Sri Lanka's medieval capital, best explored by bicycle: royal palaces, temple quadrangles and the serene rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara.
When Anuradhapura fell in the late 10th century, the kings of Sri Lanka moved their capital to Polonnaruwa. Under King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186) it became one of the great cities of South Asia, with palaces, monasteries and the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir that still irrigates the plains today. The ruins are compact and well preserved, and the whole site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Royal Palace Group: the remains of Parakramabahu's palace, once said to be seven storeys high, and his council chamber with carved elephants.
- The Quadrangle: the densest cluster of buildings, including the circular Vatadage with its moonstones and guardstones, and the Gal Pota, a stone book carved with inscriptions.
- Rankoth Vehera: a large brick stupa in the style of Anuradhapura.
- Gal Vihara: four Buddha figures carved from one granite rock face, including a 14-metre reclining Buddha. It is one of the finest examples of Sinhalese sculpture.
- Lankatilaka: a towering brick image house with a headless standing Buddha.
How to explore
The ruins stretch for several kilometres, so rent a bicycle in town or hire a tuk-tuk for the day. Visit the archaeological museum first: it explains the layout and your ticket includes it.
Tips
- Cover shoulders and knees at the temples and remove shoes and hats where signs ask.
- Carry water; shade is limited.
- Pair Polonnaruwa with an afternoon safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla, 30 minutes away.
