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Trip Planner :  Asia  /  Sri Lanka  /  North Central Province  /  Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa

4.1
Historic Walking Areas · Monuments · Historic Sites
Lying 216 km (134 mi) from Colombo, Polonnaruwa offers a rich history second in Sri Lanka only to Arunadhapura. The major attraction in Polonnaruwa is a packed archeological park protecting the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage Site. Its masterful stone carvings, palace complexes, and temples dating back to the 11th century testify to splendor and grandeur of the former kingdom. Two nearby national parks, both centered around large ponds, provide a sanctuary for Sri Lanka's most iconic animals: elephants. Many visitors also choose to head to an 800-year-old reservoir complex to enjoy a nice picnic site and explore wildlife reserves. Plan your visit to Polonnaruwa and other destinations in Sri Lanka using our Sri Lanka trip planner.
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    Top Polonnaruwa tours

    FROM $39 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full-Day Private Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla
    4.7
    Duration: 10 to 12 hours
    Tours from $39 »
    FROM $110 BOOK WITH VIATOR Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple all inclusive Private Day Trip
    4.9
    Duration: 12 to 15 hours
    Tours from $110 »
    FROM $549 BOOK WITH VIATOR 8-Day Sri Lanka Classic Tour
    4.4
    Duration: 8 days
    Tours from $549 »

    Popular things to do in Polonnaruwa

    Polonnaruwa ©
    World heritage site
    Polonnaruwa
    4.4
    Duration: 3 hours
    Gal Vihara ©
    Monument
    Gal Vihara
    4.7
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Polonnaruwa Vatadage ©
    Monument
    Polonnaruwa Vatadage
    4.7
    Duration: 30 minutes
    Giritale Lake
    Water Body
    Giritale Lake
    Giritale
    5.0
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Side trips from Polonnaruwa

    Minneriya National Park ©
    National Park
    Minneriya National Park
    North Central Province
    4.2
    Duration: 8 hours
    Sigiriya Fortress ©
    World heritage site
    Sigiriya Fortress
    Sigiriya
    4.6
    Duration: 3h 30 min
    Pidurangala Rock ©
    Landmark
    Pidurangala Rock
    Sigiriya
    4.8
    Duration: 2 hours
    Golden Temple of Dambulla ©
    World heritage site
    Golden Temple of Dambulla
    Dambulla
    4.4
    Duration: 2 hours

    Hidden gems in Polonnaruwa

    Wasgamuwa National Park ©
    National Park
    Wasgamuwa National Park
    4.1
    Duration: 8 hours
    Lankathilaka Image House ©
    Historic Site
    Lankathilaka Image House
    4.6
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Sandakada Pahana ©
    Landmark
    Sandakada Pahana
    4.7
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    King’s Council Chamber ©
    Ruin
    King’s Council Chamber
    4.7
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Historic Sites in Polonnaruwa

    Somawathiya Stupa ©
    Religious Site
    Somawathiya Stupa
    4.6
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Pabalu Vehera ©
    Ruin
    Pabalu Vehera
    4.8
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Thivanka Image House ©
    Historic Site
    Thivanka Image House
    4.5
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    Dalada Maluwa ©
    Historic Site
    Dalada Maluwa
    4.6
    Duration: 1h 30 min

    Nature in Polonnaruwa

    Samudra Parakrama ©
    Water Body
    Samudra Parakrama
    4.4
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Parks in Polonnaruwa

    Angammedilla National Park ©
    Park
    Angammedilla National Park
    3.5
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

    Places to visit with Polonnaruwa

    Anuradhapura Trip planner BEST FOR: World heritage site, Religious Site, Architectural Building Habarana Trip planner BEST FOR: National Park, Religious Site, Nature / Park Kekirawa Trip planner BEST FOR: Monument, National Park Aralaganwila Trip planner BEST FOR: Park

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    Recently planned trips to Polonnaruwa

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