Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Discover the ancient wonders and lush landscapes of Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka, where history and nature blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.

Home
Travel Guides
Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa District

Polonnaruwa District, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, rich history, and natural beauty. As the second oldest of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was once a bustling hub of political and economic activity. Today, it stands as a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. One of the district's main attractions is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to remarkable archaeological sites, including the Royal Palace, the Quadrangle, and the Gal Vihara, a group of stunning Buddha statues carved out of granite. Visitors can wander through these well-preserved ruins, imagining what life was like during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. Beyond its historical sites, Polonnaruwa District is also known for its lush landscapes and wildlife. The Parakrama Samudraya, a massive man-made reservoir, is a perfect spot for birdwatching and enjoying the serene natural surroundings. The nearby Minneriya National Park is famous for the 'Gathering,' where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank during the dry season. This spectacle is considered one of the greatest wildlife events in the world. For those interested in local culture, visiting the Polonnaruwa Museum is a must. The museum offers detailed explanations of the historical sites and displays numerous artifacts excavated from the area. Don't miss the chance to explore local markets and taste traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, which is both flavorful and diverse.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Polonnaruwa District.

Visit the ancient city early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on uneven terrain.
Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Hire a local guide for in-depth knowledge about the historical sites.
Plan a visit to Minneriya National Park during the dry season to witness the elephant gathering.
Carry water and snacks, as facilities inside the ancient city are limited.

Top City Travel Guides in Polonnaruwa District

The cities of Polonnaruwa District, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Destinations in Polonnaruwa District

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Minneriya National Park

Dambulla

Explore Polonnaruwa District: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa District

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Uththararamaya (Gal Vihara)

Explore the serenity and artistry of Uththararamaya, a historical Buddhist temple in Nissankamallapura, rich in culture and spirituality.

4.7

Dalada Maluva - ( Polonnaruwa)

Explore the sacred Dalada Maluva in Polonnaruwa, a historical landmark that embodies Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage and architectural beauty.

4.6

Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu

Discover the majestic Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu in Polonnaruwa, a historical gem showcasing Sri Lanka's rich heritage.

4.7

Vatadage

Explore Vatadage, a mesmerizing historical landmark in Polonnaruwa, showcasing exquisite ancient architecture and rich Buddhist heritage.

4.7

Best landmarks in Polonnaruwa District

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Uththararamaya (Gal Vihara)

Explore the breathtaking Uththararamaya, a historical Buddhist temple in Nissankamallapura, showcasing magnificent rock-carved Buddhas and rich cultural heritage.

4.7

Dalada Maluva - ( Polonnaruwa)

Explore Dalada Maluva, an ancient testament to Sri Lanka's rich history and architectural prowess, nestled in the heart of Polonnaruwa.

4.6

Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu

Explore the Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu, a historical landmark in Polonnaruwa showcasing Sri Lanka's rich heritage and architectural brilliance.

4.7

Rankoth Vehera

Explore Rankoth Vehera, a monumental stupa in Polonnaruwa, showcasing the grandeur of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage amidst tranquil surroundings.

4.7

Best restaurants in Polonnaruwa District

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Priyamali Gedara | ප්‍රියමාලි ගෙදර

Discover Priyamali Gedara: A haven for authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in Polonnaruwa where every dish tells a story.

4.8

Chillies Lathpandura Restaurant

Discover authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Chillies Lathpandura Restaurant in Polonnaruwa—where tradition meets taste in every bite.

3.9

Jaga Food - Authentic Lunch - Dinner

Experience authentic Sri Lankan flavors at Jaga Food - where vegetarian delights meet cultural richness in Polonnaruwa.

4.8

Zomoto family restaurant

Experience exquisite dining at Zomoto Family Restaurant in Polonnaruwa—where local flavors meet fine dining excellence.

3.9

Best bars in Polonnaruwa District

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Hotel Sudu Araliya

Discover the serene retreat of Hotel Sudu Araliya in Polonnaruwa, where culture meets comfort with splendid amenities and local cuisine.

3.9

Chillies Lathpandura Restaurant

Chillies Lathpandura Restaurant: A Culinary Journey Through Local and International Flavors in Polonnaruwa.

3.9

Jaga Food - Authentic Lunch - Dinner

Savor the authentic flavors of Sri Lankan vegetarian cuisine at Jaga Food in Polonnaruwa, where every dish tells a story.

4.8

Saruketha Restaurant

Savor the authentic taste of Sri Lanka at Saruketha Restaurant in Polonnaruwa, where culinary traditions come alive.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Polonnaruwa District

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Hotel Sudu Araliya

Discover tranquility at Hotel Sudu Araliya in Polonnaruwa, where stunning views, comfort, and cultural heritage await every traveler.

3.9

Gunners Club

Experience comfort and hospitality at Gunners Club, the perfect guest house for travelers exploring Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes.

4.3

Thidas Arana Restaurant

Experience authentic Sri Lankan flavors at Thidas Arana Restaurant in Polonnaruwa, a local favorite for diverse cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.0

Hingurakgoda Wine Rathna Store Bar

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local flavors at Hingurakgoda Wine Rathna Store Bar, where every sip tells a Sri Lankan story.

4.2

Best shops in Polonnaruwa District

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Dalada Maluva - ( Polonnaruwa)

Discover the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple at Dalada Maluva, a remarkable historical landmark in Polonnaruwa that reveals the splendor of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization.

4.6

Vatadage

Explore the historic Vatadage in Polonnaruwa, a breathtaking Buddhist temple showcasing intricate carvings and rich heritage.

4.7

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Explore the captivating ruins of Polonnaruwa Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and stunning architecture.

4.5

Thivanka Image House

Explore Thivanka Image House, a stunning ruin in Polonnaruwa showcasing the exquisite artistry of ancient Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.

4.7

Explore Polonnaruwa District on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Polonnaruwa District, mapped for you.

Polonnaruwa District Essentials

Polonnaruwa District is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Colombo, you can take a taxi, private car, or a bus to Polonnaruwa. The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours by road. An alternative option is to take the train from Colombo to Habarana, and then a taxi or bus to Polonnaruwa, which offers a scenic route through the countryside.
Polonnaruwa is a relatively compact town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the district, you can hire a bicycle, which is a popular mode of transport among tourists. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also readily available and reasonably priced. Public buses operate within the district and connect to nearby towns and villages. Renting a car can offer more convenience and flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas.
The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Polonnaruwa town, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to more remote areas to ensure you have enough funds.
Polonnaruwa is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occasionally occur, so keep your valuables secure.
In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance and 110 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Polonnaruwa town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Additionally, keep a list of emergency contacts and the address of your accommodation handy.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Polonnaruwa District like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Sri Lankan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don’t miss exploring the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, hire a bicycle and ride through the archaeological park, which offers a serene and immersive way to explore the historical sites.

When is the best time to visit Polonnaruwa District?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Polonnaruwa District

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Polonnaruwa District. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloආයුබෝවන්
  [āyubōvan]
- Goodbyeගුඩ් බයි
  [guḍ bai]
- Yesඔව්
  [ov]
- Noනැහැ
  [næhæ]
- Please/You’re welcomeකරුණාකර/ආයුබෝවන්
  [karuṇākara/āyubōvan]
- Thank youස්තුතියි
  [stutiyi]
- Excuse me/Sorryකණගාටුයි
  [kaṇagāṭuyi]
- How are you?ඔබට කෙසේද?
  [obata kesēda?]
- Fine. And you?හොඳයි. ඔබට කෙසේද?
  [hoḍayi. obata kesēda?]
- Do you speak English?ඔබට ඉංග්‍රීසි කතා කරන්න පුළුවන්ද?
  [obata iṅgrīsi kathā karanna puḷuvanda?]
- I don't understandමට තේරෙන්නේ නැහැ
  [maṭa therenne næhæ]
- I’d like to see the menu, pleaseකරුණාකර මෙනුව බලන්න
  [karuṇākara menuva balanna]
- I don't eat meatමම මස් කෑමක් නොකෙරෙන්නෙමි
  [mama mas kæmak nokerenne]
- Cheers!සෞඛ්‍යය!
  [saukhyaya!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseකරුණාකර මම ගෙවන්න ඕනේ
  [karuṇākara mama gewanna ōnē]
- Help!ආධාරයක්!
  [ādhārayak!]
- Go away!පිටවෙන්න!
  [piṭavenna!]
- Call the Police!පොලීසිය කැඳවන්න!
  [polīsiyā kæḍavanna!]
- Call a doctor!ඩොක්ටර් ෙකැඳවන්න!
  [ḍokṭar kæḍavanna!]
- I’m lostමම හමුවී නැහැ
  [mama hamuvī næhæ]
- I’m illමම අසනීපයි
  [mama asanīpayi]
- I’d like to buy...මට ... ගන්න ඕනේ
  [maṭa ... ganna ōnē]
- I’m just lookingමම බලනවා
  [mama balanavā]
- How much is it?ඒක කීයද?
  [ēka kiyāda?]
- That’s too expensiveඑය අධික වියදම්
  [eya adhika viyadam]
- Can you lower the price?ඔබට මිල අඩු කරන්න පුළුවන්ද?
  [obata mila aḍu karanna puḷuvanda?]
- What time is it?අද කාලය කුමක්ද?
  [ada kālaya kumakda?]
- It’s one o'clockඑය එකට කාලයයි
  [eya ekata kālayi]
- Half past (10)අටට අඩු කාලය
  [aṭaṭa aḍu kālaya]
- Morningසඳට
  [sanḍaṭa]
- Afternoonපැය
  [pæya]
- Eveningඅදහස
  [adahasa]
- Yesterdayඊයේ
  [īyē]
- Todayඅද
  [ada]
- Tomorrowහෙට
  [heṭa]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?කෝ/කොහෙද ...?
  [kō/kohēda ...?]
- What's the address?ලිපිනය කුමක්ද?
  [lipinaya kumakda?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?ඔබට (පිටුපතේ) මට පෙන්වන්න පුළුවන්ද?
  [obata (piṭupathē) maṭa penvanna puḷuvanda?]
- When's the next (bus)?ඉදිරියේ (බස්) කවදද?
  [idiriyē (bas) kavadada?]
- A ticket (to ....)එකට (තොතේ) ටිකට්පතක්
  [ekaṭa (thothē) ṭikaṭpathak]

History of Polonnaruwa District

King Parakramabahu I, who reigned from 1153 to 1186, is often considered the most illustrious ruler of Polonnaruwa. His reign marked the zenith of the city's prosperity and development. He initiated extensive irrigation projects, most notably the construction of the Parakrama Samudra, a massive reservoir that still stands today. Under his rule, Polonnaruwa flourished as a center of trade, agriculture, and culture.
The rise of Polonnaruwa as a significant urban center began in earnest after the decline of Anuradhapura due to repeated South Indian invasions. In the 10th century, the Chola dynasty of South India invaded Sri Lanka and established Polonnaruwa as their new capital. The Cholas built numerous Hindu temples and influenced the architectural styles seen in the city, blending South Indian and Sri Lankan elements.
The Sacred Quadrangle, or Dalada Maluwa, is a compact group of ancient religious buildings in Polonnaruwa. It includes the Vatadage, a circular relic house that once held the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, and the Thuparama, the oldest image house in Polonnaruwa. The Quadrangle is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and intricate architecture, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship of the era.
After a period of prosperity, Polonnaruwa began to decline in the late 13th century. Invasions by South Indian kingdoms and internal strife weakened the city. By the end of the 13th century, Polonnaruwa was largely abandoned as the capital moved further south. The city fell into ruin and was gradually reclaimed by jungle until its rediscovery by British explorers in the 19th century.
Gal Vihara is a rock temple built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, featuring some of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese rock carving. The site includes four Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock face: a large seated Buddha, a smaller seated Buddha, a standing Buddha, and a reclining Buddha representing Parinirvana. These statues are celebrated for their serene expressions and intricate details.
Buddhism played a pivotal role in the cultural and spiritual life of Polonnaruwa. The city is dotted with numerous stupas, monasteries, and statues of the Buddha, reflecting its status as a major center of Buddhist learning and practice. Key sites include the Lankatilaka Vihara, a grand image house with a colossal standing Buddha statue, and the Rankoth Vehera stupa, one of the largest in the city.