Explore Polonnaruwa

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PoαΈ·onnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Wikipedia

πŸ›οΈ Polonnaruwa Travel Guide

Known for: Ancient ruins, well-preserved stupas and temples, and the famous Gal Vihara Buddha statues
Location: North Central Province, part of the Cultural Triangle (with Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla)

πŸ•’ Best Time to Visit:

  • May to September:
    βœ… Dry season – ideal for exploring ruins without rain interruptions

  • October to April:
    🌿 Cooler weather and fewer crowds (but possible light rain)

🚲 Morning or late afternoon is best to avoid midday heat.

πŸ›£οΈ How to Get There:

  • πŸš— By Car/Taxi:

    • From Colombo: ~5–6 hours

    • From Sigiriya/Dambulla: ~1.5–2 hours

    • From Anuradhapura: ~2.5–3 hours

  • πŸš† By Train:

    • Nearest station: Polonnaruwa Station (from Colombo, Batticaloa)

  • 🚌 Intercity and local buses available from Kandy, Colombo, and Dambulla

🌟 Top Attractions:

🏯 Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

  • Well-organized and compact site, perfect for cycling

  • Divided into Quadrangle, Northern Group, and Southern Group

Key Highlights:

  1. Gal Vihara (Rock Temple):

    • 4 incredible granite Buddha statues (standing, reclining, and seated)

    • A masterpiece of Sinhalese rock carving

  2. Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu:

    • Once a grand 7-story building — now partially preserved ruins

  3. Vatadage (circular relic house):

    • Beautiful stone structure with 4 Buddha statues and carved guardstones

  4. Lankatilaka Image House:

    • Massive standing Buddha inside a towering brick shrine

  5. Rankot Vihara:

    • Largest stupa in Polonnaruwa (comparable to Anuradhapura’s stupas)

  6. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya:

    • Unique lotus-stem pillars around a small shrine

  7. Parakrama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama):

    • A massive ancient reservoir still used today

🎨 Activities to Do:

  • 🚲 Rent a bicycle to explore the ruins at your own pace

  • πŸ•‰οΈ Visit temples and observe Buddhist rituals

  • 🐘 Take a wildlife safari in nearby Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park (great for elephants)

  • πŸ“Έ Enjoy sunrise or sunset by the Parakrama reservoir

🏨 Accommodation:

Mid-range to Luxury:

  • Deer Park Hotel – Near Giritale Lake

  • Hotel Sudu Araliya – Comfortable with a pool

  • The Lake Hotel – Views of Parakrama Samudraya

Budget:

  • My Home Guest – Friendly and simple

  • Seyara Holiday Resort – Good value

  • Rock Cascade Homestay – Peaceful and local

πŸ› Food & Restaurants:

Local Dishes to Try:

  • Bath curry (rice & curry)

  • Pol sambol, jackfruit curry, and lentil dhal

  • Curd with treacle (dessert)

Recommended Restaurants:

  • Priyamali Gedara – Home-style Sri Lankan meals, buffet-style

  • Maha Kithula – Peaceful setting with authentic curries

  • Lake View Restaurant – Basic but great views

  • Jaga Food – Garden seating, local dishes cooked fresh

πŸ§‘‍🌾 Local Culture:

  • Deep connection to Buddhism and ancient monarchy

  • Locals are proud of their heritage — polite and welcoming

  • Temples and stupas still active places of worship

  • Emphasis on sustainability and historical conservation

⚠️ Travel Tips:

  • 🎫 Entry ticket (for foreigners): ~$25 USD

    • Buy at the Archaeological Museum before entering the site

  • πŸ₯Ύ Wear comfortable shoes – the site is large and spread out

  • 🧴 Bring sun protection, water, and mosquito repellent

  • πŸŽ’ Dress modestly for religious sites (cover shoulders/knees)

  • 🚲 Renting a bike is highly recommended (~$3–5/day)