Cultural · North Central Province
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
The medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries, Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO-listed archaeological park of royal palaces, moonstone-carved shrines, and towering brick stupas. The showpiece is Gal Vihara, four colossal Buddha figures — seated, standing, and reclining — carved directly from a single granite outcrop with astonishing serenity.
Full profile & comments →Things to do here
- 1Bicycle tour of the ancient city ruins
- 2Visit the four monumental Gal Vihara Buddhas
- 3Explore the Royal Palace and Council Chamber
- 4Sunset walk along the Parakrama Samudra reservoir
- 5Guided archaeology walk of the Quadrangle
- 6Village boat safari on Minneriya's linked wetlands
Best time to visit
May to September (dry zone)
Insider tip
Rent a bicycle at the entrance — the ruins are spread over several kilometres.
Exact location
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