Polonnaruwa is an ancient capital in north-central Sri Lanka, in the North Central Province. It is known for its medieval ruins, which date from the 11th and 12th centuries and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For many visitors it is a chance to walk among the remains of a royal city that once stood at the centre of the island's political life.
What you will see
The archaeological site is spread across a wide area, so a visit tends to be unhurried. Among the features visitors typically come to see are:
- the ruins of royal palaces and administrative buildings
- stone shrines and image houses set among the old walkways
- carved figures and stone works that show the craft of the period
- open grounds where the layout of the old city can be traced
Planning your visit
Polonnaruwa suits people who enjoy history, archaeology and quiet exploration. Because the site is large and largely open to the sky, many visitors prefer to go early in the day, when it is cooler and less crowded, and to wear comfortable shoes for walking over uneven ground. A guide can help make sense of how the ruins fit together.
The surrounding area has its own character. The town and its neighbouring countryside offer a rural setting, and the wider region is one of the island's historic heartlands, so a visit can easily be part of a longer journey through the ancient sites of Sri Lanka.
