Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka's Medieval Archaeological Marvel
Welcome to Polonnaruwa: The Golden Age Capital
Step into the golden age of Sri Lankan civilization at Polonnaruwa, the island's second ancient capital and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in South Asia. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the pinnacle of medieval Sinhalese architecture, engineering, and artistic achievement during the 11th to 13th centuries.
From the magnificent Gal Vihara rock sculptures to the impressive Royal Palace complex, Polonnaruwa offers an extraordinary journey through Sri Lanka's most prosperous era. Unlike Anuradhapura's spiritual focus, Polonnaruwa represents the perfect blend of religious devotion and royal grandeur, making it an essential destination for understanding the island's rich cultural heritage.
Entrance Fee for ancient city of Polonnaruwa
$25 USD for foreign visitors
Includes archaeological site access and museum
Opening Hours
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Last entry at 5:30 PM
Best Time
Early morning or late afternoon
Avoid midday heat
Cultural Triangle Tours (Recommended)
- • Package Tours: 2-3 day Cultural Triangle packages
- • Includes: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla
- • Transport: Air-conditioned vehicles with guide
- • Best option: Most comprehensive and educational
🌟 Recommended: Ceylanka Tours specializes in Cultural Triangle expeditions with expert archaeological guides who bring ancient Polonnaruwa to life with fascinating historical insights and professional service.
Transportation Options
From Colombo
- • Distance: 216km (134 miles)
- • Duration: 4-5 hours by car
- • Cost: $60-90 USD private transport
From Sigiriya
- • Distance: 55km (34 miles)
- • Duration: 1.5 hours
- • Ideal: Combined Cultural Triangle tour
From Kandy
- • Distance: 140km (87 miles)
- • Duration: 3 hours via A9 highway
- • Route: Scenic drive through central Sri Lanka
💡 Pro Tip: Start early morning visits to avoid crowds and heat. Most visitors combine Polonnaruwa with Sigiriya and Dambulla as part of a Cultural Triangle tour for the best historical experience.
Opening Hours:
- Daily: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Best Time: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)
- Avoid midday heat (11 AM - 3 PM)
Entry Fees (2025):
- Foreign Adults:$30 USD
- Foreign Children (6-12):$15 USD
- SAARC Nationals:$15 USD
- Bicycle Rental:$5 USD
Places to Visit in Polonnaruwa
The centerpiece of Polonnaruwa, this magnificent palace complex once stood six to seven stories tall with hundreds of rooms. Built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, it represents the pinnacle of medieval Sinhalese architecture.
- Six to seven stories with hundreds of rooms
- Walls up to 3 meters thick for structural support
- Advanced drainage and ventilation systems
- Royal audience hall and private chambers
Kumara Pokuna aka Royal Bath
Adjacent to the Royal Palace lies the sophisticated royal swimming pool, a testament to the advanced engineering capabilities of ancient Sri Lanka. This rectangular pool features dragon mouth spouts and an intricate water filtering system.
- Original stone steps and platforms preserved
- Advanced water filtering and circulation system
- Decorative crocodile mouth water spouts
Located inside the Deepa uyana.The palace complex of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AD) is a remarkable example of late Polonnaruwa period architecture. Known for its extensive stone inscriptions and unique architectural features, this complex provides invaluable insights into royal life and governance during medieval Sri Lanka.
Palace Features:
- Three-story royal residence
- Stone-carved lion throne
- Council Chamber with stone seats
- Royal bathing pool
Famous Inscriptions
- • Detailed records of royal appointments
- • King's genealogy and achievements
- • Administrative regulations
- • Royal court protocols
Historical Significance:
- Most detailed inscriptions from medieval Sri Lanka
- Evidence of advanced administrative systems
- Insights into medieval royal court life
There are over 20 inscriptions throughout the palace complex, providing invaluable insights into the reign of King Nissanka Malla and medieval Sri Lankan governance. Galpotha sellipiya
Built entirely of stone in the South Indian Dravidian style during the 11th century, Shiva Devale No. 2 is one of the oldest structures in Polonnaruwa. Its remarkable preservation and architectural precision make it a significant example of ancient Hindu temple architecture.
- Complete stone construction without mortar
- Traditional Dravidian architectural features
- Original stone doorframe and steps
- Evidence of ancient Hindu worship practices
Pabalu Vehera, meaning "Pearl Shrine," was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I and was reportedly funded by pearl merchants. This Buddhist stupa showcases the typical architectural style of the Polonnaruwa period with its unique features and historical significance.
- Traditional bell-shaped stupa design
- Surrounded by smaller stupas and shrines
- Evidence of ancient merchant patronage
- Well-preserved stone moonstone and steps
This extraordinary structure features 48 pillars carved to resemble lotus stems, creating one of the most photographed architectural elements in Sri Lanka. Built by King Nissanka Malla, it showcases the artistic sophistication of the period.
- 48 unique lotus-shaped stone pillars
- Each pillar has different decorative motifs
- Royal throne platform in the center
- Excellent example of Polonnaruwa architecture
The Lotus Pond is a unique architectural creation shaped like an eight-petaled lotus flower. This ancient swimming pool demonstrates the advanced engineering and artistic capabilities of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
- Unique Eight-petaled lotus-shaped design
- Advanced hydraulic engineering
- Original water filtering system
- Perfectly preserved structure
- Underground water supply system
Built by King Nissanka Malla as a royal reception hall, the Audience Hall represents one of the finest examples of Polonnaruwa period architecture. This magnificent structure served as the venue for royal audiences, state functions, and important ceremonies. The intricate lotus-shaped pillars symbolize purity and nobility, demonstrating the king's sophisticated artistic vision and advanced architectural knowledge.
- Royal reception and audience hall for state functions
- Built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AD)
- Open-air pavilion design for ceremonial purposes
- Testimony to advanced medieval Sinhalese engineering
Sacred Buddhist Sites
Considered the pinnacle of ancient Sinhalese sculpture, Gal Vihara features three magnificent Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock face. These 12th-century masterpieces represent the finest Buddhist art in Sri Lanka.
- Three Buddha statues in different poses (a seated Buddha in meditation, a standing Buddha with arms crossed, and a reclining Buddha representing his final nirvana)
- 14-meter reclining Buddha (largest in Gal Viharaya)
- Exquisite facial expressions and details
- Active place of worship and pilgrimage
The Polonnaruwa Vatadageya is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic ancient structures a circular relic house built to protect sacred Buddhist relics. Dating to the 12th century, it features concentric stone platforms, beautifully carved guard stones, and a famous moonstone at the entrance. Four Buddha statues face the cardinal directions, symbolizing protection and enlightenment.
- Unique circular shrine architecture
- Intricate moonstone and guard stones
- Four Buddha statues facing cardinal points
- UNESCO World Heritage highlight
- Four seated Buddha statues in pristine condition
- Intricate moonstone and guard stones
- Concentric stone platforms
- Remarkable stone craftsmanship
The Hatadage, built by King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD), served as both a sacred relic shrine and royal library. Its name suggests it once housed sixty Buddhist relics, including the sacred Tooth Relic. This remarkable structure combines religious significance with royal grandeur, featuring exquisite stone carvings and architectural innovations of the Polonnaruwa period.
Architectural Features:
- Three Buddha statues in seated position
- Distinctive stone columns and moonstone
- Elaborate guard stones and stone carvings
Historical Significance:
- Former home of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Served as royal library and document repository
- Inscriptions detail King Nissankamalla's achievements
🏛️ Historical Note: The name "Hatadage" is believed to derive from "hata" (sixty) and "da" (relic), referring to the sixty relics once housed here. The building's dual role as both religious shrine and royal library makes it unique among Polonnaruwa's monuments.
The Thivanka Image House is one of Polonnaruwa's most unique religious monuments, famous for its Buddha statue in a distinctive three-bend posture (thivanka) and its remarkably preserved medieval frescoes. Dating to the reign of Parakramabahu I, this temple showcases some of the finest examples of Polonnaruwa period art.
- Unique three-bent posture Buddha statue (only one of its kind)
- Rare 12th-century frescoes depicting Jataka tales
- Original painted plaster still visible on walls
- Architectural features blend Sinhalese and South Indian styles
🎨 Art Historical Note: The frescoes here are particularly significant as they represent a unique style bridging classical Anuradhapura and medieval Polonnaruwa periods.
The Sathmahal Prasada is a unique seven-storied pyramid-style building that stands out from typical Sinhalese architecture. Its design shows possible influences from Southeast Asian temple architecture, particularly from Cambodia and Thailand, suggesting international cultural connections during the Polonnaruwa period.
- Unique stepped pyramid design with seven levels
- Shows possible Cambodian architectural influence
- One of the few surviving multi-storied structures
- Evidence of international cultural exchange
🏛️ Architectural Note: This structure is particularly important as it demonstrates the international connections and architectural diversity of medieval Sri Lanka.
Built by King Nissanka Malla, this impressive dagoba stands 54 meters tall and follows the classic Anuradhapura style. It's the fourth largest dagoba in Sri Lanka and represents the continuation of ancient Buddhist architectural traditions.
- 54 meters tall with 170-meter circumference
- Built in traditional Anuradhapura style
- Surrounded by smaller stupas and ruins
- Well-preserved with original lime plaster
This impressive brick structure stands 17 meters tall and houses a colossal standing Buddha statue. Though the statue's head is missing, the temple remains one of Polonnaruwa's most photographed monuments, showcasing medieval architectural grandeur.
- 17-meter tall brick structure
- Houses 12-meter standing Buddha statue
- Intricate brick and stucco work
- Excellent preservation of medieval architecture
Other important places to visit
The Sea of Parakrama
This massive reservoir, covering 2,400 hectares, demonstrates the advanced hydraulic engineering of ancient Sri Lanka.
Did You Know? The Parakrama Samudra was so vast that ancient mariners mistook it for the ocean when approaching from the sea, hence its name "The Sea of Parakrama"!
- • Built by connecting three separate reservoirs
- • 14 km long embankment system
- • Sophisticated sluice and spillway design
- • Still functions after 800+ years
Architectural Artistry
You can see the statue of King Parakramabahu who successfully united the three kingdoms of the island under one rule and built a magnificent empire. Also launched a punitive expedition against Burma in the 1160s and another later in 1180. But, some scholars present an alternative interpretation, suggesting this is a statue of Pulastya Rishi, an ancient sage from Hindu mythology, based on certain iconographic features.
Nearby Archaeological Wonders
Discover more ancient treasures within Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The iconic Lion Rock fortress showcasing 5th-century royal architecture and ancient frescoes nestled in jungle wilderness.
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first capital featuring sacred Buddhist dagobas, monasteries, and one of the world's oldest continuously worshipped trees.
Dambulla Cave Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five rock-cut Buddhist caves with over 150 Buddha statues and ancient murals.
Minneriya National Park
Witness one of the world's largest elephant gatherings in a natural wetland sanctuary teeming with wildlife.
Suggested Day Trip Combinations
🏛️ Cultural Triangle Classic
Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya → Dambulla (Full day)
Experience the three pillars of Sri Lankan cultural heritage in one epic journey.
🐘 Ancient Capitals & Wildlife
Polonnaruwa → Anuradhapura → Minneriya (2 days)
Combine ancient archaeology with wildlife spotting for a complete Central Sri Lanka experience.
Complete Visiting Guide
Entry Fees & Tickets
- • Foreign adults: $25 USD
- • Foreign children: $12.50 USD
- • SAARC nationals: Discounted rates
- • Valid for same day only
Best Time to Visit
- • Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM)
- • Late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM)
- • Avoid midday heat (11 AM-3 PM)
- • Dry season: May to September
Transportation
- • Bicycle rental (most popular)
- • Three-wheeler (tuk-tuk)
- • Private car with driver
- • Organized tour groups
Photography Tips
- • Golden hour lighting at Gal Vihara
- • Wide-angle lens for palace ruins
- • Respectful distance from Buddha statues
- • Drone photography requires permits
What to Bring
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sun protection and water
- • Modest clothing for temples
- • Camera with extra batteries
Cultural Etiquette
- • Remove shoes at Buddha statues
- • Don't point feet toward statues
- • Maintain respectful silence
- • Follow photography guidelines
Polonnaruwa represents the golden age of Sri Lankan civilization, where royal grandeur and spiritual devotion created architectural masterpieces that continue to inspire wonder today. As you explore this ancient city, you're walking through the dreams and achievements of medieval kings who transformed their vision into stone and brick.
From the artistic perfection of Gal Vihara to the engineering marvel of Parakrama Samudra, every structure tells a story of human ambition, creativity, and devotion. Take time to appreciate not just the monuments themselves, but the sophisticated society that created them over 800 years ago.
May your exploration of Polonnaruwa inspire you with the timeless beauty of human achievement! 🏛️👑✨