Introduction
Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important historical cities in Sri Lanka. It was the country’s second ancient capital after Anuradhapura and was the center of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom from the 11th to 13th century.
Today, Polonnaruwa is a large archaeological park filled with well-preserved ruins, beautiful stone carvings, stupas, temples, and old royal palaces. It’s a peaceful and impressive place, perfect for people who love history, photography, and exploring ancient cultures.
Where is Polonnaruwa?
- Province: North Central Province
- District: Polonnaruwa District
- Distance from Colombo: ~225 km
- Travel Time: ~5–6 hours by road
Nearby Major Cities:
- Dambulla (66 km)
- Sigiriya (60 km)
- Anuradhapura (100 km)
Why Visit Polonnaruwa?
- One of Sri Lanka’s best-preserved ancient cities
- Site of the famous Gal Vihara Buddha statues
- Rich in Buddhist, Hindu, and royal architecture
- Quiet and walkable, ideal for cycling
- Surrounded by lakes, monkeys, and lush greenery
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season: May to September – ideal for exploring the ruins
- Coolest Months: January–February
- Avoid: October–December (monsoon rains)
- Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C
Main Attractions in Polonnaruwa
1. The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I
- Once a massive palace complex with seven stories and over 1,000 rooms
- Today, only the walls and foundations remain, but the grandeur is evident
- Near the main entrance to the archaeological site
- Built in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I, the city’s most famous ruler
2. Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)
- The most iconic site in Polonnaruwa
- Features four Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock
- A seated Buddha in deep meditation
- A standing Buddha (7 meters tall)
- A reclining Buddha depicting parinirvana
- Another smaller seated statue in a cave-like niche
- These sculptures showcase masterful artistry and spiritual depth
3. The Quadrangle (Dalada Maluwa)
- A compact cluster of religious monuments
- Includes:
- Vatadage – circular relic house believed to have held the Tooth Relic
- Hatadage and Atadage – shrine houses for sacred relics
- Thuparama Image House – houses large standing Buddha statues
- Intricately carved moonstones, guard stones, and stone pillars surround these structures
4. Rankoth Vehera
- One of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka (55 meters high)
- Built by King Nissanka Malla
- Influenced by the style of Anuradhapura’s stupas
- Surrounded by a quiet forested area ideal for peaceful walks
5. Lankatilaka Vihara
- An enormous brick Buddha statue housed in a tall image house
- The structure has lost its roof, but the height and scale remain impressive
- Walls are over 17 meters high with intricate carvings
6. Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama)
- A massive man-made lake built to support agriculture
- Covers over 2,500 hectares
- Still functional today—an ancient engineering marvel
- Sunset views are stunning, with locals often seen fishing or bathing
7. Shiva Devalayas (Hindu Temples)
- Built during the Chola occupation (10th–11th century)
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva
- Different in style from Buddhist architecture—stone-built, compact shrines
- Devalaya No. 1 is the oldest structure in Polonnaruwa
How to Explore Polonnaruwa
Options:
- Bicycle rental – Most popular and eco-friendly
- Tuk-tuk with a local guide – Great for short visits
- Walking – If you’re prepared for heat
- E-bike tours – Available through some hotels and operators
Tickets:
- Foreigners: ~$25 USD (includes all main sites)
- Purchase at the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum entrance
- Open: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum
- A great starting point to understand the history
- Exhibits include ancient coins, weapons, tools, and models of the city
- Air-conditioned and informative, especially before visiting the ruins
Where to Stay in Polonnaruwa
Luxury & Boutique
- Deer Park Hotel – Lakeside, close to Parakrama Samudra
- EKHO Lake House – Stylish, colonial-era charm
- Tishan Holiday Resort – With pool and peaceful garden setting
Mid-Range
- Sudu Araliya Hotel – Comfortable and centrally located
- Hotel Royal Nest – Clean, friendly staff, good value
Budget
- Binara Home Stay – Local hospitality with home-cooked meals
- Ruins Villa – Near the main ruins, basic but convenient
Where to Eat in Polonnaruwa
- Jaga Food – Famous for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry
- Priyamali Gedara – Buffet-style, home-cooked meals in a garden setting
- Lake Inn Restaurant – Good for local dishes and fresh juice
- The Green – Western and Sri Lankan options
Nearby Attractions
- Minneriya National Park – Home to the “Gathering” of elephants (just 30 mins away)
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Dambulla Cave Temple – Ancient rock cave monastery
- Medirigiriya Vatadage – Smaller but elegant circular relic house
Sample Itinerary – 2 Days in Polonnaruwa
Day 1
- Morning: Visit Archaeological Museum and Royal Palace
- Midday: Cycle around Rankoth Vehera and Quadrangle
- Evening: Sunset at Parakrama Samudra, dinner at Jaga Food
Day 2
- Early visit to Gal Vihara and Lankatilaka Vihara
- Late morning: Shiva Devalaya and surrounding ruins
- Afternoon: Day trip to Minneriya National Park
- Return for a relaxed dinner and cultural reflection
Cultural Tips
- Dress modestly when visiting temples
- Remove shoes before entering religious structures
- Avoid touching statues or carvings
- Respect the quiet and meditative atmosphere of ancient sites
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—most of the site is open air
Fun Facts
- Polonnaruwa was once known as “Pulathisipura”
- King Parakramabahu’s reign marked a golden age of agriculture and construction
- The Gal Vihara statues were once covered in gold leaf and precious stones
- Scenes from the Disney film Monkey Kingdom were filmed in Polonnaruwa
- The city fell to the Pandya invaders from India in the 13th century
Conclusion
Polonnaruwa is more than just old ruins-it’s a powerful reminder of Sri Lanka’s ancient past. As you walk past tall stupas, calm Buddha statues, and grand royal halls, it feels like you’ve stepped into a story from long ago.
Whether you’re interested in history, religion, or beautiful old buildings, Polonnaruwa gives you a deep look into the island’s royal past. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to truly understand Sri Lanka’s rich culture and heritage.