Polonnaruwa Tourism - Ancient Place In Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa, a marvel of a place, is in Northern Sri Lanka. The city once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa under the Chola Empire in the 10th century. This makes it the second most historic kingdom in Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura.

The entire town has two sections - the development and infrastructure part called the Polonnaruwa new town and the Old Site with ancient remains and monarchical structures.

The old part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has numerous ruins dating back to 800 years comprising of tombs, temples, statues and stupas. Within the town, is the celebrated quadrangle, Gal Vihara – Buddhist 12th century rock temple, Archaeological museum, Polonnaruwa Vatadage – holds the relic of the tooth of Buddha, Rankot Vihara – a 12th century stupa, Hatadage - an ancient relic shrine and the Lankathilaka – a cathedral type Buddhist temple and many other statuettes dedicated to Lord Buddha.

Another beauty is the wildlife in the Minneriya National Park dedicated to elephants. It has the most significant elephant gathering in the whole of Asia. A jeep safari there will show you around monkeys, iguana, crocodiles pelicans and various animals and birds in their natural habitat. The eerie ruins of Polonnaruwa are home to the Potgul vihara – an age-old library with domes for roofs that hold sacred books and a lecture theatre. The eternal city has beautiful landscapes for pictures.

November to March is the time to be in Polonnaruwa

The weather is warm and gets colder around December, and there are fewer chances for precipitation. Your stay will be hassle-free if you could avoid the rains. June – August is drier and remains sunny with barely any rainfall. While September – November sees minimal tourists who would make the stay inexpensive; January, July and August see the most visitors. Winter from December to February presents a favourable climate. The temperature is peaceful, which is why tourists step foot between these three months. The presence of trees and lush greenery aid the tropical, temperate climate. Watching elephants in the Minneriya National park that too, in huge numbers would be possible in the dry seasons of July – October. As good as 300 elephants gather together to drink water from the reservoir, and it is indeed a sight to see!

Tourist attractions to see in Polonnaruwa

 The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu

 Rankoth Vehera

 Archaeological Museum, Polonnaruwa

 Kiri Vihara

 Polonnaruwa Vatadage

 Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

 Dalada Maluva, Polonnaruwa

 Angammedilla National Park

 Pothgul Viharaya, Polonnaruwa

 Manampitiya Bridge, Polonnaruwa

 Giritale Wewa, Polonnaruwa