Gal Vihara
UNESCOFour colossal Buddha images carved from a single granite wall, among the greatest masterpieces of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture.
🕑 07:00–18:00
⏱ ~0.8 hr
🎟 Entry: Free
Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka's medieval capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city, where a compact ancient city of palaces, stupas and rock-cut Buddhas rings the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir.
Overview
Polonnaruwa was the island's second great royal capital after Anuradhapura, and its ruins are among the best preserved and most easily explored in Sri Lanka. Set in the dry-zone plains of North Central Province, the compact Ancient City packs royal palaces, monastery complexes, colossal brick stupas and the serene rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara into an area small enough to tour by bicycle in a day. Overlooking it all is the Parakrama Samudra, a 12th-century sea-like reservoir built by King Parakramabahu the Great. The modern town of New Town spreads to the east and makes a convenient, unhurried base for exploring the ruins and the wildlife parks nearby.
History
Polonnaruwa rose to prominence in the 11th century when King Vijayabahu I drove out the invading Chola dynasty and moved the capital here from Anuradhapura. It reached its zenith under King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186), who built its grandest monuments and the great Parakrama Samudra reservoir, and later under Nissanka Malla. After the 13th century the kingdom declined and the city was abandoned to the jungle, where its monuments lay overgrown until they were cleared and conserved in modern times. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Attractions
Polonnaruwa Vatadage (The Quadrangle)
UNESCOAn exquisite circular relic house at the heart of the Sacred Quadrangle, regarded as the finest surviving example of vatadage architecture in Sri Lanka.
🕑 07:00–18:00
⏱ ~1.0 hr
🎟 Entry: LKR 9000 (foreign)
Lankatilaka Image House
UNESCOA towering brick image house whose roofless walls soar around a great headless standing Buddha, one of Polonnaruwa's most dramatic ruins.
🕑 07:00–18:00
⏱ ~0.7 hr
🎟 Entry: Free
Medirigiriya Vatadage
A serene circular relic house crowning a low rock hill about 30 km north of Polonnaruwa, ringed by concentric rows of stone pillars.
🕑 07:00–18:00
⏱ ~1.0 hr
🎟 Entry: LKR 500 (foreign)
Rankoth Vehera
UNESCOThe largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, a great bell-shaped brick dome modelled on the ancient dagobas of Anuradhapura.
🕑 07:00–18:00
⏱ ~0.7 hr
🎟 Entry: Free
Statue of King Parakramabahu and Potgul Vihara
UNESCOA dignified rock-cut relief of a robed figure beside the Parakrama Samudra, popularly believed to portray the great king who built the reservoir.
🕑 07:00–18:00
⏱ ~0.5 hr
🎟 Entry: Free
Where to eat
Halal and Vegetarian-friendly options are tagged below. Kosher food is not commercially available here; observant travellers usually self-cater or contact a Chabad house.
Gemi Gedara Restaurant
Sri Lankan, Rice and Curry · Mid
A rustic garden restaurant set among paddy fields, known for a generous traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry spread of a dozen or more dishes, served with fresh fruit juices. Predominantly vegetable curries make it a fine choice for meat-free travellers.
Vegetarian-friendly
Polonnaruwa Muslim Hotel
Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget
A simple halal eatery near the New Town bus stand serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, a reliable halal option for travellers passing through the ancient city.
Halal
Vegetarian-friendly
Rajadhani Restaurant
Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese · Mid
A dependable town-centre restaurant serving authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry alongside Indian and Chinese dishes, with friendly service and plenty of vegetarian options.
Vegetarian-friendly
Reviews & traveler photos
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Travel tips
- Buy the Ancient City ticket at the archaeological museum near the reservoir before touring the main ruins.
- Rent a bicycle to link the scattered monuments in the cool of early morning; the terrain is flat and shaded in parts.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes and hats at Gal Vihara and the other sacred shrines; carry socks for the hot stone.
- The dry-zone sun is fierce, so start early and bring water, a hat and sun protection.
- Watch for wild elephants and toque macaques near the reservoir and on roads out to the wildlife parks at dusk.