Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa succeeded Anuradhapura as Sri Lanka's medieval capital and is considerably more compact, with well-preserved ruins that are easy to explore in a single day. The Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues are among the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpture on the island.

Why visit Polonnaruwa

• A compact, well-preserved medieval capital, easier to cover than Anuradhapura
• The Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues, among Sri Lanka's finest ancient sculpture
• Royal palace ruins and a large man-made reservoir, Parakrama Samudra

Things to do in Polonnaruwa

• Cycle or walk through the royal palace ruins
• See the Gal Vihara's four rock-cut Buddha statues
• Visit the Rankoth Vehera stupa and surrounding monastery ruins
• Watch the sunset over Parakrama Samudra reservoir

Where to stay

Guesthouses and small hotels in the New Town area, a short distance from the ruins.

Food to try

Standard Sri Lankan curries and rice at local restaurants near the New Town.

Travel tips

• Cycling is a popular and practical way to see the site, with bikes available to rent locally
• Visit early to avoid the midday heat across the exposed ruins
• Pairs naturally with a Sigiriya and Dambulla day on a Cultural Triangle route

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