Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the royal capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century. Today its ruins form a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is best explored by bicycle, from the Royal Palace and the circular Watadageya to the giant rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Viharaya.
Hidden Gems
- Cycle between the ruins, the site is flat and shaded.
- Gal Viharaya's reclining Buddha is 14 metres long.
- Sunset over the Parakrama Samudraya reservoir.
Best Time to Visit
January to September is driest. Start early, the site is large and gets hot by noon.
Weather Today
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Top Attractions in Polonnaruwa
Gal Viharaya
Four huge Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock face.
Royal Palace Ruins
The remains of King Parakramabahu's seven-storey palace and audience hall.