Polonnaruwa

Explore ancient Polonnaruwa, featuring royal ruins, Buddhist monuments, Gal Vihara and the remarkable remains of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital.

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Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s best-preserved ancient cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its archaeological area contains temples, statues, royal buildings and irrigation works surrounded by dry-zone countryside.

Ancient city highlights

The Quadrangle, Vatadage, Royal Palace, Rankoth Vehera, Lankatilaka and Gal Vihara are among the main places to visit. Gal Vihara is particularly known for its large rock-cut Buddha statues.  

Exploring Polonnaruwa

The archaeological sites cover a sizeable area, so bicycles, cars or tuk-tuks can make visiting easier. Polonnaruwa is commonly combined with Sigiriya, Dambulla and Minneriya on Cultural Triangle itineraries.