This Polonnaruwa guide showcases the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka. Established as the second Sri Lankan kingdom after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993, the sacred city of Polonnaruwa is renowned for its medieval architecture and craftsmanship.
Visiting the world heritage sites of Sri Lanka affords you a glimpse into a time when great Kings ruled the central plains and built magnificent palaces, monasteries and stupas. If you want to explore the history of Sri Lanka, we highly recommend a visit to Polonnaruwa.
Below is our guide to the sacred city, including the must-see sights, and all the important information you need for an enjoyable visit.
PLACES TO VISIT IN POLONNARUWA
HISTORY OF THE ANCIENT CITY OF POLONNARUWA, SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s first kingdom of Anuradhapura, and its capital, was invaded in the 10th century by the South Indian Chola Dynasty.
Polonnaruwa was chosen as the new capital, for it’s strategic position overlooking a key river, and established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom.
It was renamed Jananathamangalam, however Chola rule in the island ended in 1070 AD when the city was recaptured by King Vijayabahu I.
The defeat of the Cholas brought about an era of economic prosperity. Following the death of Vijayabahu I, the second kingdom continued to flourish under the reign of King Parakramabahu (1153AD-1186AD).
An array of impressive palaces, pools, and temples were built, however it’s the vast irrigation system, still in use today, that really stands out as a lasting testament.
The third king Nisanka Malla, (1187 – 96) failed to match his predecessors ‘achievements, and almost bankrupted the kingdom in his attempts.
By the early 13th century both power, and wealth were fading, and in 1310 Polonnaruwa was abandoned, and the capital relocated to Colombo.
Today, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of beautiful monumental, and architectural ruins.
ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM OF POLONNARUWA
Your trip to the sacred city of Polonnaruwa begins at the archaeological museum where the official ticket office is located.
Spend 15 minutes viewing the scale models of the buildings and temples of the city, to gain an overall view of the entire site.
The museum is packed full of sculptures, artifacts, and narratives about Polonnaruwa’s storied past. The complex really just serves as a gateway to understanding the architectural heritage of one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals.
WHAT TO SEE IN POLONNARUWA
This ancient city is smaller in size, and its structures better-preserved compared to the sprawling ruins of Anuradhapura. The site is easily explored by tuk tuk, or bicycle.
When you visit Polonnaruwa there are hundreds of ancient ruins to explore, including temples, stupas, statues, and tombs.
The following are the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa.
ROYAL PALACE OF KING PARAKRAMABAHU
The first set of ruins after entering the grounds are those of the Royal Palace, built by King Parakramabahu, and one of the most significant Polonnaruwa historical places.
Believed to have had a thousand chambers spread across seven storeys, and measuring 31m by 13m, this magnificent palace may be a crumbling ruin, but it is still an impressive sight.
The main hall alone had 50 rooms in all, supported by 30 columns. Today, only 3 stories remain, but you can still see the crevices and sockets on the thick brick walls, which would have taken the large wooden beams.
The basic ground plan of the palace is similar to that of the 12th-century Vijayabahu palace at Anuradhapura.
THE AUDIENCE HALL
On the other side of the Palace is the Audience Hall, one of the best-preserved structures in the Royal Palace Group. The building served as the council chamber of King Parakramabahu. Notable sights include:
- a stunning moonstone, or entrance stone adorning the foot of the stairs.
- two stone lions sitting at the top of the stairs.
- a frieze of beautiful stone carved elephants, each standing in a different pose.
There were originally three tiers but now only stone pillars remain, the wooden structure long since gone. The ruin is still one of the best places to visit in polonnaruwa.
ROYAL BATHING POOL
Next to the Audience are steps leading down to the Royal Bath now known as Kumara Pokuna. It sits outside the southwest corner of the Palace grounds, and would have served as the king’s private swimming pool.
The pool has a central lotus island, built with a cruciform ground plan. Its design was such that clean water from the adjacent watercourse could be used, and fed in through crocodile-mouth spouts. To the right, the foundations would have been his changing room.
It may now be covered in green algae, but in its heyday it would have been a magnificent sight.
THE SACRED QUADRANGLE (DALADA MALUVA)
One of the most important places to see in Polonnaruwa is the Sacred Quadrangle, which has the most concentrated collection of ruins in the entire ancient cities.
It is part of the Dalada Maluva, a special area of the city of Polonnaruwa that includes the Atadage, Hetadage and Polonnaruwa Vatadage. These are among the most sacred and important buildings in the city limits and all of these were held in great reverence.
If you only have time to explore one area, make it this one. Located a short stroll north of the Royal Palace, these impressive ruins lie in a raised-up area bounded by a wall.
This area offers the best introduction to the historical places in Polonnaruwa. It is believed that it was once home to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. You will have to remove your shoes when visiting the temples.
TOP TIP: Take advantage of the stalls across the road from here, and enjoy some snacks, and a refreshing king coconut.
VATADAGE
Poised in the center of the Quadrangle is an 18 metre wide circular relic house. It is thought to have been built to house the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, before its move to Kandy.
Flanked by guard stones, four entrances on the second terrace lead to a central dagoba, with its four Buddhas, each one facing an entrance.
Each Stairway has an elegant moonstone, with the one at the northern entrance considered to be the finest in Polonnaruwa. Take your time to view the intricate carvings around the outer terrace.
HATADAGE
Positioned next to the Vatadage, this ruin is in poor condition, but was originally consisted of two storeys. Erected by King Nissanka Malla, you can still see the symmetry of the pillars as they recede into the distance.
ATADAGE
The Atadage is the only surviving in this ancient city, and dates from the reign of King Vijayabahu I. There are 54 pillars remaining, and just one of the original three Buddha images.
THUPARAMA IMAGE HOUSE
This architectural wonder thought to date from the reign of Parakramabahu I, is constructed of brick and stone and is presently being maintained. Look for the vaulted and arched door, and the masterful carved exteriors.
Miraculousy the roof is still intact and is supported by corbel arch-style supports. The dark interior chamber is wonderfully cool, and houses four beautiful well-preserved standing Buddha statues.
Located at the southern end of the Quadrangle, it’s the smallest gedige or hollow Buddhist temple with thick walls in Polonnaruwa.
LATHA-MANDAPAYA
Latha-Mandapaya was built both for King Nissanka Malla’s personal benefit, and for listening to Buddhist sermons.
This small unique structure would have had a wood and tiled roof, but the complex stonework and granite can still be seen today.
A low latticed stone fence of horizontal granite posts surrounds the structure, while a small stupa is encircled by eight pillars, shaped like lotus stalks. Their capitals look like unopened lotus buds and would likely have been brightly painted.
In addition to the major ruins in the Quadrangle, also look for the Bodhi tree shrine, Velaikkara slab inscription, and Bodhigharaya.
NORTHERN GROUP OF RUINS
Starting roughly 1.5km north of the city wall, are the northern group of ruins. The Alahana Parivena complex was founded by King Parakramabahu, and includes the Rankot Vihara, Lankatilaka, Kiri vihara, and Buddha Seema Prasada.
RANKOT VIHARA DAGOBA
The huge 54m tall Rankoth Vihara is Polonnaruwa’s largest dagoba, and the fourth largest in Sri lanka. Built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187 – 1196), it stands on a raised platform.
The great dome is wonderfully preserved in its original brick form, and as you walk around the dagoba you get a true sense of its immense size.
You will see many toque macaque monkeys in the trees, and grounds of the temple, as they have made the ruins their home.
KIRI VIHARA
Subhadra, King parakramabahu I’s queen is credited with the construction of this Buddhist temple. After hundreds of years of neglect, the jungle was cleared to find the dagoba’s original lime plaster still in perfect condition.
It is the best-preserved unrestored stupa in Polonnaruwa.
LANKATILAKA TEMPLE
The Lankatilaka temple may now be a ruin, but it still serves as a reminder of the once-great Polonnaruwa. All that remains is the lowermost floor of the building, which is an artistic and architectural marvel.
The 17m-high outer brick and stone walls are adorned with impressive carvings of palaces and gods. Climb the steps where the aisle leads to a huge standing headless Buddha.
Standing 41-feet tall against a screen wall, the Buddha is in relatively good condition. Each step is narrow in width, making it impossible to turn your back towards the Buddha as you descend.
GAL VIHARA BUDDHA IMAGES
One of the most popular things to do in Polonnaruwa is standing in awe at the magnificent Rock Temple, or “Gal Viharaya”. Constructed during the reign of Parakramabahu I, it is a magnificent example of skilled craftsmanship, and an incredible work of art.
Carved into solid rock are four images of the Buddha in different poses.
The star attraction is the 14 metre reclining Buddha in a sleeping pose, slipping into the final state of Nirvana. His face is calm and serene, his hand cushioning his head as well as the stone cushion with the face of a lion at its center.
There is also a 7 metre standing Buddha with its arms folded, and a seated Buddha within an ornate arch.
The immense sculptural marvels, said to be the best examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpting, are in perfect condition.
HOW TO VISIT POLONNARUWA SRI LANKA
WHERE IS POLONNARUWA SACRED SITE?
Located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is part of what is known as the “cultural triangle”.
- 105km/2hours from Anuradhapura
- 73km/90minutes from Dambulla
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT POLONNARUWA?
The weather is dry and not too hot to walk around between December and March.
HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRANCE FEE?
Tickets prices are 20,000 Rupee for adults.
WHAT TO WEAR?
At all sacred sites, both men and women should wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. I carried a thin scarf to wrap around my shoulders.
HOW TO GET AROUND POLONNARUWA HISTORICAL PLACES
BY TUK-TUK
Your tuktuk driver can ferry you between the different sights which saves time, and keeps you out of the hot sun. They can also act as a guide.
BY BICYCLE
Hiring a bike is the easiest and most fun way to see the ancient and historical places in Polonnaruwa. Hire a bike in town, and after buying your entrance ticket, visit the Royal Palace. Continue to the Sacred Quadrangle, the Northern group of ruins, and the buddha figures at Gal Vihara.
BY CAR
Even though we had our own tuktuk, it was too far to travel from our accommodation near Sigiriya. We hired a car and driver from our hotel, and he also acted as our guide, which was really informative.
We paid US$50 for the return journey. He is training to be a guide, so was in his element showing us around, and even bought us a king coconut.
We hope you found this guide to the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa helpful for planning your own trip to this sacred site. If you have any questions please leave a comment below.
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