Polonnaruwa
Heritage

Polonnaruwa

Cultural Triangle

Polonnaruwa served as Sri Lanka's second ancient capital from the 11th to 13th century AD, reaching its greatest extent under King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186 AD). The ruins cover a vast archaeological park that is ideally explored by bicycle, allowing visitors to move at their own pace between the Royal Palace complex, the great Parakrama Samudra reservoir, and the jewel of the site — Gal Vihara. This group of four magnificent Buddha images carved from a single granite face includes a 15m reclining Buddha of serene beauty that many consider the finest piece of ancient art in all of Sri Lanka.

Add this destination to my trip

Destination guide

Experience Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka's medieval royal capital — a UNESCO-listed archaeological park of royal palaces, Buddhist temples and magnificent carved Buddha statues.

Key attractions

Gal Vihara — four magnificent rock-carved Buddhas including a 15m reclining figure

Royal Palace of Parakramabahu — ruins of a 7-storey royal residence

Audience Hall — intricately carved elephant base columns

Vatadage — a beautifully proportioned circular relic house with moonstone steps

Rankoth Vehera — the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa at 55m tall

Parakrama Samudra — a vast 2,500 hectare reservoir built in the 12th century, still in use

Lankatilaka — a towering 17m brick image house with a standing Buddha

Polonnaruwa Museum — excellent introduction to the city's history

Things to do

Hire a bicycle at the museum entrance and cycle the full archaeological circuit (approx. 3 hours)

Visit Gal Vihara in the morning when golden light falls on the carvings

Take a local guide for 90 minutes of storytelling through the ruins

Watch egrets and storks on the Parakrama Samudra at sunset

Try fresh king coconut from vendors near the ruins

Gallery

Glimpses of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa photo 1
Polonnaruwa photo 2
Polonnaruwa photo 3
Polonnaruwa photo 4

Related tours

Tours featuring Polonnaruwa