Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka's second ancient capital — royal ruins and the serene rock-carved Buddhas of the Gal Vihara.
- Best time
- Dec – Mar (west coast), Apr – Sep (east coast)
- Type
- City
Discover
About Polonnaruwa
The medieval capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is a compact, well-preserved archaeological city of palaces, temples and vast irrigation tanks, best explored by bicycle. Its masterpiece is the Gal Vihara, a group of colossal Buddha images carved from a single granite face — including a magnificent 14-metre reclining Buddha — among the finest sculptures in Asia.
Highlights
- The Gal Vihara rock-carved Buddhas
- The circular Vatadage shrine
- The royal palace ruins
- The Rankoth Vehera stupa
- Cycling among the monuments
- The Parakrama Samudra tank
Where you'll stay
Where you'll stay in Polonnaruwa
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Hotels & rentals around Polonnaruwa
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Explore
Explore the area
© OpenFreeMap · OSM · terrain Mapterhorn
When you'll go
When to visit Polonnaruwa
December – March (west coast), April – September (east coast)
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Ready to book your trip?
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