Polonnaruwa

Mediaeval Capital of Sri Lanka

This is the last of the ancient capitals with extensive and elaborate architecture, as constant invasions forced the kings to embrace a nomadic life.

Located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, the Polonnaruwa Kingdom was established after the Anuradhapura Kingdom fell in 993 CE. It flourished for 3 centuries and gave birth to amazing architecture, art and sculptures – most of which survive to this day. Polonnaruwa was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

Famed for its well preserved sculptures and architecture

The Gal Vihara, is a rock temple known for the four rock relief statues of the Buddha, carved into the face of a granite rock

This ancient capital of Sri Lanka is steeped in historical and religious significance. It is famed for its well preserved palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Strong Indian influences melding with a growing Sri Lankan identity can be observed in the architecture, art and sculptures of this sprawling city. The Golden Age of Polonnaruwa is attributed to King Parakramabahu’s rule when trade and agriculture flourished.

Things to Explore

Sri Lanka has a plethora of amazing destinations, and you have the freedom to pick the ones you want during your tour.

Polonnaruwa Ruins

Despite being a thousand years old, the Polonnaruwa Ruins are in remarkably good condition, giving visitors a great glimpse into life in the past. The spaciously laid out planned city is quite conducive to exploration by bicycle or motor vehicles, which allows visitors to easily access its numerous ancient structures.

Gal Vihara

This rock temple is an excellent place to view examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpting and carving arts. It is most famous for the four rock relief statues of the Buddha, carved into the massive granite rock. The carving style here is quite different to the style from the Anuradhapura period.

Quadrangle

Located within the inner city of the ancient city, the Dalada Maluwa (Terrace of the Tooth Relic) or the Quadrangle, as it is also known, is quite an intriguing place. It is a sacred precinct tightly packed with 12 magnificent buildings in a raised up area surrounded by a wall.

Rankot Vihara

Built by King Nissanka Malla and constructed with clay bricks, this stupa is rumoured to have soared to a height of 200 feet originally. However the shape of this stupa, inspired by Anuradhapura’s Ruwanwelisaya, changed through the ages due to renovations by successive rulers and now stands at 108 feet.

Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu

Built in the 12th century, this palace had 1,000 chambers spread out across 7 stories and was a truly magnificent structure. It was unfortunately plundered and razed to the ground during a Chola invasion during the 14th century. UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1982.

Archaeological museum of Polonnaruwa

The museum is home to artefacts that have been excavated from sites within and around the ancient city. It is quite an educational place that helps visitors to understand the way of life of the people of ancient Polonnaruwa, as well gather more in depth information about the ancient capital.

Kiri Vihara

Commissioned by Queen Subhadra, the consort of King Parakramabahu, the Rupavathi Stupa was built in the 12th century. After being covered in whitewash, the white colour of the 80-foot tall structure lent itself to comparisons to milk, resulting in it being known as ‘Kiri’ (milk) ‘vehera’ (stupa).

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Vatadages are constructed to safeguard stupas, but this particular one is significant as it was built by King Parakramabahu to protect the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Some historians dispute this and claim it was constructed by King Nissanka Malla to hold the alms bowl of the Buddha.

Parakrama Samudra

Built to realise King Parakramabahu’s vision of "do not let even a drop of rainwater in this country go to the sea without use", the massive Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) reservoir is an amalgamation of 5 separate reservoirs. The reservoir was built to support agriculture during the dry seasons.

Visit here in this tours

Indulge in a great mix of experiences, adventures and relaxing downtimes created especially for you.

8 days / 7 nights

Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka – 8 days

This holiday will take you on a quick journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting...

14 days / 13 nights

Cultural Highlights of Sri Lanka – 14 days

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21 days / 20 nights

21 Days – Sri Lanka in Depth

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14 days / 13 nights

All Aboard the Grand Sri Lankan Tour!

This train tour of Sri Lanka will take you on a wonderfully scenic journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you...

14 days / 13 nights

The Sri Lankan Food Safari

During this 2 week culinary adventure you will discover history, mysteries and a riot of flavours in regional specialities and street food universally loved...

19 days / 18 nights

The Definitive Architecture Tour of Sri Lanka

This Architecture tour will take you on a wonderful journey across the ages to discover some of Sri Lanka’s major architectural masterpieces, and along...

15 days / 14 nights

Discovering Geoffrey Bawa and Sri Lanka

This Geoffrey Bawa discovery tour will take you on a journey of Bawa’s greatest works, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...

14 days / 13 nights

An Island Romance

Whether you are newlyweds or a couple rekindling their romance, this honeymoon holiday in Sri Lanka is the perfect getaway! Experience breath-taking locations, luxurious...

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Picture Perfect Holiday

This photography holiday will take you on a wonderful journey to discover Sri Lanka’s beauty, and along the way you will have exciting encounters...

10 days / 9 nights

Sri Lanka Highlights

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13 days / 12 nights

Arts, Culture and Everything Between

This art discovery tour will take you on a journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s aesthetic aspects, and along the way you will have...

14 days / 13 nights

Tales of Sri Lanka ; Family Vacation

We have handpicked a variety of hotels with family or interconnected rooms mostly with swimming pools. You will spend minimum time to get to...

10 days / 9 nights

Two wheels are all you need!

With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...

Possible experience from here

Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.

4 hours

The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family

Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.

Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya

Dambulla

3 - 4 Hours

Greatest Elephant Gathering Safari – Minneriya National Park

Experience an action-packed safari to witness The Elephant Gathering, listed by Lonely Planet as one of the Top Ten Wildlife Spectacles in the World,...

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Anuradhapura

3 Hours

Climb The Ancient Rock Mountain – Pidurangala

Experience a mesmerising sunrise and view of Sigiriya Rock , at a mountain top peppered with caves and cells used by 3rd-century monks.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

3 hours

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Journey and Champagne Breakfast

Explore the skies of Dambulla heritage city in a hot air balloon, and watch the first rays of the sun gently kiss the misty...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

3 Hours

An Authentic Sri Lankan Rural Village Experience

Experience the authentic way of life, traditions, and livelihood of a typical Sri Lankan village with this holistic, non-touristic excursion.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Anuradhapura

3 Hours

Red Soil & Water. Authentic Pottery Experience

Witness the ancient Sri Lankan art of clay pottery-making dating back thousands of years

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

4 Hours

Bear Woods Safari and Lakeside Tea Time – Wasgamuwa National Park

‘Wasgamuwa’ is derived from ‘Walas Gamuwa’, meaning Bear Woods. So, if you visit the sloth bear woods today, why not enjoy a lakeside picnic...

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Kandy

4 - 5 Hours

Cycle in the Shadows of the 5th Century Rock Fortress – Sigiriya

Uncover hidden villages while cycling around the 8th wonder of the world – Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Dambulla

Hotels around this location

Whether it’s a Rustic & Eco-friendly Homestay, a Mid-range Villa or a High-end Boutique Villa, every property that we recommend to you has been thoroughly checked by our team to ensure it meets the high standards we hold them to.

The Other Corner

Situated on a sizable 5-acre property close to the village of Habarana, these chalets are concealed from view, providing seclusion and sanctuary while you...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya Jungles

Escape to a world where you can live luxuriously and embark on explorations to learn more about Sri Lanka's fascinating history.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

BOB Pidurangala

This retreat, which the villagers themselves have named "Kurulu Uyana" or Bird Park, is tucked away in 4 acres of forest at the base...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

EKHO Sigiriya

Considered one of the favourite stays in Sigiriya mainly for its location, .EKHO Sigiriya is in a destination like no other. Once the seat...

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

EKHO Lake House

EKHO Lake House is situated in the heart of Polonnaruwa on the banks of the largest man-made reservoir in the world, Parakrama samudraya and...

Polonnaruwa

Jetwing Lake

In front of Jetwing Lake lies the Siyambalawewa Tank in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. The hotel is illuminated by the constant sunshine that permeates...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Ayurvie Sigiriya Retreat

Ayurvie Sigiriya is a Sri Lankan retreat that celebrates the beauty of its natural surroundings.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Kalundewa Retreat

Tucked away in a lovely 100-acre area, you might want to refer to this Dambulla hotel as your heavenly hideaway.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya Jungles

Escape to a world where you can live luxuriously and embark on explorations to learn more about Sri Lanka's fascinating history.

Sigiriya

Polonnaruwa

Heritance Kandalama

The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Amaara Forest Sigiriya

Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Vil Uyana

Overlooking King Parakramabahu I’s artificial lake, emerged in forest that speaks of so much history, Jetwing Vil Uyana sits amidst paddy lands and reed...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Heritance Kandalama

The eighth wonder of the world, the rock stronghold of Sigiriya, is seen from where Heritance Kandalama is situated. The hotel is located close...

Sigiriya

Dambulla

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa

Mediaeval Capital of Sri Lanka

This is the last of the ancient capitals with extensive and elaborate architecture, as constant invasions forced the kings to embrace a nomadic life.

Famed for its well preserved sculptures and architecture

The Gal Vihara, is a rock temple known for the four rock relief statues of the Buddha, carved into the face of a granite rock

Things to Explore

Sri Lanka has a plethora of amazing destinations, and you have the freedom to pick the ones you want during your tour.

Polonnaruwa Ruins

Gal Vihara

Quadrangle

Rankot Vihara

Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu

Archaeological museum of Polonnaruwa

Kiri Vihara

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Parakrama Samudra

Visit here in this tours

Indulge in a great mix of experiences, adventures and relaxing downtimes created especially for you.

8 days / 7 nights

14 days / 13 nights

21 days / 20 nights

14 days / 13 nights

14 days / 13 nights

19 days / 18 nights

15 days / 14 nights

14 days / 13 nights

14 days / 13 nights

10 days / 9 nights

13 days / 12 nights

14 days / 13 nights

10 days / 9 nights

Possible experience from here

Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.

4 hours

3 - 4 Hours

3 Hours

3 hours

3 Hours

3 Hours

4 Hours

4 - 5 Hours

Hotels around this location

Whether it’s a Rustic & Eco-friendly Homestay, a Mid-range Villa or a High-end Boutique Villa, every property that we recommend to you has been thoroughly checked by our team to ensure it meets the high standards we hold them to.

Private Touring

Exclusive, private and customised just for you

Every journey with Experiential Journeys is a privately guided tour and there’s room for spontaneity too!