What to do and see in Polonnaruwa, North Central Province: The Best Sights & Landmarks

June 13, 2021 Natalie Tallman

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

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/201
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,582 reviews

Polonnaruwa

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

Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
51%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 107 reviews

Sandakada Pahana

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. Siva Devale No 2

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Siva Devale No 2

4. Gal Vihara

440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka 94777835266 http://www.srilankandriversguides.com
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 848 reviews

Gal Vihara

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. Thivanka Image House

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka http://amazinglanka.com/pollonnaruwa/thivanka/thivanka3.php
Excellent
48%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Thivanka Image House

Reviewed By Kai_Wah - Malaysia, null

This is one of my favourite parts of the ruins at Polonnaruwa Ancient Site. Another awe-inspiring architecture built by the King Parakramabahu, The Great since 12th century. Intricate details of carvings of the exterior complex with amazing murals/ wall paintings at the interior of the structure with three massive Buddha statues housed here, hence the given name as Thivanka which literally means three curves. No photo-takings allowed inside the complex in order to protect the murals. Must-visit as part of the sites at Polonnaruwa Ancient Site with entrance fee of USD25. Well worth the penny especially for history buff!

6. Buddha Statue

Elahera-Giritale Road, Giritale, Polonnaruwa 51026 Sri Lanka
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Buddha Statue

7. Lankathilaka Image House

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Excellent
56%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 183 reviews

Lankathilaka Image House

Reviewed By DipuKV - Pune, India

The image houses at various points are interesting, Lankathilaka being a prime example. Worth a visit.

8. Dimbulagala Monastery

Mahiyangane-Dimbulagala-Dalukkane Hwy, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Dimbulagala Monastery

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 )

9. Somawathiya Chaitya

Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Somawathiya Chaitya

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.

10. Medirigiriya Vatadage

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 98 reviews

Medirigiriya Vatadage

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.

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