Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka: travel guide
Medieval royal capital of rock Buddhas, palace ruins and reservoir views
Sri Lanka's medieval second capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — sprawling 11th-13th century ruins including the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas and giant reservoirs, best explored by bicycle.
About Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the ruined medieval capital of Sri Lanka, and its monuments are spread across a flat, green landscape beside a large reservoir. It is easier to take in than Anuradhapura, and a bicycle is the favoured way to get around.
Highlights include the Royal Palace of Parakramabahu I, the Rankoth Vehera dagoba, the Lankatilaka Image House and Gal Vihara, where large Buddha figures are carved from a single granite face. The archaeological museum helps you make sense of it all, and the lakeside setting is peaceful.
It suits history lovers, photographers and cyclists. Early morning is cooler and quieter. It is warm throughout the year, with the drier months roughly May to September.
- Country
- Sri Lanka
- Currency
- LKR
- Time zone
- Asia/Colombo
Last updated
Top places to visit in Polonnaruwa
Gal Vihara
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Four monumental Buddha images carved directly into a single granite rock face, among the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpture.
Parakrama Samudra
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Vast 12th-century man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I, still irrigating the region and a scenic sunset spot.
Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Ruins of the 12th-century seven-storey royal palace complex, once the ceremonial heart of the medieval capital.
Rankoth Vehera
Temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, built by King Nissanka Malla, still an active place of Buddhist worship.
Lankatilaka Image House
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Towering brick Buddhist shrine with soaring walls and a huge (headless) standing Buddha statue.
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum
Museum · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Museum near the tank with scale models and artefacts explaining the layout and history of the ancient city.
Things to do
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City Bicycle Tour Heritage · 4 h · from LKR 5,000 per person
- Minneriya/Kaudulla Elephant Safari Wildlife · 3.5 h · from LKR 12,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City Cycling Day Tour 7 h · from LKR 8,000
Where to stay in Polonnaruwa
- Kaduruwela (New Town)
Modern town with most hotels/guesthouses, bus and train station, 4km from the ruins.
- Near the Ancient City / Tank
Hotels beside the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, closest to the ruins.
Hotels
- Giritale Hotel
- Hotel Sudu Araliya
- The Deer Park Hotel
- Livinginn Polonnaruwa
Where to eat
- Priyamali Gedara sri_lankan · about LKR 2,500 per person
- Govi Gedara sri_lankan · about LKR 800 per person
Getting to Polonnaruwa
Nearest airport: Colombo (CMB), about 151 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Tuktuk
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Unofficial tour-guide approach at the ruins
Freelance "guides" approach at the entrance offering tours at inflated, unlicensed rates.
How to avoid it: Hire a guide through the site's official ticket office or your hotel, and agree the price up front.
More in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions about Polonnaruwa
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Polonnaruwa?
- The highest-rated places in our Polonnaruwa guide are Gal Vihara, Parakrama Samudra, Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I, Rankoth Vehera, Lankatilaka Image House.
- Where should I stay in Polonnaruwa?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Polonnaruwa: Kaduruwela (New Town), Near the Ancient City / Tank.
- How do I get around Polonnaruwa?
- Ways to get around Polonnaruwa covered in our guide: Bicycle, Tuk-tuk, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Polonnaruwa?
- Scams reported to us for Polonnaruwa include Unofficial tour-guide approach at the ruins. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.