Part of the cultural triangle in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in the north central province. It is 228 km from Colombo and has a rich heritage of historic Sinhalese and Chola kingdoms that once ruled this island.
As the second capital after the fall of Kingdom of Anuradhapura over 800 years ago, you can find many archeological treasures from palaces to temples and artifacts scattered around this city. This is one of the best places to visit for travelers who want to know more about Sri Lanka's early civilization roots. Polonnaruwa is also known to be a famous battleground in ancient times, where the only face-to-face battle took place between King Elara and King Dutugemunu.
With such a prominent history there are a plethora of sites to see and places to visit in Polonnaruwa. Read on to find out about the popular places of this time honored city.
196 km. A 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
Colombo – Habarana - Polonnaruwa Highway – with traffic
Colombo – Jaffna Express train – 6 hours
Travel from Colombo fort railway station as you can get tickets for 3rd class and 2nd class. (3rd class railway tickets price is very cheap)
3rd class is very crowded sometimes not recommended for tourists.
To pre-book a rail journey contact a travel agency
For more information, log in to – http://www.railway.gov.lk/web
Colombo – Polonnaruwa – 30 mins
The following travel companies that are mentioned offers localized chartered flights and Helicopter tours :
https://www.senoksl.com/travel-and-leisure/airport-and-aviation-services-sri-lanka.html
The reservoir known as Parakrama Samudra, also called King Parakrama's Sea or the Sea of King Parakrama, is located in Polonnaruwa. It is made up of five reservoirs connected by a stream channel: Topa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Bhu, and Kalahagala tanks. Because of its enormous size and the waves it generates, which are comparable to those of the ocean, it is known as a "samudra or ocean.”
Topa Wewa, the northernmost reservoir, was constructed in 386 AD. Wewa is a Sinhala term for "lake" or "tank" in English. This reservoir has undergone numerous expansions and changes over the ages, including the addition of the southern Dumbutula wewa and the center Eramudu wewa by King Parakramabahu I during his rule. "Do not let even a single drop of rainwater go to the sea without being utilized" is the motto that inspired the construction of this reservoir.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
open 24 hours
Have a Swim or Bath in the areas that are only recommended.
The service of an area guide will be much more beneficial for your trip
This stone carving from the 12th century that is situated close to the Pothgul temple in Polonnaruwa is also referred to as the Statue of Parakramabahu I. Although its actual identity is unknown, it is generally accepted to be Parakramabahu I while some have suggested that it might show a sage.
The statue, which is set atop a boulder, shows a solemn, dignified man holding a yoke or a book. This is a must-visit location in Polonnaruwa for history buffs interested in Sri Lankan history.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 6.00 pm
The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Deepa Uyana is a park that stretches along the shores of Parakrama Samudraya to the west of King Parakramabahu's palace. It is said that this was the place where the council chambers of King Nissanka Malla were.
Originally, the Deepa Uyana was called Dipuyyana which translates to "an Island Garden" in Pali. It was also called "Kalinga Uyana” by King Nissanka Malla according to inscriptions.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 10.00 pm
The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
You can visit the palace of King Nishshanka Malla and various other ruins within the park.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval city of Polonnaruwa is home to relics on display in the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum. This museum is a great place to start your tour of Polonnaruwa because with the help of the models of the city's buildings, tourists may see what the city might have looked like centuries ago.
With a collection of Chola bronzes as a focal point, visitors can explore the history of this former capital through the museum's subject-organized exhibits. It is highly recommended that you include this attraction on your itinerary when you visit Polonnaruwa.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
8.00 am to 5.00 pm
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
The remaining portion of the palace is accessible from the south side. Political gatherings seemed to have taken place in the 13 x 31 m center hall. 36 wooden columns, each with a socket in its brick base, support it.
Visitors can see ancient architectural techniques at work as they appear to be covered in brick and mortar to prevent deterioration of these wooden columns and the retaining beam sockets for the level above were thick walls on either side. It is believed by experts that the large walls were required to compensate for the poor foundation depth. The ground floor is open for public access.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Be sure to visit the Audience hall and the Pond nearby.
One of the earliest dated structures in Polonnaruwa and part of the 14 Hindu shrines dedicated to God Shiva. This God Shiva temple was built around the 13th century AD by a Chola king called Raja Raja Cholan. It is also referred to as the Manawan Mahadevi Iswaramudaigar Kovil after his queen Mahadevi Iswaramudaiyar.
This temple is dedicated to fertility with worship symbols being the Lingam and Yoni. It is a well preserved structure made with granite stone slabs through the grove and peg technique.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
There are two Shiva Temples. As mentioned the Shiva temple is number 02 in the location.
The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Heta da ge is an old shrine located in Polonnaruwa. During the Polonnaruwa era, King Nissanka Malla built it to protect the priceless tooth relic of Lord Buddha.It is believed to have been a two story building centuries ago as only portions of the original brick and stone walls remain after the upper level was destroyed.
With its southern entrance facing the entrance to the Polonnaruwa Vata da ge, Heta da ge is located on the northern side of Dalada Maluva. On the eastern and western sides of Heta da ge,are the Gal Potha and Ata da ge respectively. The word "Heta," which means "sixty," implies that the Heta da ge might have been built in sixty days, and might be how it got its name.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
The Polonnaruwa kingdom's temple, Ata da Geya, was home to the renowned Tooth relic of Lord Buddha. At 75 feet long and 45 feet wide, this temple was a two-story tower. In the eleventh century, King Vijayabahu I united the region and defeated the enemy before building the Ata da Geya.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
One of the must-see sites in Polonnaruwa is Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, an outstanding historical structure. The mandapaya is a pillared building that is open on all sides and has a roof that gives people shade.
The Nissanka Latha Mandapaya was built by the King Nissanka Malla who ruled the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa from 1187 to 1196. You can find this structure near the entrance of the Dalada Maluva.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Often considered one of the most important buildings in the kingdom, the Vata da ge of Polonnaruwa has a rich and fascinating history. The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is supposed to have been enshrined in this location, after the capital was moved from Anuradhapura in the eleventh century.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 6.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Nishanka Malla inscribed this unusual stone to caution the people to act appropriately, to ensure the crown was only given to someone from the Kalinga clan, and to inform them about his foreign invasions and territories. His soldiers transported the stone from Mihintale, which is approximately 100 kilometers away.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
-->
Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
This monolithic building is believed to be a seven-story tower that does not contain an inner space. Archaeologists suggest that similar structures can be found at the Vat Kukut Monastery in Lamphun, Thailand.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 6.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
-->
Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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The car park is available – bring a water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
This rock temple also known as Uttararamaya, was constructed by the Great King Parakramabahu the 1st. Gal vihara translates to "rock shrine" in English. It was Lt. Fagan who made its discovery during an exploration in 1820 AD.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
-->
Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
It is believed one of the wife's of the Great Parakramabahu of Polonnaruwa called Queen Rupavati, commissioned this structure. The Pabalu Vehera is an unusual shaped brick building that got its name from glass beads found within the monastic complex.
Unlike Anuradhapura, there are many monastic buildings in Polonnaruwa to explore. This one has a distinctive yet appealing design that resembles a stupa atop another stupa, not found in any other part of the country.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
you need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
-->
Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
-->
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
The Rankoth Vehera or golden pinnacle stupa is another building constructed by King Nissanka Malla. This stupa resembles the Ruwanwelisaya and seems to be built in the same manner of the stupas found in Anuradhapura.
There is also a stone inscription near the Rankoth Vehera that refers to it as “Ruwanweli.” The modern name Rankoth comes from the Sinhalese word “ran" referring to gold and "kotha" signifying the pinnacle of the stupa.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a large monastic complex called Alahana due to the numerous crematory stupas found there. It covers 80 hectares of land and was thought to be an educational center comprising various faculties (mullas). The Alahana Pirivena Complex is thought to be nearly 800 years old and built during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great (1136-1186 AD).
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
-->
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
In the south of Kiri Vehera is a monolithic Buddha image house built by King Parakramabahu. It is made out of bricks and the outer walls have carvings and elaborate designs. It is thought to have been a five story building as well as a part of the Alahana Privena.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> This is a Buddhist gallery. Therefore, you need to remove your shoes and hats before you enter the premises.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
This site may have been one of the many hospitals known to have been founded by King Maha Parakramabahu. According to archaeologists, this medical facility was separated into two areas: one for outdoor use and one for residential use. Wound incisors, surgical blades, clippers, and surgical scissors were discovered during site excavations. It is believed that a variety of surgical operations were carried out here.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> This place is inside the Alahana Piriwena Complex
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
According to legend, Subadra, the queen of King Parakramabahu the Great, constructed this enormous stupa. In the Polonnaruwa area, it has been identified as the second-largest stupa. Approximately 88 feet is its diameter, and about 80 feet is its height. You can also explore a number of smaller shrine dwellings nearby.
196 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> This place is inside the Alahana Piriwena Complex
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Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
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It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Established in 2006, Angammedilla National Park is among Sri Lanka's newest national parks. Prior to its creation in 1988, Angammedilla was a forest reserve inside the Minneriya-Girithale Sanctuary. Protecting Parakrama Samudra's drainage region was the primary reason for creating the park. This location should be on your bucket list for Polonnaruwa if you're a nature enthusiast.
176 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
--> You can do camping inside the park and bungalows that are available for stay.
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Its best to Inquire prior to visiting.
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Reservations can be made at the Department of Wildlife Conservation situated in Jayanthipura, Battaramulla or via the department’s website.
One of the four national parks included in the Mahaweli River development project is Flood Plains National Park that was created in 1984. The national park is crossed by the Mahaweli flood plain, which gives elephants a good feeding habitat. Flood Plains National Park plays a crucial role in the migration of elephants between Wasgamuwa and Somawathiya national parks.
205 km or 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Avoid visiting during the monsoon seasons – December to February
The Mandala giriya is one of the most well preserved historic structures in the island. You can take the Habarana-Polonnaruwa road to get here. At the Minneriya crossroads on route B155, head towards Hingurakgoda from Batticaloa (route A11). From there, go 3.5 km and then 16 km on road B287 to reach Medirigiriya.
The complex's major attraction is the Vata da ge, which is situated on an elevated rock platform with a stupa in the middle. Each of the cardinal directions is represented by one of four Buddha sculptures. It is thought to have been built during the Anuradhapura kingdom in the third century BC, and the majority of the finely carved rock pillars that previously supported the timber construction that sustained the tower's complete roof are still standing.
190 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
Open 24 Hour’s
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
-->
Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
-->
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Located in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka, around 182 kilometers from Colombo, Minneriya National Park is a popular destination close to Polonnaruwa. The major city that is closest to Minneriya National Park is Polonnaruwa.
A large portion of the Polonnaruwa district gets water through the historically restored Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir, which is the main attraction of this park. Nestled in the elephant corridor that connects Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa parks, Minneriya National Park offers year-round opportunities for visitors to witness elephant herds. May through October is when Minneriya National Park is most accessible.
160 km or 3 ½ to 4 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Pre-book a safari service provider to avoid last-minute bookings.
Witness the Famous Elephant gathering in the months of July and August
With up to 300 elephants at any given time, Kaudulla National Park is well-known for having the greatest elephant populations in Asia. It is situated close to Gal Oya river. Elephants roam between Minneriya National Park and Kaudulla at different periods of the year since the two parks are adjacent. Before making travel plans, it is best to find out which park the elephant herds are in. Since the herd goes to the Kaudulla tank for an early lunch, the best time to visit is around 3 p.m.
178 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Pre Book a Safari to avoid last-minute conflicts.
Ideal for elephant safaris. Recommended time for safari is between March to September.
Built during the Anuradhapura Kingdom, the Minneriya Tank is a reservoir that covers an area of more than 4,670 acres. King Mahasena built a dam across the Minneriya River, creating the lake. He is said to have governed Anuradhapura from 276 to 303.
Nearly 20 billion gallons of water are stored in this 13-meter-high, 2-kilometer-long tank and its dam. King Vasabha (65–109) finished the Elahera canal, which supplied water for the tank from the Amban River, a major tributary of the Mahaweli River, 48 kilometers away.
160 km or 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
Open 24 Hour’s
Have a Swim or Bath in the areas that are only recommended.
A well-known reservoir in the Polonnaruwa area is Giritale Lake. It is regarded as one of the deepest tanks built during the Polonnaruwa era and is thought to have been constructed by King Agbo ll. There are several hotels and holiday resorts nearby because of the lake's popularity and peaceful setting. When visiting Polonnaruwa, it's a great spot to unwind.
180 km or 4 to 4 ½ hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
Open 24 Hour’s
Have a Swim or Bath in the areas that are only recommended.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Wild Life Museum Nearby.
The 36,900-hectare Wasgamuwa National Park is bounded to the east and west by the Mahaweli and Amban rivers. Along the Mahaweli river, the height ranges from roughly 76 meters to over 500 meters at Sudu Kanda hill. Numerous small reservoirs and the Sudu Kanda mountain range provide fantastic trekking opportunities for those who are passionate hikers.
200 km or 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
You can park the vehicles at the entrance and get a safari Jeep from there. Better if you can pre-book and check the availability before you arrive.
This was constructed by King Parakramabahu as a component of the Jethavanaramaya complex. The figure of Lord Buddha, called "thivanka," is around 6 meters tall and stands out for its three bends. The wall murals at this location are very similar to those in Sigiriya. The neighborhood closes at 6 p.m. and is currently well-preserved. Explanations of the site's historical significance are given by the staff so feel free to ask away.
195 km or 4 ½ to 5 hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
From Polonnaruwa, the Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara is 16 kilometers south. Brahmi writings are visible on the dripping ledges of several caverns carved into the Dimbulagala mountain's rocks. The British historically called this ancient forest monastery and holy place Gunners Quoin because of its rich history, which has some of the most priceless relics of early frescoes. This Buddhist monastery, which was deteriorating, was renovated in the 1950s thanks to the work of Kithalagama Sri Seelalankara Thera.
220 km or 5 to 5 ½ hour’s drive
No need to buy tickets
7.00 am to 5.00 pm
--> Now that you are entering the sacred triangle.
--> You will need to remove your shoes and hats.
-->
Bring a cleaner pair of socks to wear.
--> Mornings and Evenings are recommended times to visit to avoid the high heat.
-->
It is highly recommended to get the service of an Area Guide.
Maduru Oya National Park is located in the Dry Zone, 237 kilometers from Colombo. In 1983, the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance made this 58,850-hectare area a national park. Elephant habitat is a popular feature of the Maduru Oya. Leopards, sloth bears, samburs, spotted deers, wild boars, and wild buffaloes are among the numerous animals that can be seen here. For a family vacation, Maduru Oya National Park is a great option.
245 km or 5 ½ to 6 hour’s drive
You need to buy tickets
6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Don’t forget to visit Srilanka’s indigenous people that reside in the Dambana Area. It would be an eye-opening and an unforgettable experience for you.
