Polonnaruwa became the capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th century, after Anuradhapura fell, and reached its height under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th. It was abandoned in the 13th century and is now the most compact and legible of the island’s ruined cities — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, set in parkland beside the vast reservoir Parakramabahu built.
From Sigiriya it is an easy day trip of about 55–60 km each way.
Top things to do at Polonnaruwa
The Quadrangle
A raised terrace crowded with the city’s most sacred buildings, including the circular Vatadage with its moonstones and guardstones — the single most beautiful structure in Polonnaruwa.
The Gal Vihara
Four Buddha images carved from a single long face of granite in the 12th century: a seated figure, a smaller one in a niche, a standing figure and a 14-metre reclining Buddha. Many consider them the finest sculptures in Sri Lanka.
The Royal Palace and the great stupas
The thick brick walls of Parakramabahu’s palace still stand several storeys high; further north the Rankoth Vehera and Kiri Vehera stupas rise from the trees.
Cycle it
The ruins are spread along a few flat kilometres of quiet road, and bicycles can be hired near the entrance. It is the most enjoyable way to get around.
How to get to Polonnaruwa
- From Sigiriya: about 1–1.25 hours by car via Habarana. By bus, go to the Habarana or Inamaluwa junction and change to an eastbound bus.
- Tickets: buy them at the archaeological museum before entering; foreign adults pay around US$30 (check current rates).
- As a tour: a day tour combining Polonnaruwa with a Minneriya safari makes efficient use of the same road.
Insider tips
- Start early — there is little shade among the ruins and the middle of the day is fierce.
- Shoes and hats come off at every shrine; the stone can be scorching, so carry socks.
- Cover shoulders and knees, as at any Buddhist site.
Best tours & tickets for Polonnaruwa
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Polonnaruwa:
Day tour from US$55 Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom & Minneriya Elephant Safari
Polonnaruwa and the Minneriya park gate lie on the same road east of Habarana, so pairing them is logical: ruins in the morning, elephants in the afternoon. A full, satisfying day for a second or third day in Sigiriya.
- The medieval capital of Polonnaruwa with a guide
- The Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddhas
- Afternoon elephant safari on the way back
