Location: Polonnaruwa
Top Things to do in Polonnaruwa
10 Things to Do in Polonnaruwa That You Shouldn't Miss
Poḷonnaruwa (Sinhalese: පොළොන්නරුව, Poḷonnaruwa or Puḷattipura, Tamil: பொலன்னறுவை, Polaṉṉaṟuvai or Puḷatti nakaram) is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
Restaurants in Polonnaruwa
1. Gal Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 649 reviews
Reviewed By Honisoiquimalypense - Derby, United Kingdom
This set of Buddhas was held up to be the best examples of rock carving by the ancient Sinhalese on the island - and I can honestly say - THEY ARE!! There are 4 buddha statues carved out of the granite rock face (in he 12th century) - and from left to right are (from left to right) the "seated image, "the Vidyhadhara Guha", the 'standing image" and the "reclining image". Size ranges from just over 4 feet for the Vidyhadhara Guha" to over 46 ft long for the "reclining buddha".
The carving of the buddhas and the surrounding rock ( in places) is very intricate. what gets you when you see the whole vista is the sheer size of it and the fact that it has remained in such good shape. To this end they have now erected a roof over it. I laso kiled the fact the in "internal" structure of the granite "flows" through the statues.
It is just plain lovely!!!!!!!
2. Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By Barnsey44 - Melbourne
This is another interesting ruin at Polonnaruwa. We had to remove our shoes to enter and cover our shoulders and knees. Our guide explained the ruins and the history of this place. Well worth getting a guide.
3. Lankathilaka Image House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Titus D - Sri Lanka
Lankathileke Image House is a must see master piece protected even by UNESCO. It is a mesmerizing piece of art, rock and brick architecture.This former library is now is an extensive set of ruins but nonetheless very impressive.
This site is quite impressive both on the outside and the inside.
How can you not be visiting when you see this place. Gigantic Buddha is made by bricks which is a magnificent sight to see and ponder. It makes a doubt in you as to how did they ever made this? It will take you back in time as you walk the grounds of this place.
I really loved the place and its full of archaeological ruins which made me wonder how the kings would have built these beautiful buildings centuries ago. I was lucky enough to see this after a downpour so the reflection of the Lord Buddha was breathtaking.
It was a lovely place to escape the heat and was a highlight of the complex.
Tour groups seem to arrive for about 5 seconds, snap away and then leave, which misses the point of appreciating the sheer size of the place.
King Parakramabahu whose statue is found at the bund of Parakramasamudraya who made it in 1500s the including frescoes. We were shown that behind the standing Buddah there is a passage from one side to the other capturing the air flow and keeping it lovely and cool. The intricate carvings are found on the walls inside and out are amazing.
This is so big. You won’t be able to take a photo if you don’t have a wide angle lens with you. It is amazing to hear the story behind this. Lankathilaka was one of the places that impressed me most in Polonnaruwa. The place towered over me with its incredibly high walls and a colossal statue of Buddha, the effect that is stressed by the narrowness of the building. The bars-reliefs on the outer walls are interesting to explore, though some are placed quite high and require binoculars or a good zoom on a camera to be properly seen.
Lankathileke Image House is a very nice location to visit. Apparently there is a bat cave behind the main imagery but they wouldn't let us enter and there was a security guard outside to prevent this.
What is remaining today gives an idea to how it would have been centuries ago. It is a grand structure which has sheltered a unique standing Buddha image of great height. Image of at least one guardian deity is still visible at the entrance.
Most of the wall paintings are faded and you'd be hard-pressed to see them clearly, especially in the interior where the lighting is sparse but still worth a visit.
Lankathileke Image House testifies a glory of ancient Buddhist architecture. A must visit for people with penchant for history, ruins of a magnificent Buddist temple built about 1000 years ago.
Overall, Lankathileke Image House is a very tranquil and atmospheric place which is a relief after the crowded central parts of Polonnaruwa complex.
With no shoes allowed on the religious sites, it can be uncomfortable to walk barefoot on the very hot sand and stones paths. It is best to wear socks. Make sure you go with someone who knows Polonnaruwa to understand these places. I recommend you to visit Lankathileke Image House.
4. Polonnaruwa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By newnhamites - uk
We would highly recommend Polonnarawu (people staying at our guest house who visited both Polonnarawu and Anaradhapura found the latter disappointing in comparison). Entry is not cheap - 25$ per person – but it is an impressive site, with well-preserved monuments and good landscaping. It is a generally peaceful site, with a prevailing air of calm and respect. The one exception was the completely inappropriate loud music blaring from the refreshments area half way round. We spent around four hours there which enabled us to visit all the temples and monuments. We spent a further 30 mins in the museum adjoining the ticket office.
Practicalities:
Polonnarawu covers a large area, so walking the whole site, which covers a large area, might be a challenge - particularly in the 30 degrees heat. We had hired a driver for the day so he came with us into the site (entry is free for locals) and dropped us off at each of the main areas to wander around at leisure – the car a/c in between stops was very welcome! Another option is to hire a bike outside the site, which a number of people did ( depending on where you hire bikes from the downside is that you may have to cycle for a stretch on the main road – contending with all the usual crazy Sri Lankan traffic- either at the start of the tour or end). Socks are recommended when entering the temples as it can be very hot underfoot. About half way round there are toilets – those for foreigners were clean & in a reasonably good condition. There were also the aforementioned refreshment stalls. There are similar facilities (albeit less clean toilets) just before the exit.
5. Polonnaruwa Archaeological Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 378 reviews
Reviewed By Craig T - San Rafael, California
We spent well over 3 hours here and could have stayed longer, but we had to drive 2 hours to our next destination. This was a huge city over 1000 years ago and there is a lot here to see. The best were the three Buddha statues at the end, one seated, one standing, one sleeping, all carved out of the living rock. Don't miss this place!
6. Medirigiriya Vatadage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Titus D - Sri Lanka
Medirigiriya is located little out of the way from Polonnaruwa but not very far. However, the stupa at Medirigiriya is very unique (better and a bigger than the Vatadage in Polonnaruwa) and one of the best conserved. Therefore it is recommended to visit here. Medirigiriya is located little out of the way from Polonnaruwa but close by. However, the stupa at Medirigiriya is very unique (better and a bigger than the Vatadage in Polonnaruwa) and one of the best conserved. Therefore it is recommended to visit here.
This monastery has a history since 3rd century BC. it's said that more than one king has contributed to this amazing place namely King Kanitta Thissa, King Agbo ii and king Sena ii from Anuradhapura kingdom as well as Parakramabahu the great from Polonnaruwa Kingdom. It is not clear which king built this, but was recorded as many kings renovated and extended the area. There had been a very modern hospital according to the Sri Lankan history and was destroyed by the Indian invasions by Kaliga Magha time to time. This is the part of Polonnaruwa ruin complex and one of the most remarkable objects were used as main temple and reliquaries.
Since this is a Buddhist pilgrimage place better to wear proper attire and also you'll need to remove your shoes and hats prior enter some areas. Before visiting it is advisable to read about the history or take a guide to visit this place since there is lot of hidden history.
Protruding up into the sky, stone pillars that once held up a roof that protected a stupa built from bricks. The stupa is still there but now very small mound. Again shoes off. Try to visit at a cooler part of the day. This is the part of Polonnaruwa ruin complex and one of the most remarkable object used as main temple and reliquarium.
It takes you back to ancient history. One should wonder what it would be like living in those days. In present days, one just enjoys what the past has to offer.
Since it is a religious place of worship you will have to remove shoes within some small areas. It can be really hot, so sunglasses, a cap, and a water bottle would come handy.
It is a marvellous construction. This is a monastery as well as an hospital according to the archaeological evidences.Protruding up into the sky, stone pillars that once held up a roof that protected a stupa built from bricks. The stupa is still there but now very small mound.
The whole of Polonnaruwa is marvel to relish and relive the past. Every little detail in stone is enjoyable and it is quite impressive. This place is not frequent visit by tourists but it is worth watching definitely. Anyone who visits the country should visit this place.
7. Weijantha Prasada
Overall Ratings
4 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By SreeAndGaya - Mumbai, India
Must visit the ruins of the palace of the kings. This is a multi-storeyed structure that is of course now in ruins. But looking at it you know it must have been beautiful and imposing in its time. Adds to the overall beauty of the ruins in Polonnaruwa.
8. Somawathiya Chaitya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Charith B - Colombo, Sri Lanka
Wonderful atmosphere in both eve and morning. You will see many elephants in the near vicinity at eve. 4-5pm. And many peacocks at morning between 7-9am. Good place to meditate. Daytime temperature is quite high, and therefore recommended in the morning and evening. If it's a rainy day, you need to update yourself of the flooding situation before going.
9. Sandakada Pahana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By mikeedeedee - Darlington
This intricately carved moonstone is found at the northern entrance to the Vadatage which is in the 'quadrangle' section of Polonnaruwa. We've seen many moonstones on our independent tour of Sri Lanka (including at Anuradhapura) but this is certainly one of the most impressive.
10. Archaeological Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By Craig T - San Rafael, California
We went to quite a few museums in Sri Lanka, and this was my favorite. It seems quite new and clean (compared to Anuradhapura, which was a bit of a dump), and the items in here are really nice. It doesn't overwhelm, you can go through it in 1/2 hour and get a sense of what you are about to see. Don't miss it!
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