Polonnaruwa Ancient City

The story

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.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage archaeological park
• Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas
• Royal palace and audience hall ruins
• Parakrama Samudra reservoir

Things to do here

1. 1Bicycle tour of the ancient city ruins
2. 2Visit the four monumental Gal Vihara Buddhas
3. 3Explore the Royal Palace and Council Chamber
4. 4Sunset walk along the Parakrama Samudra reservoir
5. 5Guided archaeology walk of the Quadrangle
6. 6Village boat safari on Minneriya's linked wetlands