Polonnaruwa Ancient City
A well-preserved medieval capital with royal palace ruins, ancient temples and the famous Gal Vihara Buddha statues.
Get a Quote for Polonnaruwa Ancient CityAbout Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura, and its ruins are some of the best preserved in the country. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the royal palace, the sacred quadrangle, stupas and the Gal Vihara, a group of large Buddha figures carved from a single granite rock. The site is quite spread out, so a vehicle or a bicycle is helpful.
Highlights
- ✅ Gal Vihara Buddha statues
- ✅ Royal Palace ruins
- ✅ Sacred Quadrangle
- ✅ Parakrama Samudra reservoir
- ✅ Cycling around the ruins
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly and be ready to remove shoes at some monuments
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat
- Combine with Sigiriya and Dambulla in a 2-day cultural route
- Ask your driver about the best order to visit the sites
More places to visit
Sinharaja Rain Forest
A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest and one of Sri Lanka's last primary forests. Walk with a local guide to spot rare birds, colourful frogs and endemic wildlife. It is very close to Ratnapura.
Pilgrimage & HikingAdam's Peak (Sri Pada)
A sacred mountain for several religions, famous for its night climb and sunrise from the summit. The pilgrim season runs roughly from December to May.
WildlifeUdawalawe National Park
One of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants up close. Jeep safaris are easy to arrange and the open landscape makes sightings very likely.