Polonnaruwa

Travel Guide

Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa featuring heritage elements

Discover the sublime array of Buddhist art and architecture decorating this ancient town. Then go elephant spotting at glorious national parks.

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 ColomboOpens in a new window. Get here via long-distance buses and trains. Anuradhapura, DambullaOpens in a new window, KandyOpens in a new window, SigiriyaOpens in a new window and other towns in the Cultural Triangle are all reachable by bus.

Where to stay in Polonnaruwa

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Kaduruwela

While there might not be top attractions in Kaduruwela, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum and Parakrama Samudra.

Kaduruwela
Hotel Sudu Araliya
Hotel Sudu Araliya
3.5 out of 5
New Town, Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Polonnaruwa. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Polonnaruwa Archaeological ...
7/10 Good! (44 reviews)
Excellent location
"Excellent location. Great staff Catered to our needs with care."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Hotel Sudu Araliya
EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa
EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa
3.5 out of 5
Pothgula Mawatha, Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
$155 nightly
The price is $185 total per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
$185 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Polonnaruwa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum and Shiva ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (50 reviews)
"I would recommend this place to everyone. I have no complaints and had a great experience!"

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2025

EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa
Deer Garden Guest
Deer Garden Guest
3 out of 5
No 380/ 3, Kumara Pokuna, Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Polonnaruwa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Shiva Devalaya and Polonnaruwa Vatadage are ...
"あるはずのプールはなかった。庭園というのはただの森の中のこと。あるはずの部屋の中のボトルウォーターはなかった。部屋のコンセントはあるにはあるが、はじめは使えない状態にしてあった。旅行代理店に部屋代は支払い済みと言っても、理由をつけて現金で部屋代を請求してきたので支払った。かつチェックアウト時、本来費用に含まれているはずの冷房費を後付けで別に請求されたので支払った。(+1000Rs.)こういうことは最初に行っておくべきではなかったのか。あとでホテルのネットの説明を見たら設備に「冷房」がついていて元々の額だったのに、やはりこの請求はどう考えてもおかしい。部屋の費用の領収証は、こちらから何度か請求してようやく渡してきた。"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2019

Deer Garden Guest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pearl White Residency-Villa
Pearl White Residency-Villa
Polonnaruwa
Stay at this vacation home in Polonnaruwa. Enjoy laundry facilities, air conditioning, and a hot tub. Popular attractions Tivanka Image House and Gal Viharaya ...
Pearl White Residency-Villa
Spacious 2-bedroom villa in wonderful Polonnaruwa with Bathtub, AC
Spacious 2-bedroom villa in wonderful Polonnaruwa with Bathtub, AC
Lakshauyana
Stay at this vacation home in Polonnaruwa. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Tivanka Image House and Gal Viharaya are located ...
Spacious 2-bedroom villa in wonderful Polonnaruwa with Bathtub, AC
Pear White Residency-Hotel
Pear White Residency-Hotel
Polonnaruwa
Stay at this vacation home in Polonnaruwa. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Tivanka Image House and Gal Viharaya are located ...
Pear White Residency-Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Polonnaruwa

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Prasanna

An ancient city with lots of historical foorprints.