Map of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

🏞️ What to Do in Polonnaruwa

Immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of Polonnaruwa through diverse activities that showcase the city's cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.

• Best Budget Activity in Polonnaruwa:

  Polonnaruwa Ancient City Cycling Tour: Explore the ancient ruins and archaeological sites of Polonnaruwa on a budget-friendly cycling tour, offering a unique perspective of the city's history.

• Best Mid-Range Activity in Polonnaruwa:

  Wildlife Safari at Minneriya National Park: Embark on a safari adventure at Minneriya National Park to witness the gathering of elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat, promising an unforgettable mid-range experience.

• Best Luxury Activity in Polonnaruwa:

  Hot Air Balloon Ride over Polonnaruwa: Soar above the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in a hot air balloon, enjoying panoramic views of the ruins, lakes, and lush landscapes for a luxurious and scenic experience.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Polonnaruwa

Indulge in the flavors of Polonnaruwa with its vibrant culinary scene offering a mix of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and international cuisine. Must-try foods include Kottu Roti, Hoppers, and an array of fresh seafood dishes.

• Best Budget Restaurant in Polonnaruwa:

  Mango Tree•$:

• Best Mid-Range Restaurant in Polonnaruwa:

  The Rice Boat•$$:

• Best Luxury Restaurant in Polonnaruwa:

  Royal Rock Villa•$$$:

• Best Budget Bar in Polonnaruwa:

  The Chill Bar•$:

  Arrack cocktail

• Best Mid-Range Bar in Polonnaruwa:

  The New Moon Bar•$$:

  Ceylon Tea Infused Martini

• Best Luxury Bar in Polonnaruwa:

  The Lake Lounge•$$$:

  Wine tasting with gourmet cheese platter

🏰 What to See in Polonnaruwa

Discover the ancient wonders and architectural marvels of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ruins of kingdoms past and cultural significance.

• Polonnaruwa Ancient City

  Explore the ruins of palaces, temples, and bathing pools that showcase the grandeur of the ancient city and the engineering prowess of its builders.

• Gal Vihara

  Marvel at the rock sculptures of Lord Buddha at Gal Vihara, including the iconic standing Buddha statue and intricately carved reliefs.

• Parakrama Samudra

  Visit the expansive reservoir of Parakrama Samudra, a testament to ancient irrigation systems and a tranquil spot for scenic views and birdwatching.

• Polonnaruwa Royal Palace

  Step back in time at the ruins of the Polonnaruwa Royal Palace, imagining the royal splendor that once graced these halls.

• Lankatilaka Temple

  Admire the architectural beauty of Lankatilaka Temple, featuring a massive brick wall and a towering image house that exudes serenity and grandeur.

🛍️ Where to go shopping in Polonnaruwa

Discover the vibrant shopping scene of Polonnaruwa, offering a variety of unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products that showcase the city's cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

• Best Budget Shopping Place in Polonnaruwa:

  Polonnaruwa Market: Explore the bustling Polonnaruwa Market for budget-friendly shopping, where you can find an array of fresh produce, spices, handmade crafts, and traditional souvenirs.

• Best Mid-Range Shopping Place in Polonnaruwa:

  Prithi Handicrafts: Browse through Prithi Handicrafts for a diverse collection of traditional Sri Lankan handicrafts, wood carvings, gemstones, and textiles at affordable prices.

• Best Luxury Shopping Place in Polonnaruwa:

  Jetwing Spice Trail: Indulge in a luxurious shopping experience at Jetwing Spice Trail, offering exquisite Sri Lankan spices, teas, local art pieces, and designer souvenirs for a touch of elegance.

🚍 Getting Around Polonnaruwa

• Public Transport

  In Polonnaruwa, the primary mode of public transport is buses. These buses are frequent and affordable, making them a convenient option for getting around the city. The prices are usually very reasonable, with fares starting at around 30-50 Sri Lankan Rupees. Buses operate on specific routes and have set schedules, so it is important to check the timings beforehand. Additionally, there are also tuk-tuks available for shorter distances, offering a more flexible but slightly more expensive mode of transportation.

• Main Transportation Hubs

  The nearest transportation hubs in Polonnaruwa include the Polonnaruwa Bus Stand, which is the main bus terminal in the city. From here, you can catch buses to various destinations within and outside Polonnaruwa. There is also a railway station located nearby, offering train services to different parts of the country. For those traveling by air, the nearest airport is the Sigiriya Airport, approximately 40 kilometers away from Polonnaruwa.

• Rental Services

  🚗 Car Rentals: There are several car rental services available in Polonnaruwa, such as ABC Car Rentals and XYZ Rent-a-Car. Prices for car rentals vary depending on the type of vehicle and duration of hire, with rates starting at around 3000 Sri Lankan Rupees per day.