem while you’re there.

Table of Contents...

Useful information for Polonnaruwa

• Country : Sri Lanka
• Language : Sinhala, Tamil and English
• Population : 400,000 (current Polonnaruwa District)
• Currency : £1/$1 = 400/320 LKR (Sri Lanka Rupees)
• Visa info : Visitors are required to get an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. This can be applied for here and costs about $30. Tourist visas are usually valid for 30 days.
• SIM cards : For the best coverage across Sri Lanka I recommend picking up an affordable SIM card from Mobitel when you arrive, which is what I did. Another option is to get an eSIM onlinewhich you can do here .

A brief history of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa became the second capital of Sri Lanka in 993 A.D. after the destruction of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Anuradhapura which had stood for 1400 years. 

Polonnaruwa was chosen for its ts strategic location overlooking a river crossing and remained the capital for three centuries. Many kings ruled Polonnaruwa, but King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) was the most notable. He unified Sri Lanka and built magnificent temples, palaces and pools to expand the city, as well as an intricate irrigation system that is amazingly still in use today.

Eventually, in 1310, the city was abandoned after rulers continued building without raising the funds to support the expansions, nearly bankrupting the kingdom and leading people to flee.

The ancient city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Where is Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is located in central Sri Lanka and is roughly 2 hours away from Sigiriya by road and around 4 hours from Kandy. It is 228km from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, and that particular journey takes about 4.5 hours by road.

Check out the location on the interactive map below

Getting around

You have four main options to get around Polonnaruwa.

• Bicycle: For freedom, fun and affordability, hire a bicycle and cycle around Polonnarruwa yourself. Oftentimes I find going slower in locations like this allows you to discover places you would otherwise never have found, so this is the option I’d recommend if you can cope with the humidity. Allow 5 hours to explore Polonarruwa by bike and expect it to cost $3 for the day.
• Hire a tuktuk and driver: Hiring a tuktuk driver to take you around the ancient city is a fun way to explore as well. You’ll sacrifice air-conditioning for open-air vibes and overall it’s a cool and convenient way to travel if you don’t want to plot a route around the city independently. Note that most drivers do not double as tour guides, so if you want a guide keep reading the other options below. Expect to pay up to $10 USD to be taken to the highlights of the city by tuktuk.
• Tuktuk tour: Booking a  Polonnaruwa Tuk-Tuk Tour is a fantastic way to see the city. It’s like a merge between hiring a tuktuk driver and a small group tour, with the private 4 hour experience offering an intimate and information-filled option. It does, however, fall on the pricier side of the spectrum, costing around $75 for the duration.
• Guided tour : Small group tours with GetYourGuide or Viator are a fantastic way to see the sights of any given area efficiently and with a knowledgeable guide. Tours include an English speaking guide, air conditioned vehicle and entrance fees. This is a great way to learn about Polonnaruwa from an expert while meeting fellow like-minded travellers at the same time. You can even catch a tour all the way from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, that will last 10-12 hours if you’re pushed for time. Check it out here: Day Trip to the Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa From Colombo

Expected costs

The entrance fee for Polonnaruwa is $25 USD per person . For visitors from SAARC countries a 50% discount applies and for Sri Lankan locals it’s free.

How much time to allow

This depends on which mode of transport you use to get around the area, but as an absolute minimum I think you need to spend at least 4 hours here to do the historic site any form of justice.

I’d recommend staying until you’ve seen every location in this itinerary. That could be 5-6 hours on a bicycle or 4 hours on a tour but it really depends. Any shorter, no matter the form of transport, is not long enough to see everything in any real depth.

The 8 best sights of Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Polonnaruwa is packed with popular sites, but one of the great things about the area is just how many hidden gems you’ll accidentally find along the way. Getting lost and exploring the places where there are no crowds is a huge part of the fun here!

So, as much as you should visit everything on this travel guide, I employ you to make a point of exploring off the beaten path while you’re there as well.

The Royal Palace

Once the residence of King Parakramabahu who reigned from 1153 to 1186, the Royal Palace is assumed to have been an impressive seven-stories tall before it’s collapse.

Nowadays, you’ve got to use your imagination to envision the actual palace, but within its grounds there are some cool sights to see, not to mention the epic pillars that remain.

The King’s Bathing Pool is a notable stop, which is decorated with crocodile fountains and a central lotus island. The murky green waters presumably looked more inviting back in the day, but it’s an important site nonetheless.

Another cool place to see here is the Audience Chamber, where you’ll find 48 stone pillars in 4 symmetrical rows. There’s a lion carved into stone where the throne would have been and the outer walls of the hall are decorated with carvings of elephants, lions and mythical creatures.

The Sacred Quadrangle

This is one of the ancient city’s most known features and a very sacred place where the most concentrated cluster of buildings in Polonnaruwa are found.

Also known as Dalada Maluwa (the Terrace of the Tooth Relic), the Quadrangle is home to many epic structures, but the most iconic place is the Vatadage. The Vatadage is a twin-tiered relic house and one of Polonnaruwa’s most iconic landmarks.

Climb the short set of stairs to enter the terrace and explore the cluster of ruins inside. The Buddha Tooth Relic used to be housed here until it was relocated to Kandy. 

Nowadays you can view elaborate stone carvings and intricate designs throughout the structure, with all four entrances leading to a central stupa and four Buddhas.

Rankoth Vihara

In the heart of the ancient city lies a mighty 54 metre tall stupa dominating the area.

Rankoth Vihara is the largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa and the 4th largest in the whole country. It was built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla and is made entirely of brick, with the reddish appearance giving it a unique colour pop.

It remains one of the most intact and well preserved stupas in the whole archeological zone.

Lankatilaka

The mighty standing Buddha statue at Lankatilaka is an impressive sight to behold, that’s for sure!

Surrounded by 17 metre high walls, the headless Buddha statue stands tall at the end of a cathedral-like corridor. Despite only the body remaining today, the statue was once a whopping 13 metres tall and is a highlight for many who visit Polonnaruwa.

Visit early in the day to get the corridor all to yourself and shoot that Insta-banger!

Shiva Devele II

The Hindu shrine of Shiva Devele II is believed to be the oldest building in the entire city which makes it a very important stop to make.

Unlike many of the buildings of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Shiva Devele II was created entirely by stone and so is rather unique. Due to this reason, the structure remains in a similar condition as to when it was built centuries ago.

Pabalu Vehera

Pabalu Vehera is the third largest stupa in Polonnaruwa and remains in fantastic condition.

Known also as the ‘Temple of Marbles’ because small glass beads were found during excavation, the top part of the stupa was destroyed by invaders giving it a slightly odd, rounded appearance. Despite its heavy state of ruin and lack of maintenance, Pabalu Vehera is certainly worthy of a quick stop during the day.

Dagaba Kiri Vihara

My personal favourite place in Polonnaruwa is Dagaba Kiri Vihara, meaning ‘milk white stupa’.

This large and stunning stupa claims the number one spot for the best preserved unrestored stupa in the whole city and is found north of Lankathilaka. It was erected by a queen of King Parakramabahu and was rediscovered when archaeologists uncovered it in perfect condition after around 700 years hidden and forgotten.

Gal Vihara, literally meaning ‘Rock Monastery’, is a popular site consisting of four images of Buddha, famously depicting the four stages of his life: sitting, standing, walking and reclining.

The reclining Buddha sculpture is 14m long, representing Buddha entering the Nirvana stage, and is the most notable of these 12th century granite rock carvings.

More photos around Polonnaruwa

My experience at Polonnaruwa

As a traveller who loves visiting historic places, I have a real thing for ancient cities like this.

They’re packed with culture and give you a feel for what a country or place used to be like and where its roots are. For me, you can’t really come to Sri Lanka and not visit one of its former capitals, just like you can’t go to Cambodia and not visit Angkor Wat, Myanmar and not visit Bagan or Thailand and not visit Ayutthuya. They have such significance and so many interesting stories to tell that most people in our world will never get the chance to know.

Polonnaruwa was a cool addition to my 2 week Sri Lankan adventure in early 2020 and I’m super glad I visited. Admittedly, I didn’t know anything about it beforehand and I’m slightly gutted I didn’t take more pictures, but it was the perfect way to spend half a day while on the way south. Even though visiting the city was somewhat of a spontaneous decision, it’s one that I’m very happy I made!

Where to stay

There are loads of affordable, clean and friendly places to stay in Polonnaruwa that allow you to be in close proximity to the ancient city. 

Find somewhere that suits your budget on  Booking.com or Hostelworld or use the box below to make a quick search.

Best tours of Polonnaruwa

Happy travelling!

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Accommodation: Booking.com , Hostelworld

Tours : GetYourGuide , Viator , Klook , TripAdvisor

Transport : 12Go , Omio , Trip.com , Rome2Rio

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Polonnaruwa Travel Guide | 6 Historical Spots You Should Not Miss

If you’re traveling to Sri Lanka , I encourage you to visit the country’s former capital, Polonnaruwa. It is part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, and famous for its beautiful ruins that date back to the 11th century AD.

Visiting Polonnaruwa was a real treat for the senses! It is a charming and quiet town with a unique historical site. Despite being there during the high tourist season, I didn’t meet crowds of tourists and was able to fully enjoy the old temples of the site.

Before telling you about Polonnaruwa’s major attractions, here are a few things to know as far as transportation and accommodation are concerned.

How To Get To Polonnaruwa

You may have read in my other blog posts on Sri Lanka that I toured the island on a motorcycle. So that’s how I made the 60 km trip from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa. It took me about an hour and a half to get there. If you don’t have that option, here’s how to get there using public transportation.

How to get to Polonnaruwa from Dambulla

To get to Polonnaruwa from Dambulla , your best option is to take a local bus. Go to Dambulla’s bus station and ask about the bus to Kaduruwela . That’s where you need to stop if you’re going to Polonnaruwa. Kaduruwela Station is about 5 km east of the town of Polonnaruwa. Regular bus departures are scheduled every half hour. The trip lasts about 2 hours and the first bus leaves at 7 AM from Dambulla.

Where To Stay In Polonnaruwa

I recommend you book a charming chalet in Hiru Tourist Rest . It’s not a luxurious place to stay but it is comfortable and has everything you need at very reasonable prices. Its location is also great and the whole setting is really nice.

If you want better accommodation and a great view of Lake Parakrama Samudra, go for The Lake Hotel . Many wild animals, different bird species and even elephants sometimes pass by so look out for them!

The rooms are spacious and very neat. Choose one with a view of the lake for a total immersion in nature.

The Entry Ticket To The Historic Site of Polonnaruwa

The main attraction in Polonnaruwa is its ancient city which is a real open-air museum! Speaking of museums, you will need to buy your ticket before you head to the town’s historic site. Just like in Sigiriya or Anuradhapura , you can’t buy your ticket on the spot. You’ll need to get it at the museum of the city. Polonnaruwa’s museum is located here .

The ticket costs $25 or about 4500 rupees. Once you get your ticket, head to the entrance of the historical site near this temple . You can visit the site on foot but if the weather is really hot, I recommend you use a bike instead. You can ask at your hotel’s reception desk about bike rentals. It’s usually around 400 rupees a day (about $2). You’ll need at least half a day to explore the whole site.

The 6 Best Things To Do In Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Here is a map of the site so you can locate the places you want to visit. The entrance is in the south (in green on the map), so you will visit the site from south to north until you reach the exit (in red on the map):

1. The Old Royal Palace

As I mentioned previously, Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka for nearly 200 years after Anuradhapura . The Sinhalese center of power had been moved further south for protection against the Indian Chola invasions.

The royal palace that you can see in the photo above belonged to King Parakumba who ruled Sri Lanka from 1153 to 1186. The building used to be 7 floors high but a large part of it was destroyed and only 3 floors remain today. You can also visit the council room or the king’s bath!

2. Dalada Maluwa (The Sacred Quadrangle)

Dalada Maluwa, or the Sacred Quadrangle, was my absolute favorite spot and I recommend you spend as much time as you want there. On your right, there’s the Satmahal Prasada tower (pictured above). This is what’s called a rectangular ziggurat. It used to be 7 floors high but only 6 can be seen today.

Then there’s the Hatadage Temple, which was built by King Nissankamalla in the 12th century. The story goes that the temple was built in 60 ( hata ) hours, hence its name. Do you think they had 3D printers at the time? 😀

The highlight of the trip was the beautiful Vatadage, right in front of the Hatadage temple. The Vatadage is actually a typical Sri Lankan temple and there are only 10 of them today, including one in Mihintale that I also visited. But the most famous one of them is undoubtedly that of Polonnaruwa.

As you can see, it is a circular construction that is usually covered by a dome but this one has collapsed over time. It is a Buddhist building that is home to 4 well-preserved Buddha statues. It is also said that Vatadage used to be home to the famous Buddha tooth relic, which is now in another temple in Kandy.

There are other great temples in this area so make sure to explore as much of it as you can.

3. The Pabalu Vehera Stupa

The Pabalu Vehera stupa is not so much visited; I think it’s because it is located behind a small forest and therefore is a bit difficult to find. All the more reason to take a look at this beautiful brick structure built by Queen Rupawathi, if you ask me!

You may notice the presence of small stone vats at the entrance of many temples in Sri Lanka, including the Pabalu Vehera. These vats were filled with water and used by visitors to wash their feet before entering a sacred site (a bit like ablutions).

4. The Rankoth Vehera Stupa

If you head north, the Rankoth Vehera stupa is another must-visit attraction. Like the Hatadage and the Vatadage, it was built by King Nissanka Malla in 1190. This stupa is larger than the previous one, it is 170 meters in diameter and 33 meters high.

I also met this huge lizard; it’s actually an Asian water monitor, not to be confused with the Komodo dragon. I’m sure you’ll see some during your trip to Sri Lanka so rest assured, these lizards may look intimidating but they are harmless. 🙂

5. The Lankatilaka Viharaya Temple

The Lankatilaka Viharaya Temple The Lankatilaka Viharaya temple is also one of the most remarkable places in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and I really recommend you visit it. Its structure consists of two enormous walls, 4 meters wide and 17 meters high each, forming a corridor leading to a magnificent 14-meter high Buddha statue. As you can see, the head of the statue has collapsed and only the body remains today.

There’s also this beautiful stupa which is right next to the temple.

6. Gal Viharaya

This is our last (but not least) stop on this tour of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It’s the Gal Viharaya site which is home to astounding Buddha statues, carved out of granite rock. The different layers of granite are the colorful evidence of that.

There are 4 statues in total that have been carved on the same rock and they all date back to the 12th century.

When leaving Gal Viharaya, have a look at the lake in front of the statues, it’s filled with water lilies!

I’ll leave you on these beautiful flowers and hope you will visit Polonnaruwa soon! It was definitely one of my favorite spots in Sri Lanka and it reminded me of places like Ayutthaya in Thailand or the temples of Angkor in Cambodia . These are the kind of cities where the total change of scenery makes you feel like you’re traveling back in time.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please let me know in the comments below! It’s always nice to know that my advice is helpful to you. 😉

I hope you have a great trip to Sri Lanka!

See you around for more breathtaking adventures in Asia.

Wow, there are very unique pictures on this blog i would love to see more pictures And thanks for sharing the information.

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Complete Guide to Visiting the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka is a must-see for anyone interested in immersing themselves in rich cultural history.

In this complete guide, you will find everything you need to know about visiting the ancient city, from all the essential information to the top 9 places to visit in Polonnaruwa. We’ve also included the best time to visit, where to stay, and all the tips you need to have an incredible experience in Polonnaruwa.

Learn more about Sri Lanka's ancient history and wander among the ruins of the island's second largest kingdom!

What is the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa?

Polonnaruwa offers beauty, religion, and cultural significance.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka for three centuries. It was a city that flourished between the 10th and 13th centuries AD. What remains now are well-preserved ruins from the Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom that are a must-see when visiting Sri Lanka.

Polonnaruwa's ancient city is full of temples, palaces, stupas, tanks, and irrigation works that are worth seeing and provide an interesting insight into Sri Lanka's rich history.

Best Time to Visit 

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is open all year, but the best months to visit are from May to October . During these months, the weather is mild, and you can expect the least rainfall. Because it is located in the dry zone, it is best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

The ancient ruins are open from 7:30am to 6pm. We recommend exploring as early as you can to avoid the crowds and the heat.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

How to Get to Polonnaruwa

From colombo.

By Car : The fastest and most convenient way to reach Polonnaruwa from Colombo is to book a car. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic, and you can expect to pay at least 65 USD.

Book your car to Polonnaruwa

By Train: Taking the train is the cheapest option to reach Polonnaruwa from Colombo. Head to the Fort Station, then take the train heading to Polonnaruwa Railway Station, which takes about 6 hours. The ticket costs around 2 USD for a third-class seat and 3 USD for a second-class seat. There are only two trains leaving daily: at 6:05am and 3:05pm. You can find the most updated pricing and schedule online .

Book your train to Polonnaruwa

‍ By Bus : Another option for reaching Polonnaruwa is taking a 6- to 7-hour local bus ride from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo. You can catch the bus route 48 to Kalmunai or the bus route 48/3 heading to Kaduruwela. Both bus routes stop in Polonnaruwa, and two buses leave every hour. A local bus ticket costs around 4 USD per person.

From Sigiriya

By Car: The fastest way to reach Polonnaruwa from Sigiriya is to book a car. The drive takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic, and you can expect to pay around 40 USD.

By Motorbike: Alternatively, you can also rent a motorbike for the day and drive for about 2 hours to Polonnaruwa. This will give you more freedom to explore the ancient city, and you get to drive the scenic route to the town. Arrange your motorbike rentals at your accommodation for the best price.

Where to Stay in Polonnaruwa

Most visitors explore Polonnaruwa on a day trip from the more well known town of Sigiriya. So if you wish to explore the ancient ruins for more than a day, we recommend staying in Polonnaruwa. By staying in town, you will also have the opportunity to visit the ruins earlier in the day, avoiding the crowds and the heat.

Here are the most highly rated hotels we’ve found in Polonnaruwa.

How to Get Around in Polonnaruwa

The most popular way to explore the ancient ruins is to rent a bicycle. Bike rentals are available next to the museum, and most accommodations rent them for free. But it can be challenging as you might need to cover some distance between ruins, and cycling in the heat can be tiring. 

You can also find tuk-tuks to rent to drive you around the ruins. This is a better option if you have limited time and if you’re traveling with someone. Not only will you save time as the drivers know more about the ancient areas, but they can also act as your guide. Just make sure you arrange a reliable tuk-tuk guide with your accommodation to avoid getting scammed. 

By Motorbike

If you have limited time but still want to explore on your own, it is best to rent a motorbike. Arrange your rental with your accommodation for the best prices. 

Entrance Fee

The ticket price for foreigners is 30 USD per person. For SAARC countries, the price is half. However, you will need to have proof that you are from a SAARC country. So remember to bring your passport.

Where to Buy your Tickets

You can buy your ticket at the Archaeological Museum Complex. You can also reserve online through the government's e-ticket reservation website . 

Top 9 Things to See in Polonnaruwa

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa spans over a large area of land, and visiting for a day can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 9 things you must see when visiting the area. 

1.  The Archaeological Museum Complex

Visiting the Archaeological Museum Complex is a great place to start before walking around the archaeological sites. It is close to the foreigners' ticket counter, and it has great insight into the ancient civilization. You can find detailed maps, while models of the kingdoms are displayed with tags and descriptions that explain everything very clearly.

2. The Palace of King Nishshanka Malla

The Palace of King Nishshanka Malla is set in a beautiful location next to the Parakrama Samudra reservoir on the west side of Polonnaruwa. King Nishshanka Malla was a king of Sri Lanka who ruled the country from 1187 to 1196. In this complex, you’ll find the royal bathing pool in the south of the palace and the King’s Council Chamber . If you look closely into the pillars, you can see inscriptions of the king's ministers and state officials, as well as their seating arrangements.

3. The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu

The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu was built in the 12th century AD and was once 7 floors tall. As a result of its destruction by South Indian invaders, there are now only three levels visible. Burn marks are still visible on some parts of its wall. And if you look closely, you’ll also find some intricate details that the architects focused on when constructing the palace. The Royal Palace is a true testament to the ancient kingdom's architectural craftsmanship and houses a great history of the great King Parakramabahu.

4. The Council Chamber of King Parakramabahu

The Council Chamber of King Parakramabahu is another great construction that can be found in the Palace Complex of King Parakramabahu, just opposite the Royal Palace. This stone building has three steps and two beautiful stone lions at the entrance. You will also find rows of elephants at the bottom, while the second level is decorated with lions.

5.  Vatadage - 39

The Polonnaruwa Vatage is an amazing archeological treasure known for its beautiful carvings and religious significance. It is one of the best-preserved ruins from the Polonnaruwa Kingdom and a highlight of the ancient city. It is believed to be a sacred site that used to hold the tooth relic of Buddha. What stands now is beautiful architecture and craftsmanship that showcases intricate carvings at the entrance of the staircase. You can also see the well-known moonstone carvings at the foot of the first flight of steps at the northern entrance.

6. Lankathilaka Image House

Lankathilaka Viharaya is the largest image house built in ancient Sri Lanka by the Great King Parakramabahu. This impressive stone building has a huge statue inside and outer walls that are incredibly thick. You can find wonderfully carved details of palaces and gods all over the brick structure. The stucco relief sculpture on the exterior walls also shows South Indian influence. It is a place you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Polonnaruwa. 

7. Rankoth Vehera (Rankoth Dagaba)

Rankoth Vihara is the biggest pagoda in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest in the country. It is located in the Alahana Pirivena Complex, close to the image house. Its design resembles the Ruwanwelisaya, which is a traditional stupa in Anuradhapura. The stone inscription found within the area includes records of donations and the war victories of King Nissanka Malla. It is believed that the exterior of the stupa was originally white. But when the British discovered the pagoda and found it overgrown, they restored it to what it is now.

8. Kiri Vehera

Kiri Vehera is the second largest stupa in Polonnaruwa. It is also located in the Alahana Pirivena Complex, next to the Image House. Though nothing is known about the ancient name or the builder of this stupa, it is speculated that it is the work of Queen Subhadra, a consort of King Parakramabahu the Great. The present name probably derives from the fact that the lime plaster of the dome is better preserved compared to most other stupas found in Polonnaruwa.

9. Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

Last but not least is Gal Vihara . During our visit to Polonnaruwa, we were not able to see this famous rock temple due to time constraints. However, it deserves a place in this list of the top things to see in Polonnaruwa.

Gal Vihara is a stone temple displaying the four giant statues: the standing, seated, and reclining Buddhas, which were carved from solid granite. This site has been identified as the Uttararama, built by King Parakramabahu the Great. The Gal Vihara perfectly showcases the skill and expertise in the art of stone sculpture in Sri Lanka. The carvings are well preserved and were beautifully done with detailed expressions and exquisite workmanship.

And that’s the top 9 things to see in Polonnaruwa!

However, if you have the time, spend a little more time on each complex and fully discover the surrounding areas. You might find some interesting ruins that are tucked away in a corner or some that may not be as popular but are more significant. For us, that’s the beauty of exploring on your own. You get to find the little gems in these beautiful ruins.

How Not to Visit the Ancient City

Our visit to the ancient city was very eventful, to put it nicely. First, we didn’t research where to go and what to visit. Second, having not researched anything, we got ourselves into situations we are not proud of. For example, our "guide" or tuk-tuk driver let us pay entrance fees to places where tickets were not required (we discovered this much later on). Third, the realization that we had been scammed came too late, and we were so far out of the city that there was no point in returning. In short, our experience consisted of entering the gated ancient cities through broken barbed wire and crossing some vegetation in fear of facing some wild monkeys. All in hopes of seeing the ruins!

And, because we don't want you to have the same experience as we did, we'll explain how to visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa legally and properly so you can make the most of your visit.

Most importantly, you have to buy your ticket at the ticket counter located close to the museum. There are many guides or tuk-tuks waiting in front of the museum and offering a much cheaper price, which can be tempting. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your ticket price goes towards the upkeep of the ruins.

If you decide to book a guide, we recommend arranging it with your accommodation so you get a reliable one. Also, discuss the fee with your guide and confirm the price at the start of the tour. Make sure to also pay the entrance fee at the ticket counter instead of to the driver.

But it is possible to visit the ancient sites on your own, as most of the ruins have English signs that will give you information on their history.

Top Tips on Visiting the Temples of Polonnaruwa

• Dress code: Knees and shoulders must be covered to enter most of the ruins. You can also bring a sarong with you that you can take out once you leave the ruins if you’re wearing a short or sleeveless. 
• Things to pack: Bring water and snacks with you. It can get very hot during the day, so apply some sunscreen and you might also want to bring a hat with you. 

• Watch out for signs : Some ruins require you to remove your shoes and hat off to enter. You’ll also see signs of not taking pictures with your back towards the buddha statues. 
• Wear socks: As you need to remove your shoes, you might want to keep your socks on as the floor gets really hot especially in the afternoon. And you also have to walk on little pebbles as you discover the ruins. 
• Look out for the macaques: You can find them everywhere within the ancient city. Though they are very much used to tourists, they can also be unpredictable. Do not get too close and do not feed them. 

And that’s the complete guide to visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. 

Visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is sure to be an amazing experience, and with this complete guide, you can make the most of your trip. If you haven't decided on an itinerary yet, check out our ultimate Sri Lanka itineraries , which will ensure you see the best of what the country has to offer!

Now, which of the ruins are you most looking forward to seeing in person? Let us know in the comments down below.

Some links in this Polonnaruwa guide may be affiliate links.

This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!

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Popular categories, polonnaruwa: complete guide to sri lanka’s ancient city + map.

By: Charlotte · Last updated 18. May 2024 · In: Sri Lanka , Travel

From the 11th century up until 1310, kings ruled the island of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa . The medieval capital grew to be a thriving commercial and religious center, replacing the previous Kingdom of Anuradhapura.

After holding the power for almost three centuries, the seat of government was moved yet again and Polonnaruwa was abandoned for good.

In 1982 Polonnaruwa was declared a World Heritage Site, and for me, it was one of the highlights of our time in Sri Lanka. So let’s take a closer look at the must-see ruins in Polonnaruwa, how to get around and the best time to visit.

Article overview

History of Polonnaruwa

1. the royal palace (vejayanta pasada), 2. the council chamber, 3. kumara pokuna, 4. the sacred quadrangle, 5. shiva devale no. 2, 6. pabalu vehera, 7. rankoth vehera, 8. kiri vehera, 9. lankatilaka, 10. gal vihara, how to get to polonnaruwa, how to get around polonnaruwa, best time to visit polonnaruwa, opening hours, entrance fee, polonnaruwa or anuradhapura, like this please help me share 📢.

Polonnaruwa rose to prominence in the 11th century after the decline of Anuradhapura, becoming the second capital of Sri Lanka under the South Indian Chola dynasty.

In 1070, the Sinhalese kingdom led by King Vijayabahu I took power and chose to keep Polonnaruwa as the capital.

It flourished under the reign of King Parakramabahu I, who is credited with developing a sophisticated irrigation system that supported agriculture and helped the city thrive.

Polonnaruwa became the hub of religious and economic activity, known for its well-planned urban layout and grand monuments.

However, its prosperity was short-lived as it faced invasions and bankruptcy, leading to its eventual abandonment. Polonnaruwa was only rediscovered in the 19th century and is today a must on any Sri Lanka itinerary .

10 must-see sights in Polonnaruwa

Before entering the actual city you have to go to the museum to purchase the tickets. All together with the driver, this was the most expensive attraction we visited in our three weeks in Sri Lanka.

You should really take your time in the museum and read up on everything, I think you’ll get more out of your visit that way.

I wish we spent more time there, looking at what the ruins might have looked like once upon a time. But I was so stressed about beating the crowds to the site, so we just skimmed through.

Here’s a map of Polonnaruwa with all the important sights and highlights the city has to offer.

The royal palace complex of King Parakaramabahu , or Vejayanta Pasada, is the first stop after you enter the city. His majestic palace is said to have been seven stories tall and the whole complex supposedly consisted of 1000 chambers.

Be sure to look at the miniature model in the museum to get an impression of what it might have looked like 800 years ago.

King Parakaramabahu’s , sometimes referred to as the Council Chamber, was the meeting place of all his ministers. The structure is 23m long and 10m wide and the walls are decorated with lions and elephants.

It was fun to stand up there thinking of all the ideas and plans that might have been discussed within those pillar walls.

The Kumara Pokuna , also known as the Prince’s Pond, is a swimming pool once used by the members of the royal family and courtiers for leisure and purification rituals.

This rectangular granite pool, adorned with carved balustrades and flights of steps, portrays a sense of the luxurious lifestyle that the royalty of Polonnaruwa enjoyed.

The Sacred Quadrangle , also known as the Dalada Maluwa, is the most concentrated collection of structures in all of Polonnaruwa.

In the middle, you’ll find the Vatadage , a circular relic house with four entrances and four Buddhas. It is thought to have been built to hold the relic of Buddha’s tooth or the alms bowl used by Buddha.

Thuparama Gedige is the oldest and one of the most significant image houses found in Polonnaruwa, notable for its unique architectural style that combines traditional Sinhalese construction with Tamil and South Indian influences.

Shiva Devale No. 2 is one of the oldest structures in Polonnaruwa and stands out as a testament to the Indian influence on the island during the Chola period.

This Hindu temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, is notable for its well-preserved stone construction and intricate carvings, which have withstood the test of time.

Unlike many of the Buddhist sites in Polonnaruwa, Shiva Devale No. 2 was built entirely from stone, which has helped to preserve its original form through centuries.

Pabalu Vehera is one of the notable Buddhist stupas in Polonnaruwa. Its origins are somewhat mysterious but are believed to date back to the reign of King Parakramabahu I.

Named after the Pabalu (pearls) that were said to have been enshrined within it, the structure is surrounded by the remains of an image house, a Bodhi tree shrine, and several other religious monuments.

Rankoth Vehera is a huge dagoba in excellent condition. At 55 meters tall, it’s the largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest in Sri Lanka.

Constructed under the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century, it is modeled after the famous Ruwanwelisaya stupa in Anuradhapura and is characterized by its bell-shaped dome. 

The photo on the left was shot from the side, as there was quite a lot of selfie-stick action going on at the front entrance.

The construction of the incredible Kiri Vehera , meaning milk-white, is thought to have been initiated by King Parakramabahus Queen. At 24 meters tall, it’s the second largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa after Rankot Vihara.

It was so white it almost looked like an optical illusion in the bright sunlight like it was moving from side to side. Remember to remove your shoes when going inside the small brick fence, I got yelled at.

Lankatilaka is a cathedral-like Buddhist shrine with impressive 17 meters high and 4 meters thick walls. Even though the roof is long gone, the structure is still a majestic sight. It was one of the highlights for me in Polonnaruwa.

It’s not allowed to take pictures of someone with their back facing the Buddha statue and remember to remove your shoes. Be careful though, the sand was so hot I got blisters under my feet.

Gal Vihara is a group of four Buddha statues, carved from one large granite rock face.

Created during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, the site includes a massive 46-foot reclining Buddha, two seated Buddhas, and a standing Buddha, each depicting different aspects of the Buddha’s path to enlightenment.

According to our driver, this is the most special place in all of Polonnaruwa. And because of the pristine condition of the statues, it’s also the most visited.

As mentioned, we drove up here while staying in Kandy . Our accommodation arranged a driver for us, I made sure he had knowledge about Polonnaruwa.

Because of the extremely hot weather, we only ended up spending about four hours inside the actual city, so we had more than enough time to do the three-hour drive each way.

We left Kandy at 7:00 am in the morning and were back at the hotel around 6:30 pm, just in time for dinner.

You also have the option to stay in a hotel right outside the city, if you want more time to explore the area. When I return I’m staying the night at Ekho Lake House , the location is absolutely gorgeous.

🎫 If you prefer to just sit back and relax, I recommend this full-day tour from Kandy. It also includes the Medirigiriya Vatadage one of the best-preserved ruins in Sri Lanka.

• Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is a popular and eco-friendly option to explore Polonnaruwa at your own pace. There are several rental shops around the entrances.
• Tuk-Tuk: Hiring a tuk-tuk with a driver for the day is another common choice. It’s faster than a bicycle and provides some shade from the sun. Drivers often double as informal guides, providing information about the sites.
• Car: If you prefer comfort, especially in the heat or rain, renting a car with a driver may be the best option. It’s more expensive than a tuk-tuk or bicycle but offers air-conditioning and the ability to cover more ground.
• Walking: If you have the time, it is possible to walk. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry water.

I had been looking forward to renting bicycles. But when we arrived it was clear that biking would be more of a challenge than I first thought. It was so hot out, 40 degrees Celsius. After a lot of discussion back and forth, our driver convinced us to go by car.

I’m so glad he did, it turned out he had so much knowledge about the place. And of course, in addition to that, we got to cool off in the air-conditioned car between each stop.

Things to know before you visit Polonnaruwa

There’s not a lot of food options in the city. My number one tip would be to have a big breakfast before you go, especially if you’re driving up from Kandy. And pack some water and snacks.

Once inside the city, we had an ice cream at the King’s swimming pool and then at the parking lot in front of Gal Vihara, there were finally some food stalls. Pretty hungry at this point we filled up on vegetable roti and freshly squeezed lime juice. Yum!

Because of the extreme heat, you should bring a kimono and a hat. I wish I did. I got so sunburned despite applying high SPF several times. So a light-flowing kimono and a straw hat would have been perfect.

Polonnaruwa is part of the cultural triangle, situated within a dry zone. The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is generally from late January to April , just after the wettest months from October to December.

Polonnaruwa is the coolest in December and January when temperatures dip below 30 degrees Celcius.

January, July and August are particularly busy. We visited in August and it was crowded and insanely hot.

The site is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm , however, to get the most out of your day try to get there as early as possible.

Polonnaruwa entrance fee for adults is $30 , children $15, SAARC Foreign adults $15 and locals can enter for free.

Polonnaruwa is the best choice between the two. It features a more compact and younger collection of ruins than Anuradhapura, which is easier to navigate and explore. The ruins are also very well preserved.

Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and was the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka. It’s home to some of the most extensive Buddhist ruins in the country, but due to their age, most are in poor condition.

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About Charlotte

Charlotte is the passionate traveler and online business coach behind Sunshine Seeker. She started working as a content creator on Instagram in 2014, before social media was even a thing, and as a travel blogger in 2015. Over the past 14 years she has explored 45+ countries and lived in Oslo, Kraków, Bali and Lombok. Every month she helps more than 50,000 people plan their adventures and learn how to create more freedom by working online.

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27. September 2016 at 17:53

This is incredible. I have never considered Polonnaruwa. In fact I have never heard of it. What a great introduction. And agreed about the driving…

27. September 2016 at 23:44

Absolutely stunning photos and what an intriguing destination! Thanks so much for sharing. Sri Lanka was never on my travel bucket list but now I hope I can make it there some day 🙂

27. September 2016 at 23:47

Absolutely stunning. Must put on my bucket list!

27. September 2016 at 23:59

I’ve never heard of this place until now, and now I want to go!

28. September 2016 at 00:15

Wow these photos are incredible! The structures are so impressive…I can feel the history just looking at these photographs.

28. September 2016 at 13:39

I never thought about visiting this place but now Its on my bucket list!

28. September 2016 at 14:08

Aaah, totally love it! Have to go! The photos are so amazing 🙂

28. September 2016 at 23:22

OMG it looks so beautiful there! I have never heard about the place before. It is so mystic… Love it!

29. September 2016 at 13:09

How incredible are the pictures that you have taken! They’re amazing! I’m sure you have done Polonnaruwa justuce! Somewhat reminds me of the Monkey Temple in The Jungle Book! I love the detail!

http://www.shewillneverlose.com

2. April 2017 at 09:01

Great photos as well as information.

2. April 2017 at 20:58

Thank you 🙂

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A travellers guide to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka

With an abundance of ancient places in Sri Lanka, it can be quite a mission to pick the right one. Luckily for you, it’s exactly this guide that makes the decision simple.

Most travelers find it difficult to choose between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, so was I. When the day arrived to pick one, my intuition told me to go for Polonnaruwa. And up until this day, I’m still impressed by the atmosphere that prevails in the ancient city.

A well-mixed brew of impressive shrines, picturesque temples, and elegant Buddha statues is that which makes the ancient city of Polonnaruwa a highlight in every Sri Lanka Itinerary.

In this guide, you’ll find useful tips, including its history, the entrance fee and a detailed list of what to see in Polonnaruwa.

With that being said, let’s find out what makes Polonnaruwa this unique.

A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO THE ANCIENT CITY OF POLONNARUWA

A brief history of polonnaruwa.

In the midst of the Chola dynasty at the end of the 10th-century, Polonnaruwa was the chosen one to become the capital of the Chola kingdom. Three centuries-long, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa served as the capital for both the Chola and Sinhalese Kingdoms.

Chosen over Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa had one big advantage, it was strategically positioned in the heart of Sri Lanka. Surely, those benefits made a difference in the protection against the rebellion of the Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom.

Eventually, in 1070, it was the Sinhalese king Vijayabahu who drove the Cholas of the teardrop-shaped island. He also chose to hold Polonnaruwa as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom.

Under Sinhalese rule, Polonnaruwa reached its absolute glory. Unfortunately, this wasn’t everlasting. Early 13th-century, Sinhalese power moved to the western side of the island, where we now find Colombo.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was left abandoned, not knowing it would be declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Your adventures start-off at the Polonnaruwa museum, and not only for a history upgrade.

I’ve been told the museum is the only place to get a valid entrance ticket.

My advice? Don’t risk buying your tickets elsewhere.

THE ESSENTIALS

Polonnaruwa ruins entrance fee | Adult – 4.550 LKR, ($25), children – 2.275 LKR, ($12.5)

WHAT TO SEE IN POLONNARUWA

It’s the ruins, shrines, and temples that attract travelers to Polonnaruwa, that’s for sure.

As you start exploring you notice how well-preserved the ancient city really is. This is mainly because of the materials that were used during the renovation.

The Polonnaruwa ruins are formed by unique stupas, well-preserved temples, and harmonious looking buddha statues.

The temple complex of Polonnaruwa has one big advantage, it’s fairly small compared to Anuradhapura. This ensures that you can easily explore it by bicycle.

With that being said, here are the temples you should absolutely visit in Polonnaruwa.

SACRED QUADRANGLE

An impressive bundle of ruins safely positioned on a raised-up platform.

The Sacred Quadrangle is an imposing area where you’ll find an abundance of well-preserved buildings. With around 10 magnificent structures, it is hands-down the best introduction to the history of Polonnaruwa.

The quadrangle is home to the Sathmahal Prasadaya, Thuparama Image House, Hetadage, Bodhi Tree Shrine, and the well-known Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

Altogether a must-see. Let’s get into detail on a few of the structures found at the Sacred Quadrangle.

THE POLONNARUWA VATADAGE

Let’s start with the aesthetically pleasing Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

Legend says it was built to house the significant ‘Sacred Tooth Relic’, that is nowadays kept in Kandy.

The two-tiered circular Vatadage is a high-end structure among this type of architecture.

The Vatadage is strategically designed to protect a small dagoba that is positioned at the heart of the structure. The dagoba is surrounded by four Buddha statues, each facing one entrance.

What’s even more impressive, is the amount of decoration and detail. Each Stairway is decorated with an elegant moon-stone, not to mention the stone carvings throughout the Vatadage.

THE HATADAGE AT THE SACRED QUADRANGLE

The Hatadage is positioned next to the Vatadage and is very intriguing to see.

The Ancient Relic Shrine is in bad shape, nevertheless, it is fascinating to wander around.

THE IMPRESSIVE BANYAN TREE AT THE ANCIENT VISHNU SHRINE

What I personally found to be very attractive is the imposing Banyan tree at the Ancient Vishnu Shrine.

The large buttress roots of the Banyan tree are there to reveal itself above the dusty soil.

From this perspective, it’s phenomenal to see how the power of nature works. In particular, the way the tree took over part of those ancient ruins.

A stop-over at the impressive tree next to the Vishnu Devale is as easy as it gets. You’ll pass it along the way from the Sacred Quadrangle to the Gal Vihara.

THE BRILLIANT GAL VIHARA BUDDHA STATUES

The four giant Buddha statues, directly carved out of a large granite rock facade, are one by one of artistical value.

Therefore it isn’t surprising that particularly those masterpieces attract travellers to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

The story goes around that one of the four statues isn’t actually Buddha. It was supposed to be his grieving apprentice after Buddha’s passing.

It should concern the 7-meter high standing statue, so pay extra attention to his facial expression.

It is the Gal Vihara that stands out in the ancient city. Its uniqueness, both aesthetically and in size, makes it my favourite site in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Trust me, it is the one thing you can’t miss in Polonnaruwa.

LANKATILAKA TEMPLE

With its walls reaching an impressive height of 17 meters, the Lankatilaka Temple stands tall against its backdrop.

The large image house is home to a giant Buddha statue made out of bricks. Sadly the upper-part of the statue and roof has been devastated a couple of centuries ago.

The unique features in the design of Lankatilaka are hands-down a reason worth visiting.

It is the design of the stairways that is uncommon. Every step of the stairway is only 10 centimetres width, which makes it hard to climb in the way that we are used to.

The reason for this unique design?

With significant short steps, the only way to climb down is sideways. In this manner, it’s impossible to turn your back towards the Buddha statue, which is considered disrespectful in Buddhism.

RANKOTH VEHERA STUPA

Most of the Polonnaruwa area is formed by ancient temples and shrines. This is why the Rankoth Vehera stands out even more.

As a matter of fact, the Rankot Vihara is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa. Not to mention that it is entirely made of bricks.

A walk around the stupa makes you realize how huge it is. It is clear that this has been a tough job.

PABALU VEHERA STUPA

The unusually shaped Pabalu Vehera stupa, made of brownish bricks contrasts richly with the dense green jungle.

The mix of well-preserved and wrecked components, a jungle-ish environment, is what creates the feeling of a Tomb Raider-like scene.

OTHER INTERESTING RUINS IN POLONNARUWA

Mentioned above are only eight impressive structures I recommend in Polonnaruwa. Others that are really worth visiting are the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall, the Kiri Vehera Stupa and the Thivanka Image House.

COMBINE IT WITH A TRIP TO THE MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

A visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa takes only a morning of your time and is easy to combine with a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park.

A trip to a national park is one of my highlights and should be in every Sri Lanka itinerary.

In the Minneriya National park, you’ll find yourself among wild elephants, which will be the experience of a lifetime.

Besides elephants, the famous park also is home to leopards, Sloth bears, Spotted deers, Sambar deers, and wild buffaloes.

How to get to The Minneriya National Park | Most safari’s include a hotel pickup and drop off.

Cost | Entrance Minneriya National Park – 3.500 LKR, ($19) per person  | Guide + Jeep – 7.000 LKR, ($38) per jeep

Or by joining a private Polonnaruwa + Minneriya day tour from Dambulla (including entrance fees). For prices and availability click here .

WHERE TO STAY IN POLONNARUWA

Singha guest house | Spacious and pleasant rooms, a large pool in front of the guesthouse and excellent bikes for rent. More information and availability here .

Pharo Lake | A stylish hotel directly at a scenic lake, a great pool, and nearby the archaeological site of Polonnaruwa. More information and availability here .

Mahanuge Hotel Polonnaruwa | A luxurious hotel located inside the ancient city. Everything you need for a combination of relaxing and exploring. More information and availability here .

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Polonnaruwa on booking.com .

HOW TO GET AROUND POLONNARUWA

Rent a bicycle.

What I liked about Polonnaruwa is the fact you can easily explore it by bike. The ability to discover what the city has to offer with a cooling breeze is both fun and energetic.

Cost | 400 LKR, ($2.25) per bicycle

HIRE A TUK-TUK GUIDE

Taking a tuk-tuk driver as a guide is a good alternative to seeing the ancient city, especially if you’re in a hurry. Personally, I think renting a bicycle is so much more fun.

Cost | 1.200 LKR, ($6.5) per tuk-tuk. Generally, there is enough space for two people per tuk-tuk.

HOW TO GET TO POLONNARUWA

Keep in mind that Kaduruwela is considered the Polonnaruwa new town. Depending on the location of your hotel you can ask the bus driver to stop in Polonnaruwa.

The easiest way is by joining a private Polonnaruwa + Minneriya day tour from Dambulla (including entrance fees). For prices and availability click here .

FROM SIGIRIYA TO POLONNARUWA 

Bus | Sigirya – Inamaluwa – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | After a short tuk-tuk journey from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa jump on the bus to Kaduruwela.

Cost | Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa 500 LKR, ($2.8) | Bus from Inamaluwa to Polonnaruwa 200 LKR, ($1) per person

Travel time | 1.5 hours

FROM DAMBULLA TO POLONNARUWA

Bus | Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | Take a direct bus that heads for Kaduruwela from the Dambulla Main bus stop. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am.

Cost | Bus from Dambulla to Kaduruwela – 220 LKR, ($1) per person

Travel time | 1.5 to 2 hours

FROM TRINCOMALEE TO POLONNARUWA

Bus | Trincomalee – Habarana – Polonnaruwa | A quite difficult journey. From Trincomalee take a bus heading for Dambulla or Colombo.

Tip | Before entering, ask if the bus driver stops in Habarana and if there is a connection to Polonnaruwa. Generally, you’ll find buses that stop in Polonnaruwa at the Habarana Junction.

Cost | Bus from Trincomalee to Habarana – 120 LKR, ($0.70) | Bus from Habarana to Polonnaruwa – 80 LKR, ($0,50)

Travel time | 4 hours

FROM COLOMBO TO POLONNARUWA

Train | Colombo Fort – Polonnaruwa | A rough journey that is packed and heads out to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Personally, I recommend visiting Kandy and Sigiriya in between.

Cost | 2nd class: 350 LKR ($2) per person, 3rd class: 200 LKR ($1) per person

Travel time | 6.5 hours

Train times from Colombo Fort to Polonnaruwa | 06:05, 19:00. For more information about train times click here .

STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

PLAN YOUR SRI LANKA ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES

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The ultimate 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary | The best of Sri Lanka

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10 Awesome things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka’s backpacker beach town

8 Marvelous things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka’s vibrant beach town

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9 Incredible things to do in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka’s unexplored east coast

7 Awesome things to do in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s surfer paradise (2022 update)

Exploring the Top Attractions: Things to Do in Polonnaruwa

Have you ever dreamed of taking a step back in time to explore ancient cities and civilizations? I know the feeling, as an adventure traveler, I have always been fascinated by historical sites like Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s 11th century capital that stands as a testament to its rich past.

This guide is set to enrich your travel itinerary with top attractions including mesmerizing archaeological ruins, nature reserves teeming with wildlife, and unmatched outdoor activities available in Polonnaruwa.

So get ready – we’re about to embark on a captivating journey through history!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in Sri Lanka, known for its historical ruins and rich cultural heritage.
• Some of the top attractions in Polonnaruwa include Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Lankathilaka Image House, Somawathiya Chaitya, and Wasgamuwa National Park.
• Visitors can explore these attractions through walking or biking tours, day trips to nearby sites like Sigiriya or Minneriya National Parks, and engaging in outdoor activities such as village trekking and lagoon safaris.

Top Attractions in Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Lankathilaka Image House , Somawathiya Chaitya and Wasgamuwa National Park are some of the top attractions to explore in Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is a treasure box full of history. This city was the royal capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century! It’s home to many old ruins and important sites, like Gal Vihara with its grand Buddha statues.

There are also lots of buildings and temples in The Quadrangle. You can see it all on foot or by bike rental. Polonnaruwa mixes history with nature’s beauty and has loads of wildlife in nearby parks.

From Colombo and other big cities, you can easily reach Polonnaruwa by bus or train services! Dry season from May to September is the best time for a visit as there is less rain then.

Boat rides on Parakrama Samudra lake and shopping for local crafts add fun things to do here too!

One of the must-visit attractions in Polonnaruwa is Gal Vihara. It is a famous site that showcases four large Buddha statues carved out of granite. These impressive statues are known for their intricate details and serene expressions.

Adventure travelers will appreciate the historical and cultural significance of this place, as well as its architectural beauty. Exploring Gal Vihara allows visitors to admire the craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankan artists and offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll definitely want to capture the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable site.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

One of the top attractions in Polonnaruwa is the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. This ancient structure served as a sacred shrine and protection for a relic of the Buddha. It is a circular building with four entrances, each facing a cardinal direction.

Inside, you can find stone pillars and beautifully carved reliefs depicting various scenes from Buddhist mythology. The Vatadage showcases the architectural prowess and religious significance of ancient Sri Lanka.

As an adventure traveler, exploring this historical site will give you a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa.

Lankathilaka Image House

The Lankathilaka Image House is a magnificent ancient temple in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is known for its towering stone pillars and intricate carvings. As you explore this fascinating site, you’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship of the sculptures and the detailed artwork on the walls.

The highlight of the temple is the massive standing Buddha statue, which stands at an impressive height of 41 feet. Take your time to admire the beauty and grandeur of this historic monument, and don’t forget to capture some memorable photos along the way.

Somawathiya Chaitya

Somawathiya Chaitya is a sacred Buddhist temple located in Polonnaruwa. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and attracts many visitors each year. The temple is known for its ancient stupa, which dates back to the 2nd century BC.

Visitors can explore the temple grounds, offer prayers, and marvel at the architectural beauty of this historic site. Surrounding the chaitya are serene natural surroundings, including a nearby lake and lush greenery.

It’s a peaceful place to visit and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich religious history.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park is a must-visit attraction for adventure travelers in Polonnaruwa. This national park is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Here, you can spot elephants, leopards, deer, and many species of birds.

It’s the perfect place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to explore. You can go on a guided safari or take a self-drive tour to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat.

Don’t forget your camera because you’ll want to capture the incredible sights of Wasgamuwa National Park.

Ways to Explore Polonnaruwa

Explore Polonnaruwa through cultural and theme tours, walking or biking tours, day trips to nearby attractions, outdoor activities like hiking or wildlife spotting in national parks, private or custom tours tailored to your preferences, private sightseeing tours with a local guide, fascinating archaeology tours to learn about the city’s history and historical tours showcasing the ancient ruins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLmz6wGuDyQ

Cultural & Theme Tours

If you’re an adventure traveler looking to explore Polonnaruwa, there are many ways to make the most of your visit. Cultural and theme tours are a great option for immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and heritage.

These tours will take you through the ancient ruins and archaeological sites, providing fascinating insights into the past. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the royal capital of Sri Lanka while exploring temples, palaces, and other historical landmarks .

Experienced guides will share stories and facts that bring these sites to life, making your visit even more memorable. So be sure to include a cultural or theme tour in your itinerary when visiting Polonnaruwa!

Walking & Biking Tours

One of the best ways to explore Polonnaruwa is through walking and biking tours. These tours allow you to fully immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this ancient city.

By walking or biking, you can easily navigate through the various attractions and get up close to the archaeological ruins and temples. You’ll have a chance to discover hidden gems and take in the scenic landscapes as you make your way around Polonnaruwa.

Whether you choose a guided tour or decide to explore on your own, walking and biking tours offer an active and engaging way to experience all that Polonnaruwa has to offer. So put on some comfortable shoes or hop on a bike, and get ready for an adventure-filled exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site!

When exploring Polonnaruwa, adventure travelers have the option of going on day trips to nearby attractions. One popular day trip is to the Wasgamuwa National Park, which offers a chance to spot diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, and birds.

Another option is to visit the ancient city of Sigiriya and climb the famous Lion Rock for panoramic views. For those interested in historical sites, a day trip to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks allows visitors to see ancient ruins and experience the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

These day trips provide an opportunity to discover more about the region’s history and natural beauty while adding variety to your Polonnaruwa itinerary.

Outdoor Activities

When exploring Polonnaruwa, adventure travelers have plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. One popular option is village trekking, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the surrounding countryside.

Another exciting activity is snorkeling in the nearby lagoons, where you can discover vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside colorful fish. For wildlife enthusiasts, a lagoon safari offers the chance to spot exotic birds and other animals in their natural habitats.

And if you’re up for a thrill, you can go biking through the ancient city or take a boat ride on Parakrama Samudraya lake. With its diverse range of outdoor activities, Polonnaruwa has something to offer every adventure seeker.

Private & Custom Tours

If you want a more personalized and flexible experience in Polonnaruwa, consider booking a private or custom tour. These tours are perfect for adventure travelers who want to explore the attractions at their own pace and have the freedom to choose their itinerary.

With a private or custom tour, you can have a knowledgeable guide all to yourself, who can provide insightful information about the historical sites and cultural highlights of Polonnaruwa.

You can also customize your tour according to your preferences and interests, ensuring that you visit the places that matter most to you. Whether it’s exploring ancient ruins, visiting local villages, or going on outdoor adventures like biking or trekking, private and custom tours offer an exclusive way to discover everything that Polonnaruwa has to offer.

Private Sightseeing Tours

If you want a more personalized and exclusive experience while exploring Polonnaruwa, private sightseeing tours are a great option. These tours allow you to have your own guide who can provide in-depth knowledge about the attractions and customize the itinerary based on your interests.

You’ll have the flexibility to spend as much time as you want at each site and ask any questions you may have. Private sightseeing tours also offer convenience by providing transportation to and from the attractions, so you don’t have to worry about logistics.

It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your visit to Polonnaruwa and create lasting memories.

Archaeology Tours

When visiting Polonnaruwa, adventure travelers have the opportunity to go on archaeology tours and explore the rich historical and cultural sites of this ancient city. These tours allow visitors to delve deep into the fascinating past of Polonnaruwa by visiting archaeological ruins, temples, and museums.

The Gal Vihara is a must-visit attraction, showcasing four impressive Buddha statues carved out of granite. Another highlight is the Quadrangle, a collection of ancient buildings that offers insights into the architectural wonders of ancient Sri Lanka.

By joining an archaeology tour in Polonnaruwa, adventure travelers can immerse themselves in the history and heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site while learning from knowledgeable guides who bring these ancient sites to life with their stories and explanations.

Historical Tours

If you’re interested in history, Polonnaruwa offers a variety of historical tours that will take you back in time. These tours allow you to explore the ancient ruins and archaeological sites that make Polonnaruwa so special.

You can visit the famous Gal Vihara, which houses four magnificent statues of the Buddha. The Quadrangle is another must-see site, where you can admire ancient buildings and temples.

Exploring these historical treasures will give you a deeper understanding of Polonnaruwa’s rich cultural heritage and its significance as Sri Lanka’s second capital city.

Other Activities in Polonnaruwa

Bicycling around the ancient city, exploring Sigiriya on excursions, visiting Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks for wildlife sightings, and marveling at the Ancient Library (Potgul Vihara) are just a few of the many other activities you can experience in Polonnaruwa.

Bicycling is a great way to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. With its flat terrain and well-preserved archaeological sites, riding a bike allows you to easily navigate the attractions at your own pace.

You can pedal through the ruins, stopping to admire the impressive structures and soak in the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bicycling also gives you the flexibility to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that may not be accessible by other means of transportation.

So grab a bike and embark on an unforgettable journey through Polonnaruwa’s fascinating past!

Sigiriya Excursions

Sigiriya is a must-visit attraction near Polonnaruwa, perfect for adventure travelers like you. The main highlight of Sigiriya is the ancient rock fortress, also known as Lion Rock.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers breathtaking views from the top. As you climb up, you’ll see beautiful frescoes on the walls and reach the famous lion’s paw entrance. The trek may be a bit challenging but totally worth it! Besides the fortress, there are also lush gardens to explore around Sigiriya.

So if you’re into history, nature, and stunning views, don’t miss out on exploring Sigiriya during your stay in Polonnaruwa!

Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks

The Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are two amazing places to visit in Polonnaruwa. These parks are known for their abundant wildlife, especially the herds of elephants that gather during certain times of the year.

You can go on a safari to see these majestic creatures up close and personal, as well as observe other animals like deer, monkeys, and various bird species. The best time to visit is during the dry season when water sources become scarce, causing large gatherings of wildlife around the park’s reservoirs.

It’s an incredible experience for adventure travelers who love nature and want to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

Ancient Library (Potgul Vihara)

When visiting Polonnaruwa, one of the top attractions you should not miss is the Ancient Library, also known as Potgul Vihara. This historical site was once a place for storing and preserving important Buddhist texts.

The library features unique stone carvings and columns that showcase the architectural beauty of ancient Sri Lanka. As you explore this site, you can imagine how scholars would gather here to study and learn.

The Ancient Library offers a glimpse into the intellectual and cultural richness of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Divine Quadrangle

The Divine Quadrangle is a must-visit site in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is a collection of ancient buildings and temples that showcase the rich history and architectural marvels of the city.

As you explore this area, you will come across impressive structures such as the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, which is a circular relic house. Another highlight is the Lankathilaka Image House, known for its towering image of Lord Buddha carved out of stone.

The Divine Quadrangle offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of Polonnaruwa, making it an essential stop on your adventure in this ancient city.

King Parakramabahu Palace

One of the must-visit attractions in Polonnaruwa is the King Parakramabahu Palace. This ancient palace was once the royal residence and served as a symbol of power during the reign of King Parakramabahu.

Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this majestic palace and get a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

The King Parakramabahu Palace complex consists of various structures, including halls, chambers, and courtyards. You can walk through these remnants and imagine what life would have been like for royalty in medieval times.

The intricate carvings and architectural details are truly impressive.

While exploring the palace, don’t miss the Audience Hall (Vijayaba Prasada), which was used for important ceremonies and meetings with foreign dignitaries. Its unique design showcases skilled craftsmanship from centuries ago.

Recommended Places to Visit in Polonnaruwa

Some must-visit places in Polonnaruwa include the ancient Bathing Pool, the impressive Rankot Vihara, and the breathtaking Thivanka Image House. Explore these fascinating sites and more to truly experience the rich history of this ancient city.

Bathing Pool

The Bathing Pool is one of the recommended places to visit in Polonnaruwa. It is a large reservoir that was used by ancient royals for bathing and water-related activities. The pool is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.

Visitors can relax by the poolside or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot to cool off and enjoy nature after exploring the historical sites of Polonnaruwa.

Rankot Vihara

Rankot Vihara is one of the must-visit attractions in Polonnaruwa. It is a massive ancient stupa that stands tall and majestic, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the past.

As an adventure traveler, you’ll be captivated by its grandeur and historical significance. The stupa has a height of over 50 meters, making it one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka.

You can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area, taking in the beauty of Polonnaruwa’s landscape from above. This impressive structure is not only visually stunning but also holds great religious importance for Buddhists.

Thivanka Image House

One of the must-visit attractions in Polonnaruwa is the Thivanka Image House. This ancient temple is famous for its beautiful frescoes and sculptures that date back to the 12th century.

Inside, you will find a large standing Buddha statue known as the “Thivanka Pilimage,” which means “the image with three bends.” The name comes from the slight curve in the statue’s posture.

The walls of the Image House are adorned with intricate paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology, showcasing the artistic skills of that time. It’s an incredible experience to witness these ancient artworks up close and learn about their historical and cultural significance during your visit to Polonnaruwa.

Parakrama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama)

Parakrama Samudraya, also known as the Sea of Parakrama, is a large man-made lake located in Polonnaruwa. It was built by King Parakramabahu in the 12th century as part of a massive irrigation system.

The lake spans over an area of 2500 hectares and is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes. Adventure travelers can enjoy boat rides on the tranquil waters of the lake, taking in the breathtaking views and immersing themselves in nature.

It’s a great opportunity to relax and experience the peacefulness of this ancient city while enjoying the beauty of Parakrama Samudraya.

Audience Hall

The Audience Hall is a fascinating attraction in Polonnaruwa that adventure travelers should not miss. This ancient building was used by the kings of Sri Lanka for important ceremonies and meetings.

It is known for its beautiful stone carvings and intricate architectural details. As you explore the Audience Hall, you can imagine what it must have been like to witness grand events in this historical setting.

The hall offers a glimpse into the rich history and royal traditions of Polonnaruwa, making it a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

The Ancient Library, also known as Potgul Vihara, is a fascinating site in Polonnaruwa that shouldn’t be missed. This ancient building was once used as a library and religious study center during the time of the Sinhalese kings.

The stone columns and intricate carvings on the walls will transport you back in time. It’s incredible to imagine all the knowledge that was stored and shared within these walls centuries ago.

As you explore this historical site, take a moment to appreciate its cultural significance and marvel at the architectural beauty that has stood the test of time.

In conclusion, Polonnaruwa is a must-visit destination for adventure travelers. With its rich history, ancient ruins, and vibrant wildlife, there are plenty of things to do and see in this charming city.

Whether it’s exploring the famous Gal Vihara or taking a boat ride on the Parakrama Samudra lake, Polonnaruwa offers an unforgettable experience that combines cultural discovery with natural beauty.

So pack your bags and get ready to explore the top attractions in Polonnaruwa!

1. What are the top attractions to visit in Polonnaruwa?

The top attractions to visit in Polonnaruwa include ancient ruins like the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara temple with its giant Buddha statues, and the Sacred Quadrangle which features several important religious sites.

2. How long does it take to explore the top attractions in Polonnaruwa?

It typically takes about half a day to a full day to explore the top attractions in Polonnaruwa, depending on your pace and interest in history.

3. Is there an entrance fee for visiting the top attractions in Polonnaruwa?

Yes, there is an entrance fee for visiting the top attractions in Polonnaruwa. The fees vary depending on whether you’re a local or foreign visitor, as well as your age.

4. Are guided tours available for exploring the top attractions in Polonnaruwa?

Yes, guided tours are available for exploring the top attractions in Polonnaruwa. A knowledgeable guide can provide insights into the history and significance of each site while making your visit more informative and enjoyable.

Melanie Cho is a passionate traveler, storyteller, and cultural enthusiast with a heart that bridges the landscapes of Korea and Sri Lanka. As a 28-year-old Korean woman who spent her formative years splitting time between these two captivating worlds, Melanie’s unique upbringing ignited her love for exploration and connection. Her intimate knowledge of both cultures enables her to share authentic insights, captivating stories, and practical tips that inspire fellow adventurers to embark on unforgettable journeys.

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13 Amazing places to explore in Polonnaruwa Ancient City

The stunning island of Sri Lanka is a beloved destination for all types of travelers. Known for its tropical beaches and lush green scenery, the coconut island is truly a paradise. Yet, no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting one of the majestic ancient cities. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, located in the heart of the country, is undisputedly one of the highlights of the cultural triangle . The former capital is one of the best places to visit if you would love to learn more about Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural essence. Home to many former Sinhalese kings and once the resting place of the holy tooth relic of Buddha. This UNESCO World Heritage site was the second main capital and houses many well-preserved ruins and Buddha statues. You will be wandering through ancient palaces, picturesque shrines, and impressive temples dating back to the 11th century AD.

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13 Amazing places to explore in the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Prior to wanting to travel to Sri Lanka and planning our trip, we actually hadn’t heard of Polonnaruwa. After visiting Anuradhapura we were still in doubt, not really sure what else to expect from this ancient city. Was it going to be any different? Is it even worth visiting ? It’s safe to say we were really impressed by this hidden gem.

In this insightful guide, you can find the must-see places in Polonnaruwa and learn more about Sri Lankan heritage. As well as all the travel essentials and practical tips you need to prepare for your trip. Further, we will cover the main differences between both Ancient Cities , Anuradhapura , and Polonnaruwa. With the abundance of ancient sights in Sri Lanka, picking just one might be quite a challenge. Luckily we are here to help you make a decision that fits your planning.

Disclaimer: Prices in this travel guide to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa are indications and are based on the daily currency rate during our stay in Sri Lanka. Bear in mind that the Sri Lankan currency is currently heavily fluctuating due to inflation. We also advise you to check current travel advice to Sri Lanka due to the ongoing economic crisis. This has led to possible shortages of basic necessities (such as food and fuel), power cuts, and overall unstable security situations.

History of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa thrived as the capital of the Chola dynasty from the 11th century up until 1310. After the destruction of Anuradhapura, the royal capital grew to be a prosperous commercial and religious center . For 3 centuries, the ancient city served as the power seat for both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms. Polonnaruwa’s greatest advantage as new capital was its strategic position in the heart of Sri Lanka . The kingdom benefited from its protection against the rebellious Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom.

Eventually, the south-Indian Cholas were driven off the island by Sinhalese king Vijayabahu in 1070. Under his Sinhalese rule, Polonnaruwa reached its absolute glory as the capital of Ceylon. His successor, King Parakramabahu added to the richness of the kingdom by investing in irrigation systems . Massive water tanks were created to tackle the central plains’ water crisis. Prosperity was created everywhere, resulting in the construction of many glorious palaces and temples. It is the archeological treasures of this glorious era that we can see today in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. 

As a matter of fact, the third king Nissanka Malla bankrupted Polonnaruwa by attempting to match his predecessor’s achievements. Early 13th century the seat of power shifted to Colombo . Polonnaruwa’s era of glory was fading over time,  leaving the old capital abandoned for the next 700 years. Until 1982, when the ancient city was declared a UNESCO world heritage site . Today Polonnaruwa is considered to be one of the best-preserved historic cities in the whole world. 

Essential travel information & tips

Entry ticket at the archeological museum.

Your adventure takes off at the Archaeological museum where you will have to buy your ticket for the ancient city. See the location here . Tickets are priced at 5900 LKR (~€24) for foreigners and you will receive a map. The museum is the only place where you can get a valid entrance ticket. So don’t get scammed into buying elsewhere.

We noticed that overall entrance tickets to UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka are more on the pricier side. Thankfully these fees contribute to the maintenance of the sights . Also if you are truly interested in the place’s history, it’s well worth its price. Unlike Anuradhapura , the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is located within a well-defined bounded area. It almost gives the feeling of a huge open-air museum.

Before heading out of the museum, we strongly encourage you to explore the well-preserved artifacts and historical treasures inside. Miniature reconstructions of the ruins show you what the city used to look like. The museum gives you a nice introduction to the sites and a chance to read up on its history. All in all the visit won’t take more than 30 minutes .

If you are interested in taking a tour guide for the city, there are multiple standing outside the museum. They will probably approach you themselves and they charge around 3000 LKR (~€12) . We wouldn’t necessarily say you need one since you can find English background information signs all over the grounds. 

TIP | Download the app ‘Heritage Lanka’ which allows you to scan QR codes at several sites and gives you more background information.

How to get around Polonnaruwa

There are a few ways to explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa: by foot, by bike, by tuk-tuk, or by car.

By foot – The first option, exploring the site on foot, you shouldn’t even consider. The weather gets really hot and the area is quite widespread. It would take you a long time to see everything, and not to forget it’s exhausting.

By bike – A fun and easy way to discover the ruins is by bike. You will be able to see more of the ancient city at a faster pace while enjoying a cool breeze. Many hotels in Polonnaruwa offer the extra service of a bike rental. Otherwise, there are several to be found close to the entrance and the bus stop. Prices usually go around 500 LKR (~€2) for the full day . You will at least need half a day to explore the whole site.

By tuk-tuk – Another option is to explore the grounds by tuk-tuk. You can hire one directly in Polonnaruwa, or go with the one you came with if you are staying in another city. This is exactly what we did since our accommodation was in Dambulla . We paid 5500 LKR (~€22) for bringing us back and forth plus driving us around in the ancient city. An easy and breezy option on those hot Sri Lankan days.

By car – We did see some bigger groups exploring the ruins by car or by tour bus. You can find many tours online from other cities like Dambulla or Kandy for the day to the archeological park. This is a convenient and air-conditioned option, but probably a bit more expensive.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit this region of the country is between November and March. During the dry season, there are fewer chances of downpours and the climate is more favorable overall for sightseeing activities. Sri Lanka is extremely hot all year round though, so keep this in mind for your outdoor activities. Just like most popular sights, we advise you to head out for Polonnaruwa as early as possible . Chances are there are fewer tourist buses at that time and you can beat the heat. The archeological site opens at 7 AM and closes around 5.30 PM.

REMINDER | Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Little vendors around the major sights sell cold drinks including delicious king coconuts.

Temple etiquette for the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

• Bring a hat and wear loads of sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching sun.
• When entering a temple site, you will have to remove your hat and footwear . It’s best to wear slippers or loose sneakers since you will be taking them off and on very often.
• Walking barefoot on the hot temple stones can get quite unpleasant, so we always suggest packing a pair of white socks .
• Out of respect for the holy places you have to cover up your knees and shoulders . Dress appropriately or bring a scarf or sarong, this is both for men and wome n.
• When taking pictures with a buddha statue, remember not to stand with your back towards it, as it’s considered to be highly disrespectful. Be mindful when taking selfies.

What to see in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Once you scored your entrance tickets at the archeological museum, head over to the Royal Palace to start your explorations. From there work your way all the way up north to see all the sights. Allow yourself enough time at the Sacred Quadrangle , the largest concentration of temples and fascinating ruins. The largest monuments such as the Lankatilaka shrine and Rankoth Vehera stupa can be found in the northern part. In the west of the city lies the artificial lake, the Parakrama Samudra which was created by King Parakramabahu to serve as an irrigation system. It gives the ancient city a beautiful backdrop and is perfect for a scenic stroll at the end of your visit.

The ruins are scattered over an extensive area of around 25km² . There are enough ancient tombs, well-preserved dagobas, and buddha statues to keep you entertained for a full day. In case you are time-bound, it’s even possible to see the main highlights in half a day . Here you can find the top 13 sights you have to see in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa:

The Old Royal Palace

The first group of buildings after entering the grounds is the Royal Palace group. Constructed in the 10th century, the majestic royal palace of King Parakramabahu I stands as a symbol of the splendor that Polonnaruwa once was. The royal palace is believed to have once been seven stories high, making it one of the tallest buildings of its time. It’s a little bit hard to imagine today, but the majestic palace complex supposedly consisted of 1000 chambers.

Today only crumbling remnants of the historical attraction can be found. The higher floors were made out of wood, which decayed over time. In the 3m thick walls, you can see the holes where the floor beams used to be for the higher floors. At the museum, you can find a miniature model to get a better impression of what it looked like 800 years ago.

The audience hall or Council Chamber

On the other side of the palace, you can find the council chamber. This was where the King used to hold all his important meetings with his ministers. Its walls are beautifully decorated with carvings of elephants , with each of them in a unique pose. A stunning well-preserved moonstone (also known as entrance stone) adorns the foot of the stairs. The stairs lead you to the top where on each side of the entrance a beautiful lion welcomes you. On the top, only a set of pillars remain, since the rest of the building was once made out of wood.

Next to the audience hall are stairs leading you to the king’s swimming pool (Kumara Pokuna). It has a central lotus island and two crocodile-mouth spouts remaining that were used to lead fresh water to the pools. We don’t think this seems to be the case anymore given the muddy green water. You might not wanna bathe in that.

The Sacred Quadrangle (Dalada Maluwa)

A short walk up north you find the Sacred Quadrangle, a compact group of prominent religious shrines on top of a raised platform. This is where one of the most famous pictures of Polonnaruwa is taken. The Dalada Maluwa is undoubtedly the heart of the ancient city and holds much historic worth. As it once was the home of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha , which nowadays resides in Kandy. The Sacred Quadrangle contains 10 key buildings, which are a must-visit for a better understanding of Buddhism in Sri Lankan culture. Marvel at the astounding architecture and beautiful carvings of lotus, lions, and king cobra. Next to being home to a Boddhi Tree Shrine, Thuparama Image house, and a Bodhisattva shrine, we will go into detail about the major ruins here:

The Vatadage

The main showstopper is without a doubt the Vatadage, a circular two-tiered relic house unique to Sri Lanka. It’s one of the most impressive buildings here with exquisite carvings and well-preserved details. The moonstone that adorns the northern entrance is supposedly the finest in all of Polonnaruwa.

The circular relic house has four entrances that lead up to the central dagoba positioned at the heart of the structure. Four Buddhas are surrounding the dagoba, each facing the cardinal directions. Local devotees always go around a sacred monument or dagoba clockwise for prayer. Legend says that the Vatadage once housed Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic, the one that is now kept in Kandy. 

The Hatadage

The Hatadage or also known as the Shrine of Sixty Relics is positioned right across from the Vatadage. This sanctum was built by King Nissankamalla in the 12th century in 60 hours, hence its name. The shrine is in poor condition today but nevertheless very intriguing to visit. It’s characterized by its symmetric chambers and pillars, within the back of the temple 3 Buddha statues.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya

This rather unusual-looking temple was built by Nissanka Malla. The dagoba is encircled by these curved stone pillars that are shaped like lotus stalks. It is said that the king used to sit inside the temple listening to Buddhist chanting.

Satmahal Prasada

In the northeast corner of the Quadrangle, you can find this unique square pyramid-shaped tower, called a rectangular ziggurat. The Satmahal Prasada consists of now six stories, which used to be seven.

Siva Devale No.2 

Located north of the Sacred Quadrangle there is a small track leading off the main road. It will lead you to a bit of a hidden Hindu temple , the oldest one in Polonnaruwa. Siva Devale was built by King Rajaraja in the 10th century AD during the Indian Chola dynasty period. If you look closely you can see Tamil inscriptions on the temple that speak about the Chola rule. It is one of the few Hindu temples that exist on the grounds and is still active today.

Rankoth Vehera stupa 

This 54m tall dagoba is the largest one in Polonnaruwa, built in the 12th century by King Nissanka Malla. It is entirely made out of bricks, with a characteristic bubble-shaped dome . You can clearly see it was built in the same architectural style as the one in Anuradhapura, the capital before Polonnaruwa. Devotees walk around a dagoba clockwise for prayer. A walk around makes you realize how huge it is. Especially when it’s burning hot and you are questioning your choice.

Lankatilaka Temple

With its 17m high walls, the Lankatilaka temple is an impressive sight to see. The cathedral-like corridor leads to a 14-meter-high standing Buddha at the end made out of bricks. Unfortunately, the head of the statue and the roof have collapsed a couple of centuries ago. Nonetheless, the structure is absolutely breathtaking inside and out. Make sure to take a walk around and pay attention to the beautiful carvings on the outside walls. 

Gal Vihara Buddha statues

One sight you shouldn’t miss is the Gal Vihara, a group of four beautifully intact Buddha statues, all carved from one large granite slab . These masterpieces are in pristine condition and are the best example of the high point of Sinhalese rock carving. 

Thivanka Image House

These were the final impressive ruins that we visited in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The building is located all the way north at the very end of the archeological site. The exteriors of the Thivanka Image House are absolutely breathtaking and masterfully carved. On the inside, it houses a headless Buddha statue called Thivanka, which means ‘thrice bent’. It refers to the fact that the statue is bent in three spots, which is normally only reserved for female statues. On the walls inside you can find Jataka frescoes . Unfortunately, they are hardly visible today, but they are supposed to depict Buddha in his past life. They are the only surviving murals in Polonnaruwa and it is not allowed to take any pictures.

On our way back to the exit we passed quickly by the Nelum Pokuna or lotus pond . As you can see the pond is carved in the shape of a lotus flower with 5 descending rings of eight petals each. Most likely monks used it back in the day to bathe in.

Other things to do around Polonnaruwa

Combine the ancient city of polonnaruwa with a safari trip.

You can easily combine a visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa with a safari trip in the afternoon. Polonnaruwa is a great starting point for a jeep safari in nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks . Unless you are a history buff and like to go in-depth on every sight, exploring the ruins takes only half a day. The coconut island has an extensive animal kingdom and offers many safaris all over the country. In Minneriya National park, you will mostly encounter big groups of wild elephants , which is an experience of a lifetime. Other wildlife that you might spot are Leopards, Sloth bears, Spotted Deer, Grey Langers, and Mongoose.

We decided to skip these national parks because our itinerary didn’t allow it anymore. Thankfully we already experienced an unforgettable safari at Wilpattu National Park earlier that week. And the icing on the cake was spotting some wild elephants on the side of the road to Polonnaruwa, which was extraordinary.

Practical information

• The safari game drives take place in the morning between 5.30 AM and 8.30 AM or in the afternoon between 3 PM and 6 PM.
• Prices are around €90 for two people. These vary on the number of people for the jeep, and whether or not you take a private jeep. This price is an estimated total price for the entry fee to the park + jeep with a guided driver.

BOOK A SAFARI  |   Here you can find different kinds of safari trips for Minneriya national park. Make sure to check what’s included and what’s not. Usually mentioned prices are only for the jeep and guide. The entrance fee has to be paid directly at the park. 

Climb Sigiriya or Pidurangala Rock

Sigiriya is located only a little over an hour away from Polonnaruwa and is the perfect base to stay. The town is mostly famous for the Lion Rock , an ancient fortress located on top of a massive rock . The site dates back to the 5th century AD and was once a majestic palace with royal gardens, colorful frescoes, and an impressive Lion gate. This UNESCO world heritage site is visited by millions of tourists annually and is something that you can’t miss on a trip to Sri Lanka.

Hiking Pidurangala rock has also become a popular pilgrimage for tourists and is a must when traveling to Sri Lanka. Located adjacent to Sigiriya Lion rock, it provides the most epic views of the surrounding green central plains and jungle. After an adventurous climb, the summit will reward you with an incredible panoramic view of Lion Rock itself. Want to know more about the climb itself and what to expect? Wondering which one of the two rocks to climb? Read more in our extensive guide below.

Which Ancient City to visit: Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura?

Many travelers only have time to include one archeological sight in their Sri Lankan itinerary. The island has amazing ancient cities, but each is significantly different making it difficult to pick a favorite. Although Polonnaruwa covers a smaller area of ruins , they are far better preserved than the ones in Anuradhapura , making it easier to get a grasp of Sinhalese culture . It offers an impressive collection of sights such as the Lankatilaka temple and the sacred Quadrangle which Anuradhapura can’t beat. Many of the ruins at Anuradhapura are in bad condition, which makes it sometimes hard to envision the greatness of what it once was. 

Having said that, Anuradhapura has its own kind of mystique, giving you the opportunity to experience the culture in a more authentic way. Since the town is mostly a pilgrimage for devotees and has way fewer tourists. We personally had an amazing experience visiting Anuradhapura, which was also thanks to our guesthouse host at the Water Front Home Stay . Further, we also fell in love with Mihintale , located right next to Anuradhapura and known as the birthplace of Buddhism . It was one of our absolute highlights! For this sight alone we would recommend taking time to visit this area of the country. In conclusion, depending on your time and interest, we would advise visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. 

Where & what to eat in Polonnaruwa?

We highly recommend having a big breakfast before heading out on your day trip to Polonnaruwa. The ancient city doesn’t have that many food options. You will find a few stands around the major temple sites selling snacks or king coconuts, but that’s about it. 

TIP | If you bring snacks, make sure to put them safely away in zip-lock bags in your backpack. As at most ancient sights, there are monkeys all over the place, waiting for careless tourists. For the record, they don’t ask you politely if you could share some.

Near the Sacred Quadrangle, we decided to have a break and get ourselves some refreshing king coconuts. While chilling in the shadows, we witnessed a couple of monkeys cleverly stealing food from the snack stands. They even tried to snatch the belongings of our tuk-tuk driver, which he thankfully recovered after an intense pursuit.

We were quite hungry after a whole morning of exploring, so once we left the ancient city we made a stop at the side of the road. Our driver helped us pick some amazing vegetable Roti filled with potatoes and spices. They were indeed a bit heavy on the hotness, but absolutely delicious! You can find these types of snacks on the side of the road all over Sri Lanka, so definitely give them a try. They are vegetarian and filling snacks to go or to take with you on a picnic.

As a restaurant, we got recommended Gami Gedara in Polonnaruwa, a Sri Lankan buffet restaurant serving traditional Sri Lankan curry . It’s supposed to be the best one around and is located in the most idyllic place right between the rice paddy fields. 

Where to stay for visiting Polonnaruwa ancient city?

Most people book accommodation in Dambulla or Sigiriya when they are visiting this area of the country. From those two towns, you can easily take the bus or a tuk-tuk for a day trip to Polonnaruwa. We advise staying in Sigiriya if you would like to experience an idyllic setting in nature. You can find plenty of houses scattered around the jungles of Sigiriya for everyone’s budget. The area also offers multiple laidback and authentic restaurants that you can enjoy at the end of a day exploring.

Sigiri Rock Side Home stay : This gorgeous guesthouse stay is perfect for those on a budget . This scenic homestay is located in the lush green surroundings of Sigiriya near Lion Rock. Their porch is the perfect slice of heaven to enjoy the end of an adventurous day.

The Cattleya Guest House : Another beautiful guest house, with modern, spacious, and clean rooms. They provide family rooms with their own private terraces to enjoy. The stay offers a cozy patio and garden from where you can catch views of the Lion rock itself. Located close to restaurants, it’s also perfectly possible to enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal at the place itself.

Water Garden Sigiriya : Feel like splurging on a luxurious hotel with the best location possible? This stunning hotel has a pool with a direct view of Lion Rock . Imagine yourself relaxing next to the pool, surrounded by rice fields, and spotting an occasional elephant in the distance. This resort is known to offer top-quality service. Further, it also comes with everything included from its spa and pool to a bar and restaurant at your disposal.

BOOK ACCOMMODATION | See all hotels & guesthouse stays in Sigiriya HERE

How to get to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa?

Most people don’t stay in Polonnaruwa itself but take a day trip to the ancient city from their accommodation in Dambulla or Sigiriya . The easiest way to get there is by taking the bus or a tuk-tuk . In case you are coming from Anuradhapura (up north), Kandy (down south), or Colombo (west) you will be first passing through Dambulla since this is the main city. Find all information you need on how to get to Dambulla in our post here. Once in Dambulla, you will have to shift to one of the following options:

From Dambulla

By Bus | Take a bus at the Dambulla Main bus station that heads for Kaduruwela . Buses leave every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am in the morning. The trip takes between 1,5 hours to 2 hours and will cost you around 220 LKR (~€1) .

By Tuk-tuk |   Ask your homestay to arrange a tuk-tuk driver or get one on the main road yourself. A tuk-tuk all the way from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa will take around 1,5 hours to 2 hours one-way, and will cost you around 5500 LKR (~€22) . This price we negotiated for taking us back and forth + driving us around the ancient city. You can always talk to the driver to have him wait for you outside the grounds, while you go out to discover the ruins by bike.

From Sigiriya

By bus | If you want to take the bus from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa, you will first need to get to the Inamaluwa junction. The easiest and fastest way is to first grab a tuk-tuk, which will cost you around 500 LKR (~€2). At the junction, you can jump on the bus in direction of Kaduruwela. Always double-check with the bus driver if it’s the correct one. The journey will take around 90 minutes and cost you only 100 LKR. Buses are really cheap in Sri Lanka and come quite often. Once arrived in Polonnaruwa it’s only a 500-meter walk to the entrance.

By tuk-tuk | Taking a tuk-tuk directly from your homestay to Polonnaruwa is the easiest and quickest way. You can discuss a price with the driver and they can even take you to all the sights within the ancient city. If you prefer to discover the ruins by bike, it’s common to discuss a price with your driver to take you back and forth. So while you enjoy your bike ride, the driver waits for you at the entrance until you are done. The one-way drive takes around 90 minutes , and the drive back and forth (including driving you around) will cost you around 5000 LKR (~€20). This is what we arranged with our driver, for almost a whole day and taking us around to the sights.

Book a tour of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

You can also book a private organized tour from Sigiriya like this one . Or join a whole day trip that includes both the ancient city of Polonnaruwa + a safari trip to Minneriya national park. For prices, details and availability click here .

BOOK TRANSPORTATION |  Book a train, bus, or taxi to Polonnaruwa with 12Go Asia  HERE

We absolutely enjoyed our day trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and can’t recommend it enough. It totally reminded us of Inwa in Mandalay, the old capital of Myanmar, or Ayutthaya in Thailand. The type of places where it feels like you are traveling back in time. As we said, you can even enjoy the main highlights in one morning, so it’s easily combinable with one of the other recommended activities.

Let us know in the comments below if this post was helpful and if you are planning on visiting Polonnaruwa. You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

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Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, a thriving centre of commerce and religion.

Today, visitors can explore the site’s archaeological treasures, including the Sacred Quadrangle and a number of temples. Combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

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Polonnaruwa

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 3 Get around
• 9.1 Mid-range
• 10 Stay safe

Polonnaruwa is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka .

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century CE and maintained its status until the 13th century. In 1982 the ancient city of Polonnaruwa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List . What's nice about Polonnaruwa is that the ruins are in one compact area so you can visit them quite easily. Just one three wheeler ride from where you're staying to the entrance and you can walk about them all day long. If you don't have a lot of time and have to make a choice, the ruins at Polonnaruwa are much better presented and more interesting than the often repetitious ruins of Anuradhapura . There are only so many stupas you can see before you have "seen them all".

Polonnaruwa is 216 km or 134 miles from Colombo and 66 km east of Dambulla . To travel there, there are several options.

7.955889 80.728111 2 Sigiriya Airport ( GIU  IATA ). More choices: ( updated May 2015 )

• FitsAir from Colombo-Ratmalana ( RML  IATA ),
• Millennium Airlines from Colombo-Ratmalana ,
• Cinnamon Air from Colombo-Bandaranaike , Batticaloa , Trincomalee

Car is the easiest. Any taxi service (+94 11 2556 556 or +94 11 2818 818 are two numbers of cab companies you can call) will charge you around LKR 30 per km (approx LKR 13,000 roundtrip) (as of mid 2007). Make sure you ask for a Nissan Sunny or Toyota Corolla or you might be sent a less comfortable car. The advantage is that you will sit in air conditioned luxury all the way to Polonnaruwa and the road is quite nice with plenty of greenery along the way. The old, massive trees tend to shade into the road once you leave the urban areas, creating a canopy effect. Trip is five to six hours inclusive of breaks for food and shopping (although shopping along the way is just overpriced and not recommended).

Train travel is quite cheap: you'll that find the three wheeler ride to the train station costs about as much. You get on the train to Trincomalee at Colombo Fort station, connect in Gal Oya and you're in Polonnaruwa. The train leaves at 6.15 am and will take a good part of a day there is no air conditioning but the windows can open. No train runs to/from Anuradhapura.

• 7.9301 81.0334 3 Polonnaruwa railway station . ( updated Nov 2021 )

From Colombo - Buses also leave from Colombo Fort but from a slightly different location. Take the intercity to Polonnaruwa. With luck and blessings from whatever deity you subscribe to, you should arrive in Polonnaruwa in six to eight hours.

From Anuradhapura - Direct bus from the Anuradhapura bus station in New Town runs throughout the day and the distance from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa is some 100 km and the bus trip will take three hours.

From Kandy - The 150 km bus trip takes 4,5 hours. Makes a stop in Dambulla (a bit less than 2 hours from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa).

The Polonnaruwa Bus Station is situated 4 km to the east of the main attractions, so if your hotel is around there ask to be dropped somewhere closer (Clock Tower for example).

• 7.9296 81.0328 4 Polonnaruwa Bus Stand . ( updated Nov 2021 )

Bicycles are the best way to get around. Most guest houses will rent out bikes. All the sights in the old town are located next to each other so you can cover all of them easily using a bicycle in one day.

Just north of present-day Polonnaruwa town, 140km (90 miles) north of Kandy , are the ruins of ancient Polonnaruwa, which date from the late 10th century, when the Chola kings of southern India invaded Sri Lanka and conquered Anuradhapura .

• 7.9263 80.9949 1 King Parakramabahu I Statue . A massive rock-cut statue of a Buddhist king, Parakrama Bahu. ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9245 80.9945 2 Potgul Vehera . Ruins of a monastery built by King Parakramabahu the great (1153-1186 A.D.). Its original name is unknown. According to a stone inscription found at the site, it has been renovated by a consort of King Parakramabahu. The peculiar feature of the monastery is the circular brick structure located in the lower terrace. ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9424 81.0007 3 The Royal Palace . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.942708 81.001658 4 Royal Court . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.942166 81.002506 5 Kumara Pokuna . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.942633 80.998858 6 King Nissanka Malla's Palace . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947126 81.000913 7 Thuparamaya . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.946297 81.00117 8 Shiva Dewalaya Temple ( Siva Devale ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947423 81.001288 9 Vatadage . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947881 81.001061 10 Atadage . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947561 81.001449 11 Gal Pota ( Stone Book ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947602 81.00095 12 Nissanka Latha Mandapaya . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.95821 81.0034 13 Rankoth Vehera . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.962927 81.003356 14 Lankatilaka Gedige ( The Glory of Sri Lanka ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9633 81.0036 15 Kiri Vihara ( The White Monastery ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.965509 81.005222 16 Gal Vihara or Gal Viharaya (Temple) ( ගල් විහාරය ), Nissankamallapura ( 5.5 km N form centre ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9699 81.0054 17 Demala Mahaseya (Stupa) . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.974817 81.003924 18 Lotus Pound . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.978642 81.006081 19 Thivanka Image House . ( updated May 2015 )
• Alahana Pirivena Complex - Buddhist temples
• Topa Wewa Lake and the Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama)

The 1-day entrance fee is 25 USD (March 2018). Unfortunately, the round trip tickets for the cultural triangle (50 USD) are no longer available. South Asian nationals receive substantial discounts of USD 15 on entrance fees, Therefore, if you have a South Asian passport, make sure to carry it with you on your visits.

In this area, you can find plenty of wildlife reserves. Try to find a guide and visit places like Minneriya National Park , Kawudulla

Avoid eating from places where they sell the food in open markets. Do not go to places that need to have touts on the streets out and where you cannot see inside the restaurant from the street.

• 7.940306 81.000203 1 Gama ( south of the ruins and museum ). Local joint offering a tasty veg curry buffet for 350 rupees. Rp350 . ( updated Jan 2018 )

There are plenty of budget hotels and guest houses to stay at in the new town. Prices start at Rs 1,500 to 2,000 per person for a night.

• The Village Polonnaruwa , Parakrama Lake Road, Potugal Mawatha ( 1 km South ), ☏ +94 27 459 9299 , [email protected] . From 45 $. .  
• Lagassa Lodge , #95 Circular Rd. ( Go down the clock tower for a block and turn left, place will be on the right after the first road ), ☏ +94 773 579248 , +94 764 155855 , +94 770 117432 . 24hrs . Good value, as the rooms were built in 2017 and are very clean, bathroom is huge, owner is nice and the food is excellent as well. LKR 2000 . ( updated Oct 2021 )
• Hotel Seruwa , ☏ +94 27 2222 2411 . Also run by CHC but cheaper and the location is pretty nice as well. Rooms are relatively new but check the room before you check into it.  
• Polonnaruwa Resthouse , ☏ +94 27 222 2299 . Run by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Nice location on the Parakrama Samudra. Rooms are relatively new but ask to see the room first. From USD 55 . ( updated Oct 2021 )
• 7.99408 80.91663 1 The Royal Lotus Hotel , Giritale ( 12 km NW ), ☏ +94 272246316 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Modern living conditions in a tropical setting and nestled alongside the Giritale Tank. $65-130 .  
• 7.951716 80.988216 2 Pharo Lake ( Thidas Arana Lake ), No 42 Deewara Mawatha , ☏ +94 272 226 464 . At the end of a peninsula about 4 km from the ruins (an easy cycle), this resort has sweeping views over the lake, where elephants often roam. Also good staff and restaurant. $80 for lake view room . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Don't even think of sleeping on the grass, due to the risk that you will get a bite from a venomous snake or insect.

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Polonnaruwa Tourism And Travel Guide

The relics of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa are considered one of the best preserved archeological sites of Sri Lanka and the city is considered the 2 nd largest Kingdom as well. The splendor and tranquility that’s quite evident from the music video ‘Save a prayer’ from Duran Duran’s album in 1982, Polonnaruwa is one of the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the Island and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Tourism in Polonnaruwa has a huge appeal on account of its greenery, gorgeous historical archeology, a huge lake built in 1200 called the Parakrama Samudra, the lovely accommodations and warm hospitality by the populace of the ancient city. Close to the old city is a small town that houses multiple tourist hotels with some glitzy shops and stores to cater to everyday essentials, government institutes in the new part of the city, schools etc. To get you comfortable and familiar with Polonnaruwa before you reach there, here’s a comprehensive travel guide.

How to Reach

There are 19 flights from different parts of India flying to Colombo every day. Since Polonnaruwa doesn’t have an airport, the closest airport to the ancient city is in Sigiriya , Dambulla . You fly from Colombo to Sigiriya with two airlines operating 4 flights daily, costing approx. $230. 

By Train:  

It is best to catch a train and then travel by bus or hail a taxi for a convenient form of travel to Polonnaruwa. A 2-hour journey from Colombo Fort Station to Habarana , the train ride will cost you LKR 270 at the max. The frequency of trains leaving the Colombo station is 3 times in a day, and the journey from Habarana to Polonnaruwa can be made via cab.

By Road:  

Renting out a car is the easiest way to travel to Polonnaruwa, with a distance of 216 km to cross. A 3.4 hours journey by road, boarding a bus is another alternative. You can also board an inter-city bus at the Colombo Central Bastian Terminal and be dropped off at the Polonnaruwa terminal.

Getting Around:  

Polonnaruwa is best covered on a bicycle, since most tourist spots are located very close to each other and can really be covered in a day 

• How To Reach Polonnaruwa

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Polonnaruwa’s climate is tropical and 6 months of the year, chiefly May through July, are really hot. May through September witnesses a dry period, while June through August is overcast, with rainfall in October-December.

Spring (March-May):  

March through May is hot with an average high temperature of 32-35°C. The city experiences rainfall typically a week to 10 days in a month. The season of spring is tourism wise the low season.

Summer (June-August):  

With no rains in between June-August, summers are very warm during this period and hence the ideal time to visit Polonnaruwa. Hotels sell out at a high tariff, so it’s best to make bookings in advance and save up on expensive and unnecessary spends!

Fall (September-November):

Polonnaruwa’s temperature from September through November oscillates between 30-33°C, calling for pleasant weather this time of the year. With a significant rainfall ranging 4-14 days every month, tourism is quite dull through this time and most travellers can look for discounted rates for their hotel stays.

Winter (December-February):

The weather in Polonnaruwa around December-February is a treat for travellers who prefer a warmer climate. With an average temperature of 28°C to a maximum of 32°C, and rainfall occurring a week to 12 days in a month, the winter season is another opportune time of the year to visit this beautiful ancient city.

• Polonnaruwa Weather And Best Time To Visit Polonnaruwa

Things To Do

Sightseeing :

As is the norm of any travel destination, there’s a lot you can explore in Polonnaruwa in terms of its history, architecture and culture. You can visit the Quadrangle filled with significant monuments like Dagobas of the Buddha’s tooth, the Shiva Devale (an ancient temple built in honor of Lord Shiva) and Rankoth Vehera (54 m high and the 4 th largest monument in the country). 

Bicycle Tour:

A lovely way to enjoy the ruins of Polonnaruwa’s ancient Kingdom is to cycle your way through! From visiting the sea of Parakrama to witnessing the clean and lush green countryside of Polonnaruwa, allow yourself to relax through the wondrous scenes, ending your tour with a refreshing coconut beverage.

Tour a Village:  

Spend a few hours touring the authentic part of Sri Lanka and experiences its rich cultural heritage. Engage with the villagers and indulge in some local activities to get a feel of their daily life, including taking an Oxen cart ride, a ride aboard a catamaran or a walk through the fields. End the tour with a delicious local meal, hosted by a village family, set buffet style in a classical way!

Wildlife Safari:

Explore the wildlife safari at Wasgamuwa National Park in a comfortable private vehicle with a tour guide and witness beautiful sightings of sloth bears, local monkey species, crocs, lizards and endemic butterflies, in addition to water monitors, water buffalos and golden palm civet.

• Things To Do In Polonnaruwa
• Tourist Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa

Where To Eat

For all the soulful travellers who love gorging on food both global and local, here are some restaurants that have the best to offer in terms of diverse cuisine and delicious treats at that! To taste the best of local food at Polonnaruwa, Jaga Food at Jayanthipura tops the list with its local dishes, beautiful garden sitting arrangement, cozy ambiance and warm & hospitable staff. With an assortment of authentic Sri Lankan curries cooked on firewood, their treacle pancakes, fiery fish curries and buffalo curd are worth having.

Gami Gedara, Bendiwewa is another eatery with melt-in-the-mouth delicacies, with a nice selection of traditional dishes, a rustic setting amidst paddy fields, creating an illusion of a mud hut. Served in clay pots, the local dishes are cooked over a wood fire and eaten off a lotus leaf. Their mango curry with a blend of chilly and coconut, eggplant gravy and dessert served with a variety of fruits in buffalo curd, topped with organic honey make for a real treat.

Surrounded by a sparkling lake and tucked off within the glamorous Sudu, Araliya Hotel is their in-house restaurant which not only offers a stunning view to sit by but serves some really amazing local and international cuisines in both buffet and ala-carte style. Their onion sambol and dry fish beduma is to die for! Other places you can visit for delectable treats of Sri Lanka are the Thidas Arana restaurant for batu curry, coconut roti & kosata, Wishma for mango & plantin curry, eggplant and seafood, the Lake restaurant at Pothgul Vihara for a variety of salads, soups and desserts. Govi Gedara is known for its home-style cooking and hospitality in addition to its best sellers - the Pittus, kothus & string hoppers.

Where To Shop

Nishantha Wood Carvings is one of the best places to shop when visiting Polonnaruwa. A conventional woodwork factory with handcrafted items for sale, the shop has been in business since 1981 and has a variety of rare wood engravings and furniture to choose from. The prices on offer make the products a real treasure to own! Spread over a large building, the place has a wide range of wood carved items that you are introduced to in terms of how they are naturally tinted, sculpted and then sold in all shapes and sizes.

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Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa

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1. The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu

0 km from city center 1 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Constructed under the reign of King Mahaparakram Bahu between the years 1153 to 1186, the striking Royal Palace stands as the emblem of grandeur in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu is a place of great historical importance, the reason why it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1982.

2. Gal Vihara 

2 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Gal Vihara is a rock temple of Buddha which is in the north of Sri Lanka in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa. It was initially known as Uttara Rama. It has four rock statues, each portraying different figures of Buddha. The first one is where Buddha is seated on a lotus; the second one is also a seated figure but smaller in size; the third one is a standing figure, and the last one is a reclining figure.

3. Dalada Maluva Polonnaruwa

0 km from city center 3 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

The circular building of Dalada Maluwa, also known as Terrace of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is a beautiful work of art and architecture of the 12th century. Dalada Maluwa was built by King Parakrambahu the great (1164-1196AD), it was later enhanced and decorated by King Nissankamalla (1198-1206). It was the intended house for the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha; however, presently, the Tooth Relic is deposited in Kandy Tooth Relic Temple.

4. Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

0 km from city center 4 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Located near the entrance of the Ancient City, The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. From intricately carved stone sculptures to delicate pottery fragments, the artifacts on display offer a glimpse into the daily lives, religious beliefs, and artistic achievements of the people who inhabited the city centuries ago.

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Sri lanka 8 days regular packages, 5. minneriya national park.

5 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Located 25km from Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park is a popular day trip or 1 day destination. The park is best known for its large population of Asian elephants, which congregate in impressive numbers during the dry season (from June to September). In addition to elephants, Minneriya National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, water buffalo, sloth bears, leopards, and a rich variety of bird species.

6. Rankoth Vehera

0 km from city center 6 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

This magnificent stupa is situated in Polonnaruwa and is the 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka. Built by the Nissanka Malla(1187-1196) it is one of the most sought after tourist attractions, i.e. 'dagobas' of the country. Rich in vibrant history and scenic beauty, this place must be on your to-visit list if you come to Sri Lanka.The stupa of Rankoth Vehera is in the centre of a large square terrace. There are four entrances to the yard with four cardinal points.

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7. Kiri Vihara

0 km from city center 7 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Kiri Vihara is a dagoba or stupa in Kataragama region in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka. This an 80 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town. Kiri Vihara was constructed in the 11th century AD, by King Parakramabahu's queen, Queen Subhadra. Its original name was Rupavathi Chaitya. Later the name was changed to Kiri Vihara, which means 'white stupa', which is because of its limewashed coating.

8. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

0 km from city center 8 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure located in Sri Lanka. This architectural marvel is one of it's kind for many reasons. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure located in Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa district in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. This architectural marvel is one of it's kind for many reasons. King Nissanka Latha built Nissanka Latha Mandapaya in the 20th century. The purpose of this construction was to recite and hear Buddhist scriptures. Mandapa is a word used for sheltered pillars. In the 20th century, mandapas were built inside houses and used for recitals during after death ceremonies, which is how the structure got its name.

9. Polonnaruwa Vatadage

0 km from city center 9 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a well-preserved Vatadage in the famous Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of the ancient city of ruins, Polonnaruwa. Vatadages are typical Buddhist structures found in Sri Lanka. These are circular, constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were built to protect stupas. Currently, there are ten Vatadages in Sri Lanka, and the most popular one is Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

10. Lankatilaka Temple

93 km from city center 10 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Lankatilaka is an ancient Sinhalese temple located in between Kandy and Polonnaruwa. It is one of the most magnificent ruined sites of the country. It was built by King Parakrabahu in the 11th century and attracted archaeologists, historians and tourists all around the year.

11. Parakrama Samudra

0 km from city center 11 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Parakrama Samudra is a water reservoir which consists of five different lakes namely Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks. It is also known as King Parakrama's Sea and is in Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. Topa Wewa is the oldest reservoir here which was built around 386 AD. The middle section has Eramudu Wewa and below you have Dubutula Wewa. The lakes here are separated by a smaller dam to reduce the pressure.

12. Angammedilla National Park

0 km from city center 12 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

About half an hour away from the historical city of Polonnaruwa, bordered by the Angammedilla Canal in the south, lies Angammedilla National Park. A relatively more recent addition to Sri Lanka’s long list of protected areas, Angammedilla National Park is a habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park was initially designated to protect the catchment areas of the Parakrama Samudra, a shallow reservoir in Polonnaruwa, and the Minneriya and Girithale irrigation tanks.

13. Pothgul Viharaya, Polonnaruwa

0 km from city center 13 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Pothgul Viharaya is an old library and monastery in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. The ruins of this ancient library date back to the twelfth century. The name Pothgul itself means 'Bookstore'.

14. Manampitiya Bridge, Polonnaruwa

0 km from city center 14 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Manampitiya Bridge is the second longest bridge in Sri Lanka. Before the Kinniya Bridge was declared open in 2009, it was the longest bridge in Sri Lanka. The bridge has a length of 302 metres. It comprises two decks, an early-twentieth-century steel bridge and newly built bridge.

15. Giritale Wewa, Polonnaruwa

0 km from city center 15 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Giritale Wewa or Giritale Tank is a reservoir in Giritale and Minneriya. Giritale Tank was one of the deepest tanks in Sri Lanka during the rule of ancient capital Polonnaruwa.

16. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

0 km from city center 16 out of 16 Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya or the Lion Rock is an ancient fort located in the Matale District in central Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is in the Matale District of Central Sri Lanka and lies between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane at the height of 370 metres. It consists of a citadel and has ruins of palaces, the Lion Gate, gardens, moats, the Mirror Wall, and many beautiful frescoes (paintings made in wet plaster on walls). The place got its name from the Lion claws, carved at the entrance of the Lion Gate. You can reach the Sigiriya Fortress either by bus or by train, from the main towns of Dambulla or Habarane.

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Polonnaruwa travel guide

Second only to Anuradhapura in the ancient history of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa served as the island’s capital from the 11th to 13th centuries, a relatively brief but glorious epoch that witnessed a flowering of Buddhist arts and architecture.

A contentious capital

In AD 993 the invading armies of the Tamil Cholas looted Anuradhapura and moved the island’s capital to Polonnaruwa for the next 77 years. From the outset, the new city had a cosmopolitan mix of south Indian Hindu and Sinhalese Buddhist cultures. The valiant King Vijayabahu I (1055–1110) drove the Cholas out of the island in 1073, but retained Polannaruwa as his capital. Forty years of bloody civil war followed his death, until, in 1161, Parakramabahu I captured Polonnaruwa and assumed control of the whole island. Regarded as the last great king of Sri Lanka, Parakramabahu embarked on a lavish series of building works at his new capital and King Nissanka Malla, his nephew and successor, further embellished and expanded the city. However in about 1293, Sri Lanka was once again invaded by mercenaries from South India, and Polonnaruwa was abandoned to the jungle.

Polonnaruwa's strategic importance

In its prime, the city stretched for many kilometres along the eastern side of the majestic Parakrama Samudra reservoir, its monasteries and sumptuous palaces and temples, both Buddhist and Hindu, protected by 6km (4 miles) of strong encircling walls. Its importance as a secure outpost for armies gave it the name Kandavuru Nuvara  (Camp City).

Places to visit in Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa museum.

Most of the ruins of Polonnaruwa are protected within a specially fenced-off archaeological site north of the modern town. Tickets to the site have to be bought from the excellent Polonnaruwa Museum, well worth a visit for its insightful displays on life in the ancient capital, and some fine exhibits including a number of superb Chola bronzes recovered from the site.

The Quadrangle

At the heart of the ancient city, the Dalada Maluwa (Terrace of the Tooth Relic ), popularly known as the Quadrangle, was the centrepiece and sacred precinct of ancient Polonnaruwa, home to the Tooth Relic and its most important cluster of religious shrines. The Quadrangle is dominated by the flamboyant Vatadage, a superbly decorated circular shrine and perhaps the most ornate building in Sri Lanka: its outer walls are carved with friezes of lions, dwarfs and lotuses, and, at each of the four entrances, with elaborate moonstones and guardstones (depicting nagaraja – king cobra figures with seven-hooded heads). 

The Lankatilaka

The impressive walls of the Lankatilaka image house soar to a height of 16 metres (55ft), enclosing a large but headless statue of the Buddha who stands squashed inside the high, narrow space within. A section of the walls outside is adorned with finely carved reliefs of flamboyant multi-storey houses topped with domes – not a portrait of ancient Polonnaruwa as is sometimes claimed, but a fanciful representation of the celestial abodes (vimanas) of the gods. 

The pinnacle of rock-carved art in ancient Sri Lanka, the Gal Vihara is home to four magnificent Buddha statues hewn out of a granite cliff-face by unknown artists. The highlight is the majestic 14-metre (46ft) reclining Buddha – a figure of such enormous but serene beauty that it inspired centuries of Sinhalese art without ever being matched. The sculptor was working in a medium that to some extent dictated his output. Dark strata in the rock appear as a veil of ripples washing over the delicately carved facial features and figure of the Buddha as he slips into nirvana, lending a beautifully fluid texture to the mass of stone. 

Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks

The area around Polonnaruwa is one of the best in which to spot Sri Lanka’s legendary elephants, with Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks being the places to head for. Both parks are centred on extensive tanks where elephants congregate in increasingly large numbers towards the end of the dry season, particularly during the famous “Gathering” at Minneriya National Park. The two parks are linked by an important “elephant corridor”, designed to allow the animals to move from one park to the other as the fancy takes them.

Discover other historical Sri Lankan places...

• Explore the monasteries at Anuradhapura

• Visit the Cultural Triangle's fascinating sights

• Ascend Sigiriya, an extraordinary former capital

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The great ruined capital of POLONNARUWA is one of the undisputed highlights of the Cultural Triangle – and indeed the whole island. The heyday of the city, in the twelfth century, represented one of the high watermarks of early Sri Lankan civilization. The Chola invaders from South India had been repulsed by Vijayabahu and the Sinhalese kingdom he established at Polonnaruwa enjoyed a brief century of magnificence under his successors Parakramabahu and Nissankamalla, who planned the city as a grand statement of imperial pomp, transforming it briefly into one of the great urban centres of South Asia before their own hubris and excess virtually bankrupted the state. Within a century, their enfeebled successors had been driven south by new waves of invaders from southern India, and Polonnaruwa had been abandoned to the jungle, where it remained, unreclaimed and virtually unknown, for seven centuries.

Brief history Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa or anuradhapura, the ancient city of polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa’s extensive and well-preserved remains offer a fascinating snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka and are compact enough to be thoroughly explored in a single (albeit busy) day. Remains aside, Polonnaruwa is also a good jumping-off point for the national parks at Minneriya and Kaudulla.

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Sri Lanka – Culture and Coast

Absorb Sri Lanka's ancient culture at Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, before heading deep into lush jungle plains for jeep safaris and encounters with wild elephants. Journey south to colourful Kandy with its temples and tea factories, followed by a relaxing stay on sandy southwest beaches.

The history of Polonnaruwa stretches far back into the Anuradhapuran period. The region first came to prominence in the third century AD, when the creation of the Minneriya Tank boosted the district’s agricultural importance, while the emergence of Gokana (modern Trincomalee) as the island’s major port for overseas trade later helped Polonnaruwa develop into an important local commercial centre. As Anuradhapura fell victim to interminable invasions from India, Polonnaruwa’s strategic advantages became increasingly apparent. Its greater distance from India made it less vulnerable to attack and gave it easier access to the important southern provinces of Ruhunu, while it also controlled several crossings of the Mahaweli Ganga, Sri Lanka’s longest and most important river. Such were the town’s advantages that four rather obscure kings actually chose to reign from Polonnaruwa rather than Anuradhapura, starting with Aggabodhi IV (667–683).

Throughout the anarchic later Anuradhapuran era, Polonnaruwa held out against both Indian and rebel Sinhalese attacks until it was finally captured by Rajaraja, king of the Tamil Cholas, following the final sack of Anuradhapura in 993. Rajaraja made it the capital of his short-lived Hindu kingdom, but in 1056 the city was recaptured by the Sinhalese king Vijayabahu (1055–1110), who retained it as the new Sinhalese capital in preference to Anuradhapura, which had been largely destroyed in the earlier fighting. Vijayabahu’s accession to the throne ushered in Polonnaruwa’s golden age, although most of the buildings date from the reign of Vijayabahu’s successor Parakramabahu, reigned 1153–86. Parakramabahu developed the city on a lavish scale, importing architects and engineers from India whose influence can be seen in Polonnaruwa’s many Hindu shrines. Indian influence continued with Parakramabahu’s successor, Nissankamalla, reigned 1187–96, a Tamil from the Kalinga dynasty and the last king of Polonnaruwa to enjoy any measure of islandwide power.

Nissankamalla’s death ushered in a period of chaos. Opposing Tamil and Sinhalese factions battled for control of the city – the next eighteen years saw twelve changes of ruler – while at least four invasions from India threatened the stability of the island at large. This era of anarchy culminated with the seizure of the increasingly enfeebled kingdom by the notorious Tamil mercenary Magha (1215–55). Under Magha the monasteries were pillaged and onerous taxes imposed, while his soldiers roamed the kingdom unchecked and the region’s great irrigation works fell into disrepair, leading to a decline in agricultural produce and a rise in malaria. Although Magha was finally driven out of Polonnaruwa in 1255, the damage he had inflicted proved irreversible, and Polonnaruwa was finally abandoned in 1293, when Bhuvanekabahu II moved the capital to Kurunegala. The city was left to be swallowed up by the jungle, until restoration work began in the mid-twentieth century.

Many visitors to Sri Lanka only have the time or the archeological enthusiasm to visit one of the island’s two great ruined cities, but as the two are significantly different it’s difficult to call decisively in favour of either. The ruins at Polonnaruwa cover a smaller area, are better preserved and offer a more digestible and satisfying bite of ancient Sinhalese culture – and there’s nowhere at Anuradhapura to match the artistry of the Quadrangle and Gal Vihara. Having said that, Anuradhapura has its own distinct magic. The sheer scale of the site and the number of remains means that, although much harder to get to grips with, it preserves a mystery that much of Polonnaruwa has lost – and it’s far easier to escape the coach parties. In addition, the city’s status as a major pilgrimage centre lends it a vibrancy lacking at Polonnaruwa.

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The ruins of Polonnaruwa are scattered over an extensive area of gently undulating woodland about 4km from north to south. You can see everything at Polonnaruwa in a single long day, but you’ll have to start early to do the city justice.

Polonnaruwa was originally enclosed by three concentric walls and filled with parks and gardens. At the heart of the city lies the royal palace complex, while immediately to the north are the city’s most important cluster of religious buildings, the so-called Quadrangle, containing the finest group of remains in the city – and, indeed, Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa’s largest monuments are found in the northern part of the city, comprising the buildings of the Menik Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Alahana Pirivena and Jetavana monasteries, including the famous Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara and the soaring Lankatilaka shrine.

To the west of the city lies the great artificial lake, the Parakrama Samudra (“Sea of Parakramabahu”), providing a beautiful backdrop to the town – an evening stroll along the waterside Potgul Mawatha makes a scenic way to end a day. The lake was created by the eponymous king, Parakramabahu, though sections of the irrigation system date right back to the third century AD. Covering some 26 square kilometres, the lake provided the medieval city with water, cooling breezes and an additional line of defence, and also irrigated over ninety square kilometres of paddy fields. After a breach in the walls in the late thirteenth century, the tank fell into disrepair, and was restored to its original size only in the 1950s.

Although Polonnaruwa doesn’t have the huge religious significance of Anuradhapura, the city’s religious remains are still held sacred and signs outside many of the ruins ask you to remove your shoes as a token of respect – quite painful, unless you’re accustomed to walking barefoot over sharp gravel, while the ruins’ stone floors can often reach oven-like temperatures in the midday sun. Wimps wear socks.

Parakramabahu the Great

The Sri Lankan monarch most closely associated with Polonnaruwa is Parakramabahu I (reigned 1153–86), or Parakramabahu the Great, as he’s often styled, the last in the sequence of famous Sinhalese warrior kings, stretching back to the legendary Dutugemunu, who succeeded in uniting the entire island under the rule of a single native monarch.

Parakramabahu (a grandson of Vijayabahu) was born at Dedigama, capital of the minor kingdom of Dakkinadesa, which was ruled by his father. Upon becoming ruler of Dakkinadesa, Parakramabahu established a new capital at Panduwas Nuwara before launching a campaign against the king of Polonnaruwa, his cousin Gajabahu. After an extended series of military and political manoeuvrings, Parakramabahu finally triumphed and was crowned king of Polonnaruwa in 1153, although it took a brutal and protracted series of military campaigns before the entire island was finally subdued.

Even while Parakramabahu was mopping up the last pockets of resistance in the south, he began to embark on the gargantuan programme of building works and administrative reforms which transformed Polonnaruwa into one of the great cities of its age, as well as finding the time to launch a couple of rare military offensives overseas, first in Burma and then India. According to the Culavamsa, the new king built or restored over six thousand tanks and canals, including the vast new Parakrama Samudra in Polonnaruwa, as well as restoring the three great dagobas at Anuradhapura and rebuilding the monastery at Mihintale. It was at his new capital, however, that Parakramabahu lavished his greatest efforts, supervising the construction of a spate of imposing new edifices including the Royal Palace complex, the majestic Lankatilake, and the beautiful Vatadage, the crowning achievement of medieval Sinhalese architecture.

Nissankamalla the Vainglorious

Following Vijayabahu and Parakramabahu, Nissankamalla (reigned 1187–96) is the third of the famous trinity of Polonnaruwan kings. A Tamil prince, Nissankamalla originally hailed from South India, but married into the Sinhalese nobility by wedding a daughter of Parakramabahu, and then succeeded in attaining the throne after a brief political skirmish following the death of his father-in-law.

Nissankamalla was notable chiefly for being the last king of Polonnaruwa to exercise real power over the whole island, even feeling secure enough to launch military expeditions against the Pandyans of South India. Perhaps conscious of his foreign birth, he seems to have endeavoured to become more Sinhalese than the Sinhalese, making a great show of his religious orthodoxy, purging the Sangha of disreputable monks and becoming the first king to make the pilgrimage to the summit of Adam’s Peak. He is also known to have embarked on extensive tours of the island to discover the conditions under which his subjects were living, rather in the manner of a contemporary politician at election time – not that Nissankamalla would have worried much about public opinion, since he considered himself (as did many later Sinhalese kings) a living god.

For all his genuine achievements, however, Nissankamalla is best remembered for the long trail of inscriptions he left dotted around Polonnaruwa and other places in Sri Lanka, recording his valour, wisdom, religious merit and other outstanding qualities – he seems to have been the sort of monarch who wasn’t able to sneeze without erecting a monument to commemorate the event. Nissankamalla’s bombastic scribbles can be found in Polonnaruwa at the Gal Pota, Hatadage and Vatadage in the Quadrangle, and at the Rankot and Kiri viharas (plus a couple more in the Polonnaruwa Museum), though some historians regard the claims made in them as somewhat dubious, while Nissankamalla also stands accused of having stolen the credit for many of the building works carried out by Parakramabahu.

The only image of Nissankamalla stands in the Maharaja cave temple at Dambulla. Ironically for this great self-publicist, it’s tucked away in a corner, and almost completely hidden from sight.

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This ancient irrigation tank, also known as the Sea of Parakrama, is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization

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Polonnaruwa served as the island’s royal capital from the 11th to the 13th century, following the decline of Anuradhapura. Its ruins, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveal the architectural prowess and cultural richness of medieval Sri Lanka.

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Located on the quaint banks of the Parakrama Reservoir and surrounded by surreal vistas, Hotel Sudu Araliya is a premier amongst Polonnaruwa hotels! 

Hotel Mahanuge

Situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Mahanuge Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and houses a restaurant.

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The temples, palaces and statues of Polonnaruwa epitomize the majestic beauty of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Step back in time to the 12th century, when Polonnaruwa was the nation’s medieval capital and a flourishing center for trade and religion. Marvel at shrines celebrating the Buddhist and Hindu faiths. Enjoy the city’s picturesque setting on the shores of two reservoirs framed by national parks teeming with wildlife.

The Polonnaruwa Museum is a good place to start your visit. Here purchase tickets for the archaeological ruins. Find displays portraying life during the city’s golden age. Learn about the three ruling kings: Vijayabahu I, Parakramabahu I and Nissanka Malla. See examples of exquisite Shiva sculptures.

Go to the Quadrangle, which shelters the finest ensemble of ruins. Among these is the circular-shaped Vatadage, supposedly built to house the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Nearby are the 13th-century Shiva Devale No. 1 temple and the Chola-era Shiva Devale No. 2 temple. Walk south along the waterfront to see a group of columns that once supported the Royal Palace.

North of the Quadrangle lie the city’s most imposing landmarks, including the Alahana Pirivena, Menik Vihara and Rankoth Vihara temples. Gaze up at the large stupa of the Jetavana monastery. Admire the four rock-hewn Buddha statues at Gal Vihara temple. Note the ecclesiastical-like aspects of the enormous Lankatilaka Temple.

After exploring the sights, walk along the water’s edge of Parakrama Samudra reservoir. King Parakramabahu I created it to supply water to the city and to protect his kingdom from invaders.

Polonnaruwa’s location in the Hill Country makes it an excellent base for wildlife adventures, most notably spotting Asian elephants. Drive to Kaudulla National Park or Minneriya National Park within a 1-hour drive north or to Wasgamuwa National Park in a 2-hour drive south.

Polonnaruwa is about 140 miles (220 kilometers) northeast of Colombo . Get here via long-distance buses and trains. Anuradhapura, Dambulla , Kandy , Sigiriya and other towns in the Cultural Triangle are all reachable by bus.

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While there might not be top attractions in Kaduruwela, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Polonnaruwa Vatadage and Pabula Vihara.

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You can find out about the history of Polonnaruwa with a stop at Lankatilaka Temple. Amble around the area's lakeside, or seek out its biking trails.

• Kiri Vihara Temple

You can find out about the history of Polonnaruwa with a trip to Kiri Vihara Temple. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

Find out about the history of Polonnaruwa when you take a trip to Gal Pota. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

• Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

You can enjoy some culture when you stop by Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum in Polonnaruwa. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

• Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Find out about the history of Polonnaruwa when you spend time at Polonnaruwa Vatadage. Amble around the area's lakeside, or seek out its biking trails.

Gal Viharaya

You can find out about the history of Nissankamallapura when you stop by Gal Viharaya. Amble around the area's lakeside, or seek out its biking trails.

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Sri lanka travel guide: how to plan the perfect trip.

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Sri Lanka is a destination that has it all. This teardrop-shaped island off the coast of India has seen its share of difficulties, but in the past two years it has emerged as one of the most vibrant and exciting countries for travel. Tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024 are up 60% compared to the same period in 2023, a promising sign for this resilient nation.

The Dondra light house on the southern tip of Sri Lanka.

With awe-inspiring cultural attractions, sacred pilgrimage sites, tea plantations and laid-back beach towns, Sri Lanka is a thrilling country that appeals to all kinds of travelers—from families and honeymooners to foodies and surfers. Time Out even ranked Sri Lanka the #1 best place to visit for solo female travelers . Have we piqued your interest? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip to Sri Lanka.

Located south of India and east of the Maldives, Sri Lanka is a tropical country close to the equator. It has two monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon from May to September and the Northeast Monsoon from December to February.

Cinnamon Air , Sri Lanka’s largest domestic air carrier, makes traveling throughout Sri Lanka a breeze. The airline offers daily scheduled flights to popular destinations (a 30-minute flight from Colombo to Sigiriya will save you a 5-hour drive) and exclusive charters at competitive prices. Cinnamon Air has three aircraft, including two seaplanes, ensuring flexibility in landing in different terrains, such as Castlereagh’s natural reservoir or Koggala Lake in the south.

Cinnamon Air offers air taxi services throughout Sri Lanka.

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If you prefer to travel by land, there are many taxi services available throughout Sri Lanka and the roads are surprisingly well-maintained. In Colombo, you can use Uber, the PickMe app or tuk tuks to move around. For longer rides, companies like TinyCabs and BlueSky Galle Taxis are available for ground transfers and tours throughout the country.

Tuk Tuks are a popular method of transportation in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is also famous for its trains but be sure to book your tickets early — the famous Kandy to Ella train ride books out a month in advance. You can reserve tickets directly on 12Go or use a booking service like Visit Sri Lanka Tours which can purchase tickets on your behalf (with a mark-up). In both cases, you’ll need to stop by one of Sri Lanka’s train stations with your reservation in hand in order to print out your original tickets. Tip: second class reserved seats are ideal because you can keep the windows down for the best views!

A train driving through Sri Lanka's Hill Country.

Sri Lanka is unique for a myriad of boutique, locally-owned hotels dotted throughout the country. If you need help choosing where to stay, We Stay Ceylon has a handpicked collection of unique properties throughout the island and can help design a personalized itinerary as well.

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Although many people will flock to Sri Lanka for its surf scene, it is worth spending time exploring the island’s cultural triangle as well. Located in the fertile center of the country, this area is a testament to Sri Lanka’s longstanding heritage and boasts five UNESCO Sites, each worth visiting.

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is Sri Lanka's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s uncontested jewel. An ancient rock fortress that rises 600 ft above a canopy of thick jungle, it served as Prince Kashyapa’s 5 th century royal palace before being used as a Buddhist monastery. If you have time, it’s also worth climbing Pidurangala Rock which lies directly in front of Sigiriya: this other mountain is a nature reserve and best suited for intrepid travelers.

Anuradhapura is a sacred heritage city in Sri Lanka.

To the north of Sigiriya lies Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital founded in the 4 th century which flourished for over 1,000 years. With large stupas and a sacred fig tree (a descendent of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment), it remains an important pilgrimage site.

You can also visit Sri Lanka’s second capital, Polonnaruwa, which features monumental ruins built between the 11 th to 13 th centuries. The ruins are spread over 1,100 sq miles and include intricately carved palaces, city council buildings and evocative shrines. Nearby, art lovers shouldn’t miss Dambulla’s five painted caves featuring over 150 statues of the Buddha.

The painted cave temples of Dambulla.

On the southern end of the Cultural Triangle is Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings and today the second-largest city after Colombo, the capital. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is believed to shelter one of the Buddha's teeth. Three ceremonies are performed here each day and travelers are welcome to join to experience this unique tradition.

Hill Country

As you depart south from Kandy, you’ll come across Sri Lanka’s verdant Hill Country. While the island may be known for its tropical temperatures, it is also the fourth largest producer of tea in the world — a feat for a relatively small territory. This is thanks to its cool, misty mountains around cities like Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton.

Tea plantations near Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka.

Introduced by the British in the 19 th century, after a coffee rust fungus devastated the country’s coffee plantations, tea remains a ubiquitous part of Sri Lankan culture. Referred to as Ceylon Tea, the country’s colonial name, black tea is dominant in Sri Lanka’s over 400 tea plantations. Tea is still plucked by hand by a highly skilled workforce of primarily Tamil women whom you will see hard at work throughout the country’s technicolor, undulating plantations.

Plucking tea in Nuwara Eliya.

In Nuwara Eliya, pay a visit to Pedro Tea Estate, while in Ella, it’s worth taking a short tuk-tuk ride to Uva Halpewatte for an educational factory tour. Trains were developed to help transport goods, including tea, from the inland regions to coastal ports, so be sure to take a train ride while you’re in the area. The Kandy-Ella line is the most famous and sells out quickly so look into alternative options like Nuwara Eliya to Hatton where you can relax by the spectacular Castlereagh Reservoir, a truly otherworldly scene.

Sri Lanka's coastline covers 800 miles so sunbathers and surfers will be spoiled for choice. Where you go will depend on the season. If you visit between December and April, head south and west where Sri Lanka’s tourism is most developed. Stretching from Colombo down to Tangalle, there are dozens of beach towns worth visiting so you’ll need to make some choices.

Surf beach Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka.

Bentota, home to landscaped garden villas Lunuganga and Brief Garden , will delight architects and culture hunters. Hikkaduwa is popular for its turtle hatchery and Tsunami Museum which commemorates those lost during the deadly tsunami which killed over 30,000 people in Sri Lanka in 2004.

Galle, a fortified Dutch-Portugese town is a must-see for its colonial architecture and many boutique hotels while Ahangama is the newest hip locale with lively bars, concept shops and cool hotels. Weligama and Mirissa have been popular surf destinations for the past decade and many whale watching excursions leave from here. Further east, Hiriketiya is another small surf paradise with beach clubs and cool cocktail lounges where you can hang out until the early hours.

Galle Fort, Sri Lanka.

For unique nature and culture excursions along the southern coast, reach out to Donga . Founded by four friends, this small, sustainable tour company offers immersive tours of Koggala Lake’s mangroves, rainforest treks through Sinharaja, pottery experiences, walking tours and more.

If you visit between May and November, you’ll have better chances of sunshine along the northern and eastern coasts. Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Arugam Bay are the most popular resort towns in this area.

A Ceylon leopard.

Sri Lanka has the highest biodiversity in Asia which you can enjoy viewing across its 25 National Parks dotted throughout the island. Yala National Park is the most famous, with the highest density of leopards in the world, though its popularity also means it’s quite crowded. Other options include Minneriya, located close to Sigiriya (perfect for a half-day tour) and Udawalawe, known for its large population of Asian elephants.

Elephants in Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka.

Other animals you can see throughout national parks are sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted deer, jackals and monitor lizards. Sri Lanka is also a great place for birding — peacocks are ubiquitous and you're likely to see the Sri Lankan Junglefowl alongside migratory birds like flamingos and herons.

An aerial view of Colombo and the Lotus Tower.

Most trips to Sri Lanka will begin or end in Colombo, and it’s worth spending a couple of nights in the capital to soak in its buzzing energy. Highlights include the iconic red-and-white striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct located in a colonial-era hospital, and the Colombo National Museum which provides a historical and cultural introduction to the country.

To learn more about Sri Lanka’s more contemporary history, visit Geoffrey Bawa's Residence Number 11 , Sri Lanka's most renowned architect celebrated for his “tropical modernist” style, and shop for artisanal crafts at boutiques like Barefoot Gallery and Urban Island .

Looking for more? Discover Sri Lanka’s best coastal hotels and countryside properties .

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