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Polonnaruwa is one of the top historical attractions in Sri Lanka, which is located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. This ancient city effortlessly blends ironic history, cultural inheritance, and peaceful natural charms. It is also the oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura, which was the capital during the medieval era. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, full of splendid ruins, conserved monuments, and so many interesting stories behind. No matter you are a history buff, cultural devotee, or just a curious traveler, Polonnaruwa has something unique for everyone.
If you are interested in visiting Polonnaruwa, let’s see what to see, do, and discover in Polonnaruwa in 2025.
A Sight into the History of Polonnaruwa
The history of Polonnaruwa deeply rooted with the fall of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka which served as the first ancient capital, thriving for over 1500 years until it was devastated by the South Indian Chola invasion in 993 CE.
The city of Polonnaruwa was then chosen as the new capital by transforming it from a military base into an operative city. In the year 1070, a local prince led a successful rising, banishing the Cholas and leading a golden phase, introducing advanced irrigation systems, impressive architecture, and agricultural success. Some monumental structures, like the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, still stand today.
After the decline of the kingdom, power moved across the island, eventually leading to royal rule until liberation in the 20th century. Known for the historical significance, and natural beauty alike Polonnaruwa came to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.Today, it stands as an open-air museum showing off the world the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval past.
What are the Historical Highlights of Polonnaruwa?
The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu
This Royal Palace was constructed under the reign of King Mahaparakram Bahu from 1153 to 1186. The grand Royal Palace stands as the symbol of splendor in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which holds great historical importance. And that made it a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1982, though only the thick walls and some staircases remain today. The grandeur of ancient Sinhalese architecture is truly showcased in this Royal Palace.
Gal Viharaya
Gal Viharaya is the most iconic attraction in Polonnaruwa, which is a rock temple of Buddha. It was first known as Uttara Rama, which has four rock statues, each depicting different figures of Buddha. These represent some of the optimum examples of Buddhist sculpture in Asia.
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Vatadage is a well-preserved circular relic house, supposed to preserve the Buddha’s tooth relic at one point. This is constructed using stone and brick with complex stone carvings and features a wooden roof. This is a real marvel, witnessing equilibrium and great stone craftsmanship. Tortuously carved guard stones, moonstones, and stone balustrades enrich its spiritual and architectural importance. Today, there are about 10 vatadagas in Sri Lanka, and the most popular one of all is Polonnaruwa Vatadage.
Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilaka is an old Sinhalese temple located between Kandy and Polonnaruwa. This is among the most magnificent ruined sites on the island, which was built by King Parakrabahu in the 11th century. This striking image house with a standing Buddha statue attracts archaeologists, historians, locals, and tourists alike all around the year. This place spreads a sense of spiritual grandeur with the structure’s scale remaining, even though the roof has collapsed today.
Rankoth Vehera
This is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka and is considered the 4th largest stupa of all. Rankoth Vehera was built by Nissanka Malla (1187-1196), who sculpted after the stupas in Anuradhapura. Its sheer size and form are impressive to consider, making it an amazing spot for photography. It’s rich in sparkling history and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit place on your to-visit list during your visit to Sri Lanka.
What’s more to see beyond the ruins?
Cycle Through the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
A cycle ride through the city is a great way to explore Polonnaruwa. The archaeological park is well laid out and level, with tree-lined trails offering plenty of shade. You can easily rent a bike from nearby shops or from some guesthouses for a few dollars a day and enjoy the city rides at your own pace.
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum
Before you take a look at the ruins better you spend some time at the museum to gain valuable background facts related to it. Exhibits in the museum contain ancient tools, inscriptions, scale models, and helpful displays that deepen your understanding of the ancient site.
Take a Safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
With a short drive from Polonnaruwa, you can take a safari at Minneriya National Park or Kaudulla. Both these parks are popular for the largest elephant gatherings in the world. If you take a visit at the right season, you can see hundreds of elephants in their natural habitat. Not only elephants, but also you can see deer, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
Catch a Beautiful Sunset at Parakrama Samudra
This massive water reservoir is made up of five different lakes such as Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks. The Topa Wewa is the oldest reservoir among all here, which was built around 386 AD. This Parakrama Samudra is built by King Parakrama and is known as his Sea. It is still in use today and delivers a beautiful setting for sunsets. It is a peaceful place for both locals and tourists for a fine evening walk and to unwind.
Local Cuisine
Polonnaruwa is an ideal city for you to try traditional Sri Lankan dishes. You can experience authentic flavors like rice and curry, string hoppers, hoppers, kottu roti, and fresh juices like Polonnaruwa’s popular wood apple juice (seasonal fruit).
What to find in Off the Beaten Path?
Medirigiriya Vatadage
You can spot this place a bit outside Polonnaruwa’s main archaeological region; it is a small yet divinely preserved circular relic house found on top hill offering visitors striking panoramic views. It is again a lesser-known place in Polonnaruwa to get treated with a serene experience.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
This is a lesser-known yet captivating structure, built early by King Nissanka Malla. It is a unique stone pavilion that features carefully carved stone columns formed like lotus stalks. It is thought to have been used for reciting Buddhist manuscripts.
Siva Devale No. 1 and No. 2
To witness Polonnaruwa’s multicultural past, you can visit Hindu shrines like the two Siva Devales, which are remains of the Chola influence. The granite constructions and linga statues showcase the Tamil architectural styles and religious performs of that time.
Travel Tips for Polonnaruwa 2025
Best Time to Visit Polonnaruwa:
Polonnaruwa is a city with so much to explore, and it is important to check with weather before you plan. The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is from January to April or from July to September, when the weather is dry and pleasant. In May and October, there is a chance of inter-monsoonal rains, and it can be a hard time to explore the city vibes.
How to Get There:
You can travel to Polonnaruwa by all public means of transport in Sri Lanka, like train, bus, or you can hire a private vehicle. If you are travelling by train, the nearest station is in Habarana, and from there you have to take a bus ride or hire a vehicle. And if you are taking a bus, you can easily get down at the final stop, Polonnaruwa. Buses are available from all main cities directly to Polonnaruwa, or you can come to Dambulla and get a bus from there.
Language:
Here in Polonnaruwa, Sinhala and Tamil are the languages mostly used, but English is widely understood, especially at tourist spots. So, communicating will not be a problem during your visit to Polonnaruwa.
Dress Code:
Polonnaruwa, the city itself, is religious in nature, and it is important to wear modest clothing. When you are visiting religious sites, make sure you cover your shoulders and knees. Footwear must be removed when you are entering temples.
Entry Fees:
To enter archaeological sites and museums, tourists are charged for an entry ticket (for each) valid for one day. Depending on the site, the fee would vary.
Where to Stay?
From budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury stays, Polonnaruwa offers a wide range of options to plan your stay. Deer Park and Sudu Araliya are the two most popular hotels that offer you star-class facilities with scenic views.
And if you are a budget traveler, Seyara Holiday Resort is a good place to stay with fine facilities and warm hospitality.
Polonnaruwa is not just a kind of city visit but a journey back in time. Wherever you go, you find stories based on civilizations that thrived with spirituality, culture, and inspiration. It is a city where history breathes, and exploring never ends. So it is your time for an unforgettable visit to the enchanting city of Polonnaruwa.
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