Location: Polonnaruwa
Top Things to do in Polonnaruwa
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The 10 Best Things to do 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. Wasgamuwa National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By vertigrow
Wanted a park with few crowds and in an area where roads weren’t congested. Wasgamuwa was perfect. Booked a three hour trip for $60 including park fees and enjoyed it all. Only two other cars there all afternoon, beautiful scenery and saw lots! Monitor lizards, mongoose, buffalo , spotted deer, and lots of elephants - really close too!
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Lankathilaka Image House
6. 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.
7. Medirigiriya Vatadage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By danushkabm - Mawanella, Sri Lanka
Very Beautiful Ancient Buddhist Structure Builded using Rocks. This place located in a middle of a Forest but easy to Visit. Calm and quiet place.
8. Polonnaruwa Vatadage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By sydneysider48 - Sydney, Australia
This is a world heritage site of great beauty and interest. The site is well preserved and maintained and contains a number of historic remains most of which are intricately carved with beautiful designs, symbols, images and intricate scenes. As so often happens at these historic sites one marvels at the beauty of these ancient monuments and finds it difficult to imagine them in all their glory when they were intact, gilded and highly decorated.
9. 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.
10. Archaeological Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By phait_lee - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The museum gives a quick introduction of what to expect from the Polonnaruwa archaeological site. It mainly showcases the 3 great kings of Sri Lanka, and the civilisation, education and religion that they brought to the people. Unfortunately you can’t take pictures inside the museum.
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