Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka · North Central Province
Description
Polonnaruwa (පොළොන්නරුව) is one of Sri Lanka’s most important ancient royal cities and a remarkable testament to the island’s medieval Sinhalese civilisation. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its extensive palace and temple ruins, the finely carved rock statues of Gal Vihara and monumental structures such as the Vatadage and Rankoth Vehera. Polonnaruwa combines Buddhist and Hindu cultural heritage with sophisticated ancient irrigation works centred around the historic Parakrama Samudra reservoir. Surrounded by ruins, reservoirs and lush vegetation, the archaeological city offers an impressive insight into the architectural, religious and technological achievements of medieval Sri Lanka and ranks among the country’s most significant cultural heritage sites.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – March
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues
- Sacred Quadrangle and Polonnaruwa Vatadage
- Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I
- Rankoth Vehera
- Minneriya National Park elephant safari(Day trip)
- Audience Hall of King Parakramabahu I
- Kaudulla National Park elephant safari(Day trip)
- Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
- Hatadage
- Cycling through the Ancient City
- Atadage
- Thuparama Image House
- Gal Potha (Stone Book)
- Lankatilaka Image House
- Parakrama Samudra
- Kiri Vehera
- Alahana Pirivena Monastery Complex
- Tivanka Image House
- Lotus Pond (Nelum Pokuna)
- Statue of Parakramabahu I
- Pothgul Vihara
- Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum
- Medirigiriya Vatadage(Day trip)
Getting there
- Nearest airports:
- GIU
- Train stations:
- Polonnaruwa, Parakum Uyana, Laksha Uyana