The complete guide for visiting Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a city that holds significant historical and cultural importance. It was the second capital of Sri Lanka during the Polonnaruwa period (11th-13th century AD), a time of great prosperity and development. This ancient city is renowned for its magnificent ancient temples, breathtaking ancient architecture. As you venture into the city, you’ll be greeted by all the ruins that span across its vast landscape, each one offering a unique glimpse into the past. Today, Polonnaruwa stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the rich history of Sri Lanka.

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Getting to Polonnaruwa

There are several ways to get to Polonnaruwa, depending on your starting point. The most convenient way is by car or taxi from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, and you can enjoy the scenic route through the countryside.

If you’re in Sigiriya, it takes about 1 hour to reach Polonnaruwa.

We rented a tuk tuk from Negombo and drove to Dambulla, Sigiriya, and then to Polonnaruwa. After Polonnaruwa, we headed to Nilaveli (Trincomalee) by tuktuk, which took approximately 3.5 hours. We highly recommend this route!

History of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, once a thriving commercial and religious hub of Sri Lanka about 800 years ago, housed numerous temples and religious buildings. For three centuries, it served as the royal capital for both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms.

The South Indian Chola dynasty, after conquering Sri Lanka in the late 10th century, chose Polonnaruwa as their new capital, primarily for its strategic location and fewer mosquitos.

However, in 1070, the Sinhalese kingdom overtook the Chola dynasty, retaining Polonnaruwa as the capital. This period witnessed the city’s peak, with King Parakramabahu I (1153-86) commissioning the construction of large buildings, parks, and a considerable lake.

Despite King Nisanka Malla (1187 – 96) trying to outdo his predecessor’s feats, his efforts led to the kingdom’s bankruptcy. Consequently, Polonnaruwa was abandoned in the early 13th century, marking the end of its glorious era as a capital.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that archaeologists rediscovered and began restoring Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins.

Polonnaruwa entrance fee and opening time

The Polonnaruwa ancient city entrance fee is currently $25 for foreign visitors and $12.5 for SAARC countries.

The opening hours are from 7 am to 5:30 pm, with the last entry allowed at 5 pm. It’s advisable to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching midday heat and crowds.

Exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

A lot of individuals opt for renting a bicycle to explore the city. However, if you choose to rent a tuk-tuk, as we did, it offers a great alternative that saves time, especially considering that some of the attractions are quite far from the main area of Polonnaruwa. Additionally, parking your tuk-tuk near the main sights is convenient and hassle-free.

How long does it take to see Polonnaruwa?

Because the ancient city of Pollonnaruwa is really big complex, exploring the area would require a minimum of 3-4 hours, and if you wish to see everything, especially by bike, you could easily spend an entire day there.

Remember! When visiting certain places in Polonnaruwa, it is necessary to cover your shoulders and knees.

Must-visit attractions in Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa’s magnetism lies in its ancient ruins, temples, and shrines. The well-preserved historical sites showcase exceptional conservation, highlighting the quality of restoration materials. The ruins feature distinctive stupas, intact temples, and beautiful Buddha statues.

Polonnaruwa’s smaller size compared to Anuradhapura makes it perfect for exploring by bicycle.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace Group, first encountered upon entry to the Ancient City, hails from King Parakramabahu I’s reign (1153 – 1186). Despite the passage of time leaving only a few walls intact, the remaining structure still evokes awe.

King’s Audience hall

Audience hall is an impressive structure with beautifully carved stone pillars and a raised platform for the throne. This was the place where the king would hold court, receiving and addressing his subjects.

King’s swimming pool

Located in the royal gardens is the King’s swimming pool, an intricate and well-designed water feature.

Sacred Quadrangle

The Quadrangle is home to some of Polonnaruwa’s most significant religious buildings, including the Vatadage, the Hatadage and the Atadage. The Vatadage is a circular structure with four entrances, each leading to a small chamber that would have housed a sacred relic.

Rankoth Vehera

Rankoth Vehera, a 55-meter tall stupa, is considered one of the most impressive architectural accomplishments of Polonnaruwa. It is believed to have been built by King Parakramabahu I and served as a place of worship for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Buddha statue at Lankatilaka Temple

The Lankatilaka Temple, is home to a towering Buddha statue that stands at over 40 feet tall. The temple also features beautiful wall paintings and intricate stone carvings.

Kiri Vehera stupa

The Kiri Vehera stupa, located in the Sacred Quadrangle, is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines in Polonnaruwa. It is said to enshrine a tooth relic of the Buddha and attracts many pilgrims.

Gal Vihara

Another must-visit attraction in Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a series of four rock-cut statues of the Buddha. The main statue depicts the meditating Buddha, while the other three show him standing, seated and reclining. These statues are considered some of the most perfectly executed examples of Buddha images in Sri Lanka.

Where to stay near Polonnaruwa?

There are several accommodation options available in Polonnaruwa town for visitors to choose from.

Another option is to stay outside of Polonnaruwa and take a day trip from there. Here are some nearby places to consider:

Sigiriya: Located about 60km away, Sigiriya offers a range of luxury and budget accommodation options for tourists. Staying in Sigiriya also allows you to visit its famous rock fortress and other nearby attractions.

Dambulla: This town is about 70km away from Polonnaruwa and is known for its cave temples. It has a variety of hotels, guesthouses and homestays for visitors to choose from.

Habarana: Approximately 50km away from Polonnaruwa.

Best time to visit ancient city of Polonnaruwa?

The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is between November and April when the weather is dry and pleasant. The monsoon season in Sri Lanka typically runs from May to September, so it’s advisable to avoid visiting during this period as heavy rains can disrupt your sightseeing plans.

The ideal time of the day to visit the ancient city is early morning or afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat.

How long to stay in Polonnaruwa?

One night is sufficient to stay in Polonnaruwa. Apart from the ancient city, there aren’t many attractions in Polonnaruwa.

It’s also convenient to make a day trip to Polonnaruwa from nearby cities.

Is it worth going to Polonnaruwa?

Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Polonnaruwa. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. With its impressive ruins and well-preserved structures, you can experience the grandeur of this once flourishing kingdom.

If you need to choose one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa should be at the top of your list.

Additional nearby attractions

Take a day trip to Polonnaruwa and either Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park

If you’re planning a day trip from Sigiriya or Dambulla, consider combining a visit to Kaudulla National Park with a trip to Polonnaruwa. Kaudulla National Park is situated along the route from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa. Begin your day by exploring Polonnaruwa in the morning, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and then embark on an afternoon safari at Kaudulla.

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