Polonnaruwa Hotels

Listed as a World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa is steeped in history. With lush surrounds, you can take in the ancient wonders of Lankatilaka Temple, the Statue of King Parakramabahu (of water-saving fame) and the Buddhist university complex Alahana Pirivena, while the National Park is only a short jaunt out of town. And after long days of archaeological, historical and spiritual submersion, you can rest easy knowing no one is going to have your head for staying in the shower for longer than two minutes!

Polonnaruwa’s Top 10

Polonnaruwa History

• Royal Palace – Comprised of a hall, council chamber and royal bath dating from King Parakramabahu’s reign.
• Shiva Devale No. 2 – This stone Hindu temple attests to the Indian dominance during the Chola period.
• Stone Book (Gal Potha) – This massive stone is inscribed with King Nissankamalla’s accomplishments.
• Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudra) – A huge, 12th-century manmade reservoir anchoring the ancient irrigation system.
• Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum – Contains artefacts found amongst the ruins and scale models of Polonnaruwa buildings in their heyday.

Polonnaruwa Art & Culture

• Gal Viharaya (or Gal Vihara) – One of the best-known attractions in Polonnaruwa with giant stone Buddhas in standing, sitting and reclining poses.
• Vatadage – A well-preserved circular shrine housing the tooth relic of Buddha and with a lovely moonstone step.
• Thuparamaya Image House – Gedige building with a pyramid-shaped roof constructed of brick that combines Hindu, Mauryas and North Indian architectural styles.
• Lankatilaka Image House – This tall shrine built of clay bricks with a giant Buddha statue is one of Polonnaruwa’s most impressive ruins.
• Kiri Vihara – A well-preserved unrestored dagoba nicknamed “Milk White” for its exterior.

Polonnaruwa Shopping

• Sathosa – A supermarket located across from the People’s Bank.
• Polonnaruwa Market – Locals sell produce and small trinkets along the main roads into Polonnaruwa's Old Town.
• Polonnaruwa Rest House – Located by the museum, it has bike hires and guide books for purchasing.
• Polonnaruwa New Town – The town centre has small shops and local produce vendors.
• Waruna Antiques – Find antiques and souvenirs in this shop in nearby Kandy.

Gay & Lesbian Polonnaruwa

Homosexual rights are not officially recognized by the government in Sri Lanka, although social rules are more relaxed. However, gays and lesbians should still use discretion if they feel uncomfortable. The gay and lesbian scene in Polonnaruwa is underdeveloped.

• Visit Sri Lanka – This tour company offers gay- and lesbian-friendly guides, drivers and accommodations in Polonnaruwa.
• Royal Lotus – This lavish hotel in Polonnaruwa has a poolside bar and an Ayurvedic spa.
• Deer Park Hotel – Sumptuously appointed quarters make this friendly hotel popular with couples.
• Hotel Sudu Araliya – Boasts Western amenities like mini-bars, cable TV and a poolside bar.
• New Araliya Sinhala Hotel – Sample some delicious local curries with great service at this spot.

Polonnaruwa Events

Sri Lanka get patriotic in February for Independence Day, celebrated with flag hoisting, parades and dancing.

Have another go at sticking to your resolutions in April, when the Sinhalese New Year is welcomed with deafening firecrackers.

Falling in April or May is the Veska Festival, also known as Buddha’s birthday, which Polonnaruwans seem to enjoy more than their own.

The most spectacular religious procession in Asia takes place in July or August. For the ‘Festival of the Tooth’, or Esala Perahera, even the elephants don costumes and fairy lights.

Deepavali translates to ‘Festival of Lights’ and couldn’t have been more aptly named (October/November).

When To Go

Polonnaruwa enjoys a tropical climate and is warm throughout the year.

October to January experiences torrential downpours thanks to the monsoon season.

The driest and most pleasant time to visit is from February to September.

Getting Around

Bicycles can be rented from most hotels, and the streets are very cycle-friendly.

Relatively cheap and reliable bus services will take you to the ruins situated further out of town.

Three-wheeler taxis are also available in abundance. They are a bit pricier, but more fun!

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