Location: Polonnaruwa
Top Things to do in Polonnaruwa
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The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
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. Polonnaruwa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,582 reviews
Reviewed By paulsY2649EH - Binfield, United Kingdom
Our guide took us here as part of a cultural triangle tour - medieval capital of Sri lanka - wonderful history going back 1000 years and very well presented - the history is quite superb and whilst it is quite spread (so allow plenty of time) it is well worth a long visit - ignore traders who approach you - as others have said not too busy
2. Sandakada Pahana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By Kai_Wah - Malaysia, null
Buddhist religious site with influence of Hinduism culture. The significant sights at this site are the impressive rock carvings which include the famous moonstone of semicircular shape carvings at the foot of first flight of step at the staircase and the guarding gods carvings at the entrance. It is included in the entrance fee of USD25 for the Polonnaruwa Ancient site. Well worth the value as part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
3. Gal Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 848 reviews
Reviewed By phait_lee - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A very serene and quiet ancient site which has 4 Buddha statues. Visiting this site brings serenity and peace. A rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure and a reclining figure. Our guide explained the 4 carved statues represent the 4 stages of Buddha. First statue on the left represents Buddha achieving enlightenment, second statue is in a seated position representing Buddha preaching, third statue is a standing Buddha contemplating suffering and the final one in reclining position represent Buddha in deathbed.
4. Dimbulagala Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By dilashdesilva - Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka
It is a historic Buddhist monastery , 16 Km away from Polonnaruwa town , known for it's late head prelate , Most ven . Kithalagama Seelalankara thero who was killed by LTTE terrorists. Easy access with carpeted road . A large cave with many colourful but irregularly constructed statues. Panoramic view from the Akasa chithya at the top of the mountain but you must go there in the morning or at least before 3 Pm to climb the rock ( Not allowed after 5 PM )
5. Somawathiya Chaitya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By ychampathit - Colombo, Sri Lanka
If you’re a nature lover and a photography enthusiast it is definitely a place to travel as it is filled with elephants, greenery, adventure trip of 1 hour, extreme rural Pagoda where world’s most respected tooth relic is stored.
6. Dalada Maluwa
7. Hetadage
8. Rankoth Vehera
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By phait_lee - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Giant stupa with a gold pinnacle. This is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the fourth largest stupa in the country. Our guide told us that the exterior of the stupa was originally white but the British discovered the stupa and found it overgrown. The British restored it and to the current state now. To take a closer look one has to remove shoes and hat.
9. Kumara Pokuna
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By GlobeTrotters4001 - Brisbane, Australia
Perhaps not as grand as the twin Royal Ponds in Anuradhapura but still worth a look down a flight of steps from the Kings Chambers. Yes it may be old an dirty, but just marvel at how it must have been in the King's time and the ornate carvings and the manner in which water was collected and channelled to this pond. All part of the great ancient site of Polonnaruwa and glad our guide took us to this site.
10. Thuparama
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