Polonnaruwa

About Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka's medieval capital between the 11th and 13th centuries, Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO-listed archaeological wonder. Compact and easily explored by bicycle, it holds the colossal rock-carved Buddhas of Gal Vihara, the elegant circular Vatadage relic house and the beautifully preserved Hatadage.

Top experiences

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  Gal Vihara rock temple

  Four monumental Buddhas carved from a single granite cliff — Sri Lanka's finest ancient sculpture.

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  Polonnaruwa Vatadage

  An exquisite circular relic house with four Buddhas facing the cardinal directions.

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  Hatadage

  A stone relic shrine built by King Nissanka Malla — said to have been raised in just 60 hours.

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  Cycle the ancient city

  The ideal way to explore — hire a bike and glide between palaces, temples and dagobas.

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  Sunrise climb of Pidurangala

  Beat the crowds and watch dawn break over Sigiriya Rock.

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  Village bullock-cart & catamaran tour

  Rural life, lotus lakes and a home-cooked Sri Lankan lunch.

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  Guided cave-temple visit

  Explore Dambulla's painted caves with a cultural historian.

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  Cycling through paddy fields

  Easy back-road ride between tanks, temples and villages.

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  Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  5th-century UNESCO-listed sky palace atop a 200 m monolith.

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  Dambulla Cave Temple

  Five painted caves with 150+ Buddha statues, a UNESCO site.

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  Polonnaruwa ancient city

  12th-century royal capital of temples, palaces and colossal Buddhas.

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  Minneriya National Park

  Home to the annual 'Elephant Gathering' at the reservoir.