Polonnaruwa

About Polonnaruwa

Discover the magnificent ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's splendid medieval capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More compact and better preserved than Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's golden age of art and architecture. The ancient city is filled with impressive palaces, colossal Buddha statues, and grand irrigation works that showcase the prosperity of the 12th-century kingdom.

The heart of the ancient city is the Sacred Quadrangle, a compact group of stunningly ornate ruins. However, the artistic pinnacle of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a rock temple featuring four breathtaking Buddha statues carved from a single granite cliff face. Cycling is the best way to explore this ancient capital, allowing you to ride between majestic ruins and alongside the vast Parakrama Samudra, a man-made sea created by the great King Parakramabahu.

Key Attractions & Experiences

• Gal Vihara (Rock Temple): Marvel at the four serene and masterfully carved Buddha statues, a highlight of ancient Sinhalese sculpture.
• The Sacred Quadrangle: Explore the dense collection of ruins, including the beautiful Vatadage (Circular Relic House) and the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya.
• Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I: Visit the remains of this once-massive, seven-story royal palace and its impressive audience hall.
• Parakrama Samudra: Cycle alongside this vast, ancient reservoir, a testament to the incredible irrigation engineering of the time.
• Lankatilaka Vihara: Stand in awe of this giant brick image house with its colossal, though now headless, Buddha statue.
• Kiri Vehera Stupa: Admire this large, perfectly preserved "milk-white" stupa, which stands in its original, unrestored condition.