Polonnaruwa Attractions

Top Things to Do in Polonnaruwa

Things to Do in Polonnaruwa


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Polonnaruwa.


Top Attractions in Polonnaruwa

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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What travellers are saying

  • JR_Essex
    Chelmsford, UK549 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the ancient city of Polonnaruwa as part of our tour of Sri Lanka. There is a small museum you can visit first, which gives an overview before you actually enter the complex, worth a visit but hot and stuffy. The complex itself is vast and would recommend the use of a guide if you want to get a good understanding of the ancient city.
    A visit here is an essential part of any visit to Sri Lanka
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dashers2014
    Cambridge, UK657 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Still standing after nearly a thousand years or more. The moonstones speaks volumes on their own! The statues are incredible. Of course they could have been maintained better but glad there is still some remains left of the ancient Polonaruwa Dynasty. Evidence that it must have been a very rich monarchy all those centuries ago ! Definitely worth a visit if in the region.
    Written 21 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • centralvic
    Ballarat, Australia551 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's just one piece of granite, with 4 statues of Buddha carved into it..
    Just amazing.
    There are so many statues of Buddha in Sri Lanka, nut all are beautiful to see..
    Written 27 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tai S
    Ratmalana, Sri Lanka32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A good friend of mine called me for a trip to wasgamuwa.. was amazing! I was highly reluctant to go as I never been to wasgamuwa however I wanted to try and see... check the place out... it was a nice place they had booked near the park...

    we got to see elephants and bears and other animals... this park has no leopards... maybe 1 or 2 not sure didn't see but mainly ppl come for birding and elephants!

    We had an awesome cook the place we stayed... we got the ingredients and they made the food... we stayed in a bungalow sort of which was open to the outside ...

    I highly recommend a portable mosquito net (this is to keep out not only the mosy but other insects that come at night when sleeping) that can be folded and taken on trips you can get them from arpico super store...

    Also each time before you goto sleep please lift the bed mattresses and check underneath for any insects

    also get some mosquito repellant as well... :D
    Written 18 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fer
    Colmenar Viejo, Spain2,573 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is the vaulted type (gedige) image house built by king Parakramabahu the Great (1153‐1186 AD) and it is the largest image house built in ancient Sri Lanka.
    Written 27 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 635nadi22
    Sydney, Australia32 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An ancient Buddhist monastery, the Vatadage currently house the ruins of several structures, some of which are built on rocks. The main feature is the circular temple with pillars and 4 statues of Buddha, wonderfully preserved for being so old. There are several other structures including more Buddha statues and a stupa built on rocks. A bit further up the same premises, there is an ancient hospital - this was adjoining a forest area from which a deer family emerged - a very pleasant surprise!

    We went on a weekday so there maybe 6 other people in total so we had the whole place to ourselves. The site is charming and serene, with a couple of ponds and the view from the top of the structure very pretty. I believe there is no entrance fee (there wasn't when we went) and there was no parking charge either. But keep in mind, this is a fair bit away from the main sites of Polonnaruwa/Dambulla etc, so it may not be getting a lot of tourists. However, if you have some time, and feel up for a (slightly) off the beaten path trek, this is a charming place to visit. Accessibility wise - there are a few steps to climb, but generally an easy visit.
    Written 20 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ayesha Imalki
    Matugama, Sri Lanka5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Somawathiya Chaitya is a Buddhist stupa located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. It is a place where amazing events take place as the right tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. Due to this reason it has gained a special attraction of local and foreign tourists. My favorite place to go is Somawathi. A place that brings more freedom to the mind.
    Written 18 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter M
    Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This in in Polonnaruva Sri Lanka. It was constructed by King Parakamabahu 1 (1153-1188). It is famous for its 100 paintings. It was covered by jungle for 500 years and rediscovered in 1855 by SM Burrows
    Written 14 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kai Wah
    Malaysia2,803 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Buddhist religious site with influence of Hinduism culture. The significant sights at this site are the impressive rock carvings which include the famous moonstone of semicircular shape carvings at the foot of first flight of step at the staircase and the guarding gods carvings at the entrance. It is included in the entrance fee of USD25 for the Polonnaruwa Ancient site. Well worth the value as part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
    Written 12 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kai Wah
    Malaysia2,803 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Although there is no definitive findings about the person of this stature, it is believed to be the statue of the famous King Parakramabahu I who instructed to construct this statue since 12th century. King Parakramabahu I made many contributions during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom with extensive construction of irrigation system that flourished the agricultural activities at that time. His popular sayings was - “No rain water should flow into the sea without being useful to man”. Worth to check this out for quick visit for 5-10 mins especially after the learning about the history of this King.
    Written 12 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • zaawaaz
    Singapore, Singapore118 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take a walk around the site behind it too. The area is quite sandy, be prepared with the feet ;) Good to circle around it
    Written 14 December 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Terry M
    Hamilton, Canada4,647 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    More than 8m long and over 4m wide, this 25 ton block records the deeds of Nissankamalla. Mention is made of India, Pakistan and Indonesia. Ats its metaphorical center is of course Nissankamalla, expounding his deeds to all. Its journey reminds you of the building of pyramids in Egypt and the massive stone heads on Easter Island.
    Written 6 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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