Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Best things to do in Polonnaruwa: honor well-preserved ruins of the ancient Sri Lankan capital with this travel guide.
Why Visit Sri Lanka
In South Asia, the island country of Sri Lanka offers so much in the way of adventure. It’s a country littered with ancient ruins, breathtaking beaches and majestic wildlife.
But this island nation also has many other stories to uncover like being home to the world's oldest human-planted tree, its love for tea and cinnamon and the claim of having the highest literacy rate in South Asia.
Sri Lanka is a magical place that only requires an open heart and mind to truly enjoy.
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 and was a thriving commercial and religious center some 800 years ago.
It was first established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom and declared a UNESCO World Heritagesite in 1982.
The site consists of many temples, palaces and religious buildings including The Palace of King Parakramabahu and Polonnaruwa Vatadage, a circular building made of brick consisting of two platforms holding a stupa (mound-like structure containing relics) in the middle.
Three-Week Travel Itinerary
Our whirlwind adventure in Sri Lanka began by circling the country clockwise, flying into the capital city of Colombo and moving on to an incredible experience elephant watching in Pinnawala.
From there, we climbed the eighth Wonder of the World (so they say) in Sigirya, taking a day trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and enjoying a real life elephant safari at Minneriya National Park.
Our three weeks were rounded out by stops in Kandy with its giant Buddha, botanical gardens and fire dancing, Nuwara Eliya, also known as the “City of Light” and Ella for its impressive waterfalls, exciting train rides and lush mountains.
Our last two stops were Tissamaharama to visit Yala National Park and the sunny beach town of Mirissa for the historic city of Galle, whale watching and sunny beaches.
What’s Inside | Roadmap
01 | How to get to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
02 | Everything you need to know about the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
03 | What to see at the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa; layout & top sites
04 | Travel to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
05 | Taste local cuisine — stop for lunch nearby
06 | Roam Polonnaruwa’s ancient temples
Vatadage
Hatadage
Nissank Latha Mandapaya
Thivanka Image House
Rankoth Vehera
Gal Vihraya
Kiri Vihara
Read On | Explore nearby Sigiriya & Dambulla — Sigiriya: Lion Rock & the Enchanting Dambulla Caves, along with Timeless Giants: A Magical Elephant Safari at Minneriya National Park; discover more hidden gems of Sri Lanka waiting just beyond the map: Sri Lanka Travel Guides
Polonnaruwa’s Must-Do Experiences
Wander the sunlit ruins of Polonnaruwa, where towering stone Buddhas, ancient irrigation marvels and quiet lotus ponds whisper Sri Lanka’s royal past. Lose yourself along shaded pathways as history, art and serene countryside converge into a perfectly peaceful day of discovery.
01 | How to Get to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa sits in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, a compact archaeological city that’s typically reached from nearby hubs like Sigiriya, Dambulla and Habarana by car/taxi, bus, tuk‑tuk or organized tour; below are clear, charming outlines for each transport type with typical duration and approximate cost in local currency and USD.
Car or Taxi | Travel time: Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa about 45–60 minutes; Dambulla about 60–75 minutes; Habarana about 30–45 minutes. Cost: Local: LKR 4,500–7,000 from Sigiriya; LKR 5,500–8,000 from Dambulla; LKR 2,500–4,500 from Habarana (roughly $8–12 USD from Sigiriya; $10–14 USD from Dambulla; $4–8 USD from Habarana). Cars and taxis are comfortable, door‑to‑door and flexible for stopping at sights en route. Negotiate a fixed rate or use a hotel‑arranged driver for reliability. Rates vary by vehicle size and season.
Shared Taxi or Ride Share | Travel time: Similar to private car, with potential for small detours: 45–90 minutes depending on pickups. Cost: Local: LKR 1,500–3,500 per person ($3–7 USD per person). Shared rides are cheaper than a private taxi, still faster and more direct than public bus. Availability depends on season and local platforms or driver networks.
Public Bus | Travel time: Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa typically 1–1.5 hours with possible transfers; Dambulla 1.5–2.5 hours; Habarana 1–1.5 hours. Cost: Local: LKR 60–200 ($0.20–1.00 USD). Public buses are the most economical option but less predictable in schedule. Buses depart from town centers; expect stops and basic comfort. Carry small change and allow extra travel time.
Train | Travel time: Nearest practical station is Gal Oya Junction or Maha Oya with onward taxi/bus — total travel time varies widely (2–4 hours) depending on connections. Cost: Local: LKR 200–800 plus onward taxi fare LKR 500–1,500 ($1–5 USD plus $3–10 USD for the taxi segment). Trains are scenic and cheap but not direct; they suit travelers who want a rail experience combined with a short road transfer. Check current schedules and connections.
Tuk‑tuk | Travel time: Habarana to Polonnaruwa about 45–75 minutes; Sigiriya 60–90 minutes. Cost: Local: LKR 1,500–4,000 depending on distance and negotiation ($3–8 USD). Tuk-tuks are adventurous and flexible for short distances but not ideal for long stretches or if you have heavy luggage. Agree price before departure.
Day Tour | Travel time: Typically half‑day to full‑day itineraries; transfer times mirror private car durations. Cost: Local: LKR 6,000–12,000 per person (group tour) or LKR 10,000–25,000 for private guided tours ($12–25 USD per person for group; $20–50+ USD for private). Tours include guide, entry arrangement tips and sometimes pickup/drop‑off and are best for travelers who prefer structure, interpretation of the ruins and hassle‑free logistics.
Bicycle | Travel time: From Polonnaruwa outskirts or nearby guesthouses 20–60 minutes depending on start point and fitness. Cost: Local: LKR 300–800 rental per day ($1–4 USD). Renting a bike is charming for short local exploration once you’re nearby; not recommended for long transfers from Sigiriya or Dambulla due to distance and road conditions.
Factor in entry hours for the archaeological zone, carry water and sun protection and allow buffer time for traffic or stops. Currency conversions shown are approximate and can fluctuate; local bargaining is common for taxis and tuk‑tuks.
02 | Everything You Need to Know About the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
What | A well-preserved medieval capital and UNESCO World Heritage site featuring royal palaces, Buddhist monasteries, stupas, statues and irrigation works from the Polonnaruwa period (11th–13th centuries)
Where | North Central Province, Sri Lanka; roughly 135 miles northeast of Colombo and 30 miles southeast of Anuradhapura
When | Flourished as Sri Lanka’s capital from ~1070 to 1232 CE under kings such as Vijayabahu I and Parakramabahu I
Why Visit | Outstanding examples of ancient urban planning, Buddhist art and architecture, hydraulic engineering and a compact archaeological zone ideal for cycling and walking
Hours | 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily (times can vary by season or special events)
Best Time to Visit | Early morning (7:00–10:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM) to avoid midday heat and crowds, and for softer light on monuments.
Entry Fee | General admission for foreign adults: 4,250 Sri Lankan Rupees — $12.75 USD (may vary; this is the common rate for foreign tourists at the main ticket office)
Additional fees | Separate charges may apply for guided tours, museum entry (Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum) or vehicle parking
Where to Buy Tickets | Main ticket office located near the Archaeological Museum or the entrance to the main ruin cluster (Gal Vihara / Dalada Maluwa area); tickets typically allow entry to the broader Polonnaruwa archaeological zone for that day
On-site Transport | Most visitors walk or rent bicycles (commonly available near the entrance; tuk-tuks and bicycles are recommended to cover the spread-out sites comfortably
What to Bring | Water bottle (refill where possible), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), comfortable walking shoes, lightweight breathable clothing, insect repellent, map or downloaded offline map, camera, small daypack, cash for entry, refreshments and tips; passport or ID (sometimes requested for ticketing), student ID for discounts
03 | What to See at the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa unfolds across a carefully planned landscape where royal ambition, religious devotion and ingenious engineering leave a vivid imprint on the earth.
Begin with the Royal Palace and Quadrangle, where the foundations and ruins of the administrative and residential complex still reveal their former scale: multi-level brick platforms, scattered pool outlines and the ghostly footprints of grand halls invite you to imagine courtly life centuries ago.
Nearby, the Gal Vihara commands quiet awe; four exquisite Buddha images, carved from a single granite outcrop, present seated, standing and reclining forms of serene, almost living craftsmanship that exemplify the zenith of Polonnaruwa sculpture.
Thuparama and Lankatilaka stand as imposing image houses and temples, their stone and brick forms richly adorned with plaster and carved detail that speak to an era of ambitious aesthetic expression.
The Vatadage’s elegant circular relic house, built around a central stupa, draws the eye with its layered stone platforms and intricately carved guardstones that once sheltered sacred relics.
Dominating the skyline, Rankoth Vehera is a massive stupa visible from across the site, a powerful reminder of the scale of devotion that shaped this kingdom.
The Quadrangle and the Dalada Maluva form a sacred cluster that includes the shrine area associated with the Dalada, or tooth relic, surrounded by monastic ruins that underscore the close relationship between royalty and religion.
Beyond the monuments, the engineering genius of Polonnaruwa is evident in the Parakrama Samudra and the extensive irrigation works — vast reservoirs, canals and sluices that supported agriculture and sustained the city, and remain testament to a civilization that married spiritual grandeur with practical mastery.
04 | Travel to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
It was our second day at Palmyra Nature Hostel in Sigirya, spending the first visiting Lion’s Rock. Today would be a historical trip to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, about an hour east by car or double by tuk tuk.
Each morning, our hotel offered a delicious spread of coffee, fruit, sweets, toast and fried eggs to get the day started. After indulging ourselves, it was time to get moving.
Tip / Before entering the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa know that it’s hot; extremely hot. It’s best to dress accordingly and bring some water to help cool off. Also, there weren’t any vendors selling snacks so pack as needed or grab a bite before entering. Shade is pretty limited, so grab your favorite sun glasses, sunscreen and a light cover-up to protect your skin from burning.
Tip / Temples require guests to remove footwear and hats and cover to the knee, therefore revealing clothing isn’t the best option. Socks will be necessary so that your feet don’t burn on the sun soaked stone and sand. Either a tuk tuk or bike is helpful between sites as they are spread far apart. Our driver was paid to wait for us while we explored each temple and then give a lift over to the following site.
05 | Taste Local Cuisine
On the way into the ancient site our driver was kind enough to drop by his friends restaurant for a home cooked meal. As we pulled up to the small structure covered with a thatch roof, a small woman rushed around lighting each pot filled with delicious foods.
In Sri Lanka, curry is synonymous with sauce, so almost every hot dish is called curry. Curry pots, or mati walang, are shaped from red or black clay on a potter’s wheel and either fired in a kiln or sun dried for a few days. Traditionally, rice and curries are cooked in these clay pots and used to make one-dish wonders including fish, chicken, jackfruit and eggplant.
Everything served was absolutely incredible but definitely spicy. Even the sweet treats at the end of the meal were tasty, full of sugar and super gooey. It was such an amazing experience.
06 | Roam Ancient Temples
Though scholars cite malaria as a possible cause for the abandonment of Polonnaruwa, today Modern Polonnaruwa is undergoing a major development project known as the "Awakening of Polonnaruwa" which focuses on enriching roads, agriculture, electricity, education, health and environment.
Tip / Grab tickets the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum ticket office and don’t miss what’s on display at the museum.
Upon arriving at the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, first stop in the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum ticket office to purchase entrance tickets for $25 USD. Here, the museum houses artifacts from this medieval capital which are quite interesting by themselves. Take a quick look around and be on your way to some of the most incredible ruins that are sure to impress.
Vatadage
The first stop was the Vatadage, considered to be one of the epitomes of round-shaped structures and said to be the most popular trend in the Polonnaruwa period. After being abandoned for centuries it was unearthed in 1903 during archaeological excavations.
The circular building consists of a stupa, four Buddha statues, stone columns and two platforms. The inner platform has four entrances from the cardinal directions, each featuring beautifully carved stone staircases with guard stones on the sides.
There are two theories as to who built the Vatadage structure and why. There’s no argument that it was built to hold a relic of Lord Buddha but historians and archaeologists have yet to find the rightful builder of the structure.
Some claim it was built by King Parakramabahu I to hold the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, while others argue it was King Nissankamalla to hold the Sacred Alms Bowl of Buddha.
Hatadage
Polonnaruwa Hatadage is also a shrine built to hold the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha but is different than the Vatadage. Most significantly, it’s said to have had two floors with only one remaining today.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure in the ancient kingdom famous for its unique architecture and stone carvings. The name ‘Mandapaya’ was given to structures open from all sides, with pillars supporting the roof to protect those inside from sun and rain. Most of these mandapas were built during ancient times for public activities or as entertainment centers within royal courts. It’s said that this mandapaya was built by the king to listen to incantation chanting by Buddhist monks.
The columns are the most interesting feature of the structure, arranged in two rows with four columns in each row. The columns are made of stone and beautifully carved with the head of each column shaped like a blooming lotus bud.
Unlike other pillars found from the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras, these pillars are not straight. Each of them is curved at three places, with the body of the column carved to resemble the stem of the lotus flower.
Thivanka Image House
Thivanka Image House or Thivanka Pilimage is a historical structure housing statues and paintings from the 12th century.
The walls and roof are built from bricks, so it’s known as one of the three Gedige (vaulted) image houses found in the area, the others being Lankathilaka Pilimage and Thuparama Pilimage.
Rankoth Vehera
Rankoth Vehera is a huge stupa considered to be the largest Buddhist stupa in the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa. It was built by King Nissankamalla and bears a close resemblance to the Buddhist stupas of the Anuradhapura kingdom.
Rankoth Vehera can be roughly translated as ‘the golden pinnacled stupa’. The entire stupa is built from brick, including the four structures used to offer flowers, and the wall surrounding the terrace of the stupa.
The structure stands 180 feet tall with a base diameter of 550 feet, although the original built by king Nissankamalla is said to be at least 200 feet tall.
Gal Viharaya
Gal Viharaya or ‘rock monastery’ is the most visited monument in Polonnaruwa. Earlier referred to as ‘Uttararama’, it’s said to be built by the greatest king of the Polonnaruwa era, king Parakramabahu I. ‘Uttararama’ translates to ‘the northern monastery’ and is recognized as the most prominent monastery built by king Parakramabahu during his reign.
Most notable are the four massive Buddha statues carved into the face of a large granite rock. Considered some of the best Sinhalese stone sculpting and carvings, the four figures consist of a large seated Buddha, small seated Buddha inside a man-made cave, large standing Buddha and a massive reclining Buddha.
The standing figure has a height of nearly 23 feet while the reclining figure reaches an amazing 46 feet 4 inches in length, making it one of the largest sculptures in South Asia. Historical inscriptions record that king Parakramabahu built three caves in the rock to commemorate the statues although only one of these are actual caves.
Gal Viharaya holds a massive significance to the Buddhist culture because it’s said to be the location where the king held a congregation of Buddhist monks to reconcile the divided three Buddhist priesthood fraternities.
Kiri Vihara
Kiri Vihara is part of the archaeological site Alahana Pirivena. Meaning ‘white milk’, its name comes from the original lime plaster that was in near perfect condition after 700 years of neglect in an overgrown jungle.
It’s construction is credited to Subhadra, King Parakramabahu I’s queen and it is still the best-preserved unrestored dagoba at Polonnaruwa. Considered the second biggest stupa in Polonnaruwa today, this stupa is the only one to survive 900 years of forces of nature and still remain in its original condition.
After visiting the majestic Kiri Vihara, it was time to head out of the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa. The hot dry weather and sunny skies had drained us fully of all energy.
On the way back to Sigiriya we made a quick stop at a huge Buddha statue near a lake; it was quite gorgeous.
Next up, the following day would be a magical elephant safari at Minneriya National Park about 30 minutes north of Sigiriya. Minneriya National Park was originally declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and is mostly known for its incredible elephant migration.
