Polonnaruwa is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka.
The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century AD and maintained its status until the 13th century. In 1982 the ancient city of Polonnaruwa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. What's nice about Polonnaruwa is that the ruins are in one compact area so you can visit them quite easily. Just one three wheeler ride from where you're staying to the entrance and you can walk about them all day long. If you don't have a lot of time and have to make a choice, the ruins at Polonnaruwa are much better presented and more interesting than the often repetitious ruins of Anuradhapura. There are only so many Stupa's you can see before you have "seen them all".
Just north of present-day Polonnaruwa town, 140km (90 miles) north of Kandy, are the ruins of ancient Polonnaruwa, which date from the late 10th century, when the Chola kings of southern India invaded Sri Lanka and conquered Anuradhapura.
- King Parakramabahu I Statue. A massive rock-cut statue of a Buddhist king, Parakrama Bahu.
- Potgul Vehera. Ruins of a monastery built by King Parakramabahu the great (1153-1186 A.D.). It's original name is unknown. According to a stone inscription found at the site, it has been renovated by a consort of King Parakramabahu. The peculiar feature of the monastery is the circular brick structure located in the lower terrace.
- The Royal Palace.
- Royal Court.
- Kumara Pokuna.
- King Nissanka Malla's Palace.
- Thuparamaya.
- Shiva Dewalaya Temple.
- Vatadage.
- Atadage.
- Gal Pota.
- Nissanka Latha Mandapaya.
- Rankoth Vehera.
- Lankatilaka Gedige.
- Kiri Vihara.
- Gal Vihara or Gal Viharaya (Temple), Nissankamallapura (5.5 km N form centre.
- Demala Mahaseya (Stupa).
- Lotus Pound.
- Thivanka Image House.
- Alahana Pirivena Complex - Buddhist temples
- Topa Wewa Lake and the Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama)
The 1-day entrance fee is 25 USD (March 2018). Unfortunately, the round trip tickets for the cultural triangle (50 USD) are no longer available. South Asian nationals receive substantial discounts of USD 15 on entrance fees, Therefore, if you have a South Asian passport, make sure to carry it with you on your visits.
King Parakramabahu I Statue. A massive rock-cut statue of a Buddhist king, Parakrama Bahu.
Potgul Vehera. Ruins of a monastery built by King Parakramabahu the great (1153-1186 A.D.). It's original name is unknown. According to a stone inscription found at the site, it has been renovated by a consort of King Parakramabahu. The peculiar feature of the monastery is the circular brick structure located in the lower terrace.
The Royal Palace.
Royal Court.
Kumara Pokuna.
King Nissanka Malla's Palace.
Thuparamaya.
Shiva Dewalaya Temple.
Vatadage.
Atadage.
Gal Pota.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya.
Rankoth Vehera.
Lankatilaka Gedige.
Kiri Vihara.
Gal Vihara or Gal Viharaya (Temple), Nissankamallapura (5.5 km N form centre.
Demala Mahaseya (Stupa).
Lotus Pound.
Thivanka Image House.
In this area, you can find plenty of wildlife reserves. Try to find a reliable person and visit the places like Minneriya National Park, Kawudulla
Avoid eating from places where they sell the food in open markets. Do not go to places that need to have touts on the streets out and where you cannot see inside the restaurant from the street.
- Gama. Local joint offering a tasty veg curry buffet for 350 rupees. Rp350.
Gama. Local joint offering a tasty veg curry buffet for 350 rupees. Rp350.
Don't even think of sleeping on the grass land in this area. There is a high risk that you will get a bite from a venomous snake or insect.
- Dambulla located 67 km west of Polonnaruwa
- Batticaloa located on east cost of Sri Lanka
- Knuckles Mountain Range