Polonnaruwa Travel Guide: Things to Do & Must-Visit Sites
Polonnaruwa is the main town of the Polonnaruwa District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa ancient town also known as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times. The modern section of Polonnaruwa is called New Town, while the rest remains the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
In this article, let's explore the Polonnaruwa ancient town in Sri Lanka, learn why it is famous, and what things to do in Polonnaruwa for travelers.
Top Things To Do In Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the second kingdom to be established on the island, an ancient city located in the center of the Cultural Triangle. Founded as the capital in 1056 AD, it served as the administrative hub until the Chola invasions from India caused it to collapse in the 14th century. Nonetheless, there are several remnants strewn around the modern city, such as monuments, houses of worship and relics of royalty.
Explore the Sacred Quadrangle
The imposing Sacred Quadrangle and several other historic Buddhist ruins can be seen at the Dalada Maluwa, one of the top tourist places in Polonnaruwa.
The Sacred Quadrangle is home to over ten spectacular monuments, such as the Hetadage, Vatadage, Atadage, Sathmahal Prasadaya, Image of Boddhisattwa and Thuparama
This area is a must-see for anyone interested in historical places in Polonnaruwa.
Sacred Quadrangle is a must-see for anyone interested in historical places in Polonnaruwa
Visit Gal Vihara
Visiting Gal Vihara is among things to see in Polonnaruwa, It is located within Polonnaruwa Park and is a popular tourist attraction. The enormous statues of Buddha will astound you. One is sitting, another is leaning, a third is standing, and a fourth, smaller Buddha image is hidden inside a faux cave.
Buddha statues are carved from single granite blocks. The most well-known effigy is 23 feet tall and is thought to exhibit the highest level of empathy through its stance and expression.
Visiting Gal Vihara is among things to see in Polonnaruwa
Discover Rankoth Vihara
The Rankot Vihara, the biggest dagoba in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest in Sri Lanka, is a must-see attraction for any traveler to Polonnaruwa.
Constructed during the time of King Nissanka Malla, this dagoba is unquestionably on the list of top places to see in Polonnaruwa.
Completely constructed of brick, the monastery is remarkably intact. Compared to other large structures in the neighborhood, this one is in outstanding shape.
Relax at Parakrama Samudraya
The largest old man-made rainwater tank in Sri Lanka was built by King Parakramabahu and looks out over the western half of the Polonnaruwa area. The sizeable reservoir can hold 134 million cubic meters of water and is spread over an area of 2500 hectares. The agricultural region of Polonnaruwa and its surroundings are irrigated by this reservoir. Take in this breathtaking sunset scene!
Parakrama Samudraya is the largest old man-made rainwater tank in Sri Lanka
Best Places To Visit In Polonnaruwa
Here's a list of visiting places in Polonnaruwa to help you make the most of your trip. It will assist you to plan the ideal Polonnaruwa trip places.
Audience Hall
Another great place to stroll and see the royal palace's best-preserved buildings is the king's Audience Hall. There are enormous elephants engraved on the stones of the walls, and each one is positioned differently, giving them a strange appearance. With majestic lions carved at the top of each side, the stairs leading to the Audience Hall are entirely spectacular.
Bathing Pool
The Royal Bathing Pool, also known as the "Kumara Pokuna," is situated directly adjacent to the Audience Hall. Once used to supply clean water to the pool, it is a much wider, open area with spouts resembling crocodile mouths.
It is unfortunately no longer in use, although it is clear that it was once a fantastic location for swimming.
The Royal Bathing Pool is situated directly adjacent to the Audience Hall
Sigiriya Excursions
Sigiriya is actually an old rock palace located near the town of Dambulla in the northern Matale District. Perched atop the cliff, the fortress is adorned with vibrant frescoes and features a massive lion-shaped entryway. You must see the various garden varieties here. The best examples of early urban planning can be found in Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It displays the architectural, artistic, hydraulic and city planning archeological wonders of Sri Lanka.
Thivanka Image House
The Thivanka Image House is a large brick structure in Polonnaruwa. It houses a Buddha statue known as Thivanka because of its unique feature of being bowed in three spots: at the shoulders, waist and knees. You will not find another Buddha statue like this one anywhere else in the world! The two-layered plastered wall surrounding the statue features wall paintings related to the Polonnaruwa time tour.
The Thivanka Image House is a large brick structure in Polonnaruwa
Travel Guide to Polonnaruwa for Firstimer Travelers
Learn About the History Of Polonnaruwa Kingdom
With an amazing history, Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient city in Sri Lanka. After the collapse of Anuradhapura in 993, Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka's second capital in 993 A.D.
The capital at the time was known as "Jananathapuram" and was under Chola dynasty authority. In 1070 A.D., the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I retook it after it had been the capital of the Chola Dynasty for three centuries.
To this day, travelers to the location can still marvel at the Polonnaruwa ancient places. They are the Cholas' Brahmin monuments, which attest to their rule.
Polonnaruwa Entrance Fee For Foreigners
For foreign visitors, the Polonnaruwa tickets are $25.00 USD per person, which is rather expensive (SAARC countries receive a 50% discount).
Although this could be too expensive for some people (backpackers, for example), it is well worth the cost because it grants entry to both the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins and the Polonnaruwa museums.
If you would rather have a guided bike tour of the complex, tours are available for you. In addition to covering the entrance charge, you will receive an English-speaking guide who will walk you through the complex's lengthy history.
TIP | Get there early to beat the heat and crowds.
Best Time To Visit Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa's weather is a complex phenomenon with two distinct monsoons. Therefore, December through March is the ideal time of year if you want to see Polonnaruwa's famous places.
In order to avoid the constant tropical heat and sun, as well as the crowds that start to form around 10 am, we highly recommend getting to Polonnaruwa as early as possible. We suggest getting there between 8 and 9 a.m.
December through March is the best time to visit Polonnaruwa
How To Get To Polonnaruwa
Like the majority of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is easily accessible, mostly because of the island's size and the wide variety of transportation choices available, such as buses, trains and tuk-tuks. But bear in mind that as Kaduruwela is regarded as Polonnaruwa new town, public transportation will typically arrive there.
The simplest and most economical ways to Polonnaruwa from nearby major towns and tourist destinations are listed below:
From Kandy to Polonnaruwa
You will save a great deal of time by selecting a taxi. You can get from Kandy to Polonnaruwa in 4 hours by taxi. This road is well-known for its picturesque routes, which you can only take at your own pace while taking a taxi. Midway, you can visit places like Dambulla and Matale.
Buses are another way to get from Kandy to Polonnaruwa. In this country, bus services are widely used by people. Bus travel to Polonnaruwa from Kandy is an option if you are on a tight budget but do not mind a longer trip.
From Colombo to Polonnaruwa
There are several options to consider when traveling from Colombo to Polonnaruwa.
It is advised that you use a taxi if you are planning a short journey. However, you can get a train from Colombo to Polonnaruwa if you would prefer to go more slowly and affordably. The mode of transportation you select for your journey will determine how much it will cost.
When selecting your train class, take everything into account. With 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and frequently air conditioning, the second class is usually pleasant enough.
Consider purchasing a first-class ticket if you want a premium experience. Wifi and a selection of food and beverages may be included in the cost of first-class tickets.
Conclusion
Polonnaruwa is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its impressive Polonnaruwa visiting places, from the majestic ruins of the Royal Palace to the serene landscapes surrounding Parakrama Samudra, every corner of this ancient city tells a story waiting to be discovered.
As you plan your adventure to explore the things to do in Polonnaruwa, don't forget that obtaining your Sri Lanka eVisa is a breeze. You can apply for a Sri Lanka eVisa conveniently through our website, without visiting the embassy or consulate. With just a few clicks and providing some basic documents, you will get your visa within 3 working days. So pack your bags, prepare for an adventure, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of this ancient city!
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