The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, also known as the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site, lies in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was the medieval capital of the island, and its ruins date from the 11th to the 13th centuries. For a visitor interested in the island's past, it is one of the places where that history can be seen on the ground.
What you will see
The site holds remains of palaces, temples and Buddha statues, many of them in good condition. Walking between the monuments gives a sense of how the old capital was laid out, and of the scale of the religious and royal buildings that once stood here.
Planning a visit
- Setting: The ruins are spread across an open area, so expect to walk a fair distance in the heat of the day.
- Time needed: A visit can fill half a day or more, depending on how closely you want to explore the monuments.
- Contact: For questions before you travel, the site can be reached by telephone at +94 27 2222299.
- Address: Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Because the site is an archaeological one, it suits visitors who enjoy history, architecture and quiet exploration more than those looking for lively nightlife. Bringing water, sun protection and comfortable shoes will make the walk around the monuments more pleasant.