Polonnaruwa

• Polonnaruwa ancient city Must see

  DirectionsOpen in Maps

  The 11th to 13th-century royal capital, best explored by bicycle or car, ending at the rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara.

  3 hr 30 min · Morning · 07:00 to 17:00US$30 foreign adultofficial priceDetails

  US$30 for foreign adults, payable in rupees at the CCF rate (LKR 336 per US$ on 14 Oct 2026).

• Kaudulla National Park safari

  DirectionsOpen in Maps

  An afternoon jeep safari around the Kaudulla tank, where large herds of elephants come to graze. Drivers often switch between Kaudulla and Minneriya depending on where the herds are.

  3 hr 30 min · AfternoonLKR 12,000 to LKR 25,000to confirmDetails

  Per person estimate: park fees for foreign adults (US$25 entry plus a US$10 service charge and a small vehicle charge, with 18% VAT, about US$42 in all) plus a share of a jeep; confirm with your driver.

• Parakrama Samudra

  DirectionsOpen in Maps

  The great 12th-century reservoir on the edge of town. Walk or cycle along the bund at sunset, when fishermen and bathers are out.

  45 min · SunsetFree entryDetails

Worth the trip if you have time. The planner leaves these out unless you add them.

• Gal Vihara

  A rock temple made in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I, with a seated, a standing and a reclining Buddha cut from one granite face. The reclining figure is the largest.

  40 minCover shoulders and kneesDetails Add to a tripDirectionsOpen in Maps

  Covered by the Polonnaruwa ancient city ticket (see the Polonnaruwa entry).

• Vatadage

  A circular relic house with carved stone steps and guardstones, in the old Quadrangle. It was built either by Parakramabahu I for the tooth relic, or by Nissanka Malla for the alms bowl.

  35 minCover shoulders and kneesDetails Add to a tripDirectionsOpen in Maps

  Covered by the Polonnaruwa ancient city ticket (see the Polonnaruwa entry).

• Kiri Vehera

  A well-preserved 12th-century stupa, the "Milk Stupa", in the Alahana Pirivena monastery near the Lankatilaka image house.

  20 minCover shoulders and kneesDetails Add to a tripDirectionsOpen in Maps

  Covered by the Polonnaruwa ancient city ticket (see the Polonnaruwa entry).

• Rankoth Vehera

  A large stupa in Polonnaruwa built by Nissanka Malla, who ruled from 1187 to 1196.

  25 minCover shoulders and kneesDetails Add to a tripDirectionsOpen in Maps

  Covered by the Polonnaruwa ancient city ticket (see the Polonnaruwa entry).

• Medirigiriya Vatadage

  A circular relic house on a rocky rise, ringed by slender stone pillars. Older than the better-known Vatadage at Polonnaruwa and usually empty of visitors.

  45 minCover shoulders and kneesDetails Add to a tripDirectionsOpen in Maps

  A small fee may be charged; confirm on the day.

Nearby places to stay

• SigiriyaAbout 1 hr 30 min by carPlan with both
• DambullaAbout 1 hr 45 min by carPlan with both
• PasikudahAbout 2 hr by carPlan with both

When is the best time to visit Polonnaruwa?

February to September. October to January brings most of the rain. A dry-zone town. Rain comes mainly from October to January; the elephant gatherings at Minneriya and Kaudulla peak from around July to October as the tanks shrink.

How long should you spend in Polonnaruwa?

Plan on 1 night, or a day trip from Sigiriya.

How do you get around Polonnaruwa?

Hire a bicycle in town or keep your driver. The site is about 5 km from end to end.

What are the main things to see in Polonnaruwa?

Polonnaruwa ancient city, Kaudulla National Park safari, Parakrama Samudra.