Polonnaruwa Travel Guide

Check out this comprehensive travel guide about Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka, featuring the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, where to stay, and safety tips.


Introduction to Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is one of the most ancient cities in Sri Lanka and was declared as the second capital of the country by King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century A.D. It’s located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka and is rich in historical and cultural significance, featuring well-preserved ancient ruins, some of which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this travel guide, we’ll explore some of the most important places to visit in Polonnaruwa, best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is home to several historical and cultural sites, including religious monuments, ancient ruins, and museums. Here are some of the top attractions you shouldn’t miss out on your trip to Polonnaruwa.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Polonnaruwa Vatadage - a circular relic house, which was built in the 11th century A.D., showcasing Buddhist influence and architecture
  2. Gal Vihara - a collection of four Buddha statues, carved into a granite boulder in the 12th century A.D., depicting Buddha in different poses
  3. Rankoth Vehera - a massive dagoba (a Sinhalese stupa), built in the 12th century A.D., which is one of the most massive structures in Polonnaruwa
  4. Lankathilaka Viharaya - a temple dating back to the 12th century, with a stunning statue of Buddha and an impressive entrance and moonstone courtyard
  5. National Museum of Polonnaruwa - a museum that houses artifacts and objects from the medieval period of Sri Lanka, including pottery, coins, and statues

Natural Attractions of Polonnaruwa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Parakrama Samudraya - an artificial lake built in the 12th century, used for irrigation purposes and offers stunning scenic views
  2. Minneriya National Park - go on a jeep safari to witness magnificent elephants, bird species, and other wildlife
  3. Wasgamuwa National Park - another great place for a safari tour, known for its biodiversity
  4. Dimbulagala Mountain - a mountain that offers hiking opportunities and boasts a historic temple atop the summit
  5. Puwakpitiya Dam - another scenic man-made lake with boating opportunities

Hiking/Biking Routes of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa offers some of the best biking or hiking routes in the country, allowing visitors to explore the stunning nature and ancient ruins. Some of the most popular routes include:

  1. Polonnaruwa Heritage City - a cycle route that includes the most significant historical sites in the city
  2. Gravel Hopper Cycling Tour - a guided cycling tour that takes visitors to local villages, including a tea factory tour and tasting session
  3. Polonnaruwa - Wasgamuwa Trail - a hiking route through tea plantations and catch stunning views of the countryside
  4. Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya - a challenging trek that takes you to the historic Sigiriya rock fortress.

Best Things to Do in Polonnaruwa: Activities and Tours

Apart from exploring the historical and natural attractions, there are several other activities and tours you can participate in that offer a great experience in Polonnaruwa. Here are some of the best things to do:

  1. Cooking Classes - learn how to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes like curry, dhal, and coconut sambol
  2. Elephant Ride - an unforgettable experience where visitors can ride on an elephant in the natural habitat
  3. Polonnaruwa By Night - watch the cultural shows and light displays, which are considered a must-see in the city
  4. White Water Rafting - a fun experience for adventure seekers, which takes place near Wasgamuwa National Park
  5. The Ancient City Tour - a tour guide will take you to the main historical sites while providing insight into their historical significance

Week-Long Itinerary for Polonnaruwa

A week-long itinerary would offer visitors plenty of time to explore Polonnaruwa’s attractions, food, and culture. Here’s a sample itinerary for you:

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Day 2: Explore the historical sites in Polonnaruwa Heritage City. Day 3: Participate in a cooking class or take the Ancient City Tour. Day 4: Visit Minneriya National Park for a jeep safari or go on a hiking trip to Sigiriya. Day 5: Go on a cycling tour or visit Wasgamuwa National Park for a safari. Day 6: Visit the local markets, try tasting different local dishes, and shop for souvenirs. Day 7: Relax at the hotel, go boating in the nearby lake, and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Food and Drink Scene of Polonnaruwa

Sri Lankan cuisine and local drinks in Polonnaruwa are diverse and delicious, reflecting the cultural influences of the country. Here are some must-try dishes and local drinks that you should try.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kiribath - a traditional Sri Lankan dish made of rice cooked in coconut milk, which is usually served in special events
  2. Kottu Roti - a famous street food made with shredded flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood
  3. Dhal Curry - lentil soup cooked with a blend of spices and coconut milk
  4. Roti - a type of flatbread that can be filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings.
  5. Fish Curry - a staple dish that represents the Sri Lankan cuisine, prepared with a mix of spices and coconut milk.

Local Beverages

  1. Arrack - a local spirit made of fermented coconut flower sap and aged in oak barrels
  2. Ceylon Tea - Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and it’s a must-try when visiting the country
  3. King Coconut Water - a refreshing and healthy beverage that’s widely available across the country
  4. Woodapple juice - a local drink made of the fruit of the wood apple tree, which is known for its health benefits.

Where to Stay in Polonnaruwa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Polonnaruwa has a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the top places to stay in the city:

  1. Kandalama Hotel - a luxurious five-star resort with modern amenities and stunning views of the Sigiriya rock fortress
  2. Lake Leisure Resort - a beautiful resort in a tranquil location, with a delightful garden, swimming pool, and restaurant facility
  3. The Lake House - a charming guesthouse located near the lake offering beautiful lake views
  4. Hot Springs Hotel - one of the best budget-friendly options that offer all needed amenities with a beautiful location near natural hot springs.

What to Buy in Polonnaruwa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Polonnaruwa is a great place to shop for souvenirs, including handicrafts, natural products, and clothing. Here are some of the best local products you can bring home:

  1. Ayurvedic Products - Sri Lanka is known for its natural and organic Ayurvedic products, such as essential oils, soaps, and skincare products
  2. Spices - Cinnamon, Vanilla, and clove are some of the best spices you can buy in Polonnaruwa
  3. Handicrafts - There are some beautiful handicrafts that showcase the local culture, such as wooden masks, pottery, and jewelry.
  4. Hot Springs items - Hot springs in the area also have natural products like foot cream and body butter.

Local Culture and Customs of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa follows traditional Sri Lankan customs, like most of the island. Local people are very friendly and welcoming towards tourists. Visitors are required to maintain respect towards the cultural and religious places that include wearing clothes that cover the knees or shoulders in religious places. Alcohol is not readily available in some places as drinking is not deemed appropriate in Buddhist culture.

Best Time to Visit Polonnaruwa

The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is between February to May and August to November. The weather is typically dry and sunny during these months, ideal outdoor activities, cultural sites, and wildlife watching opportunities. During these months, rainfall is low and the temperature ranges from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Do’s and Don’ts of Polonnaruwa

Do:

  1. Dress modestly - avoid skin exposure in religious places
  2. Respect local customs and traditions
  3. Learn some commonly used phrases in Sri-Lankan to greet locals warmly
  4. Try local food and drinks.
  5. Take mosquito repellent with you in outdoor activities areas.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect religious sites and traditions.
  2. Touch any wild animals or feed them during jungle safaris in national parks
  3. Litter in public places, take care of nature
  4. Drink alcohol in religious places as it is not respectful in Buddhist culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is considered safe for tourists. It is recommended to keep important documents safe in the lockers provided by hotels and avoid flashing expensive items in public areas. Always be cautious late at night, especially if you are alone.

Health in Polonnaruwa

It is good to be aware of potential diseases that you might encounter and to take necessary precautions. Vaccination for Hepatitis B and other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever, which can be fatal, is necessary. Always use mosquito repellent, sleep in a mosquito net and drink bottled water to prevent stomach illnesses.

Getting to Polonnaruwa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors can travel to Polonnaruwa by road, rail or air. Here are some of the travel options:

Airports Near Polonnaruwa

  1. Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo - 04.5 hours from Polonnaruwa
  2. Trincomalee Airport – 02 hours from Polonnaruwa

Bus Stations Near Polonnaruwa

  1. Central Bus Station, Polonnaruwa - National buses travel to major cities such as Colombo
  2. New Town Bus Station - Local buses travel to nearby towns such as Habarana, Dambulla

Other Options

Visitors can opt for car rental services or take a taxi from the airport or Colombo. A comfortable train ride from Colombo is also recommended, but it must be booking in advance. It takes around eight hours, but you’ll witness some incredible landscapes and the costs are budget-friendly.

How to Get Around in Polonnaruwa

Hiring a bicycle or tuk-tuk are the two best options to travel around Polonnaruwa. Bikes can be rented from local shops or hotels, as well as tuk-tuks; affordable and convenient, especially for large groups.

Where to Go Next from Polonnaruwa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions visitors can enjoy after their visit to Polonnaruwa. Here are some of the top places to visit:

  1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress - a UNESCO heritage site located just 36 km away from Polonnaruwa
  2. Anuradhapura - an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its historic Buddhist temples located 90 km away
  3. Kandy, a popular city famous for its rich heritage and nature, located 100 km away.
  4. Trincomalee - A beach town located 140 km away is known for its beautiful beaches, diving and surfing spots.

Conclusion

Polonnaruwa is a city full of history, culture, and natural attractions that visitors will enjoy. Its historical sites, natural landmarks, and delicious cuisine make it a great destination for travelers who want to discover the beauty of Sri Lanka. By following the tips and suggestions in this guide, visitors will have a memorable experience in Polonnaruwa.

Lankatilaka Temple Lankatilaka Temple