Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa Hotels & Polonnaruwa District Travel Guide

Let’s see what we can do in Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa District is located in the North Central Province. This district has many historical sites of value in Sri Lankan history. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is world-famous. The postal code of Polonnaruwa is 51000.

Polonnaruwa has a variety of Polonnaruwa hotels and accommodation options, from affordable guest houses to luxury resorts. You can book Polonnaruwa hotels from hotelexpress.lk, and also check out Polonnaruwa tours. So let’s continue, best tour guide.

History of Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa was a royal capital from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The city flourished under King Parakramabahu I. However, in the 13th century, Polonnaruwa was invaded and eventually abandoned. Polonnaruwa became famous for its advanced irrigation systems, monumental architecture, and vibrant culture. Today, Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Polonnaruwa Weather.

The Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka experiences high temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 30–35°C (86–95°F). Occasional rainfall and thunderstorms occur during the monsoon season. Humidity levels are generally moderate to high. The weather is warm, with strong sunshine and cloud cover.

The way from COLOMBO to POLONNARUWA.

It takes 4 to 6 hours to travel from Colombo to Polonnaruwa by bus.
It takes approximately 4 hours and 30-50 minutes to travel from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Polonnaruwa Railway Station. There are about 3 departures per day.
It takes approximately 3 hours and 15-20 minutes to travel from Colombo to Polonnaruwa by car or private vehicle.

The BEST Things to Do in POLONNARUWA.

Polonnaruwa District is known for its historical value. Let's see what the Polonnaruwa tourist places attractions are.

Parakrama Samudrya.

Parakrama Samudraya, built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, is a massive ancient reservoir in Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest and most impressive irrigation tanks in the country, showcasing the ingenuity and engineering skills of ancient Sri Lankan civilization, as well as water management. Parakrama Samudraya is an essential source of water for agriculture as well as all other daily activities. It is a major tourist attraction in Polonnaruwa.

Girithale Wewa.

Giritale Wewa, located near the Minneriya National Park, is an ancient reservoir in Sri Lanka. The primary purpose of the creation of Giritale Wewa was to support agriculture. It is known as a very complex design. This Wewa is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants and birds, and many tourists and photographers come to experience the beauty of this environment.

Ancient Bhikku Hospital.

The ancient Bhikkhu Hospital in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, was built in the 9th century to cater to the medical needs of Buddhist monks. It is a historical site worth visiting to learn about the healthcare, advanced medical knowledge, and infrastructure of ancient Sri Lanka. The site contains the remains of hospital buildings, medicinal baths, etc.

Nishshanka Mandapaya.

Built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century, the Nissanka Mandapa is a historical site in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is said to have been used for royal ceremonies. The mandapa has a series of stone pillars with intricate carvings of various animals, humans, and mythical creatures. It is a beautiful site that demonstrates Sri Lankan architecture, artistic talent, and historical significance.

Dimbulagala Raja Maha Viharaya.

Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharaya is located in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist temple complex of historical value. The temple is famous as a revered pilgrimage site. This sacred site consists of ancient caves, rock inscriptions, cave paintings, and sculptures. Local and foreign tourists come to climb Dimbulagala Mountain and view the surrounding landscape.

Polonnaruwa Nelum Pokuna.

This beautifully designed pond is shaped like a lotus flower and is located in the city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is said that it was used as a bathing pool by monks. The intricate design of the Lotus Pond is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of ancient Sri Lankans.

Sathmahal Prasadaya.

The Sathmahal Prasadaya is located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Built in the 12th century, it is called the Sathmahal Prasadaya because it is designed with seven floors. History enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the advanced architectural skills of Sri Lankan craftsmen come to visit it. This stupa has a different shape from other stupas. That is, this stupa has a unique pyramid shape.

Hetadagaya.

Built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century, the Hatadageya is located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The Hetadageya is also known as the "House of the Tooth Relic". The reason for its name is said to be that it was believed to have been built to house the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. The carvings here are extremely beautiful.

Kaudulla National Park.

Kaudulla National Park, located in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka, is a protected area established in 2002. Kaudulla National Park is a vital habitat, especially for elephants that migrate through the park. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bears and many species of birds. Consisting of wetlands and forests, this national park offers safari tours to tourists.

Somawathiya National Park.

Established in 1986, Somawathiya National Park covers an area of 37,645.5 hectares. It is a national park under the Mahaweli River Development Project. It is home to elephants, leopards, bears, sambar deer, and over 400 species of birds, and consists of riverine forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The best time to visit is during the dry season.

Minneriya National Park.

Minneriya National Park is a protected area and is home to a large number of Asian elephants, as well as other animals such as leopards, bears, and various bird species. Known for its natural beauty, the park consists of a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It offers opportunities for safari tours and bird watching and has become an important site for conservation work in Sri Lanka.

Maduru Oya Reservoir.

Maduru Oya Reservoir is an important water body located in the Maduru Oya National Park. It is built across the Maduru Oya River. This reservoir supports agriculture and all the daily activities of the people. Maduru Oya Reservoir also provides a habitat for various wildlife, including elephants and other animals that inhabit the national park.

Polonnaruwa visiting places.

Lake and Rivers:

Girithale Wewa, Kadawalawewa Tank, Parakrama Samudraya, Verugal Aru Anicut, Piburettewa Tank, Angammedilla Anicut

Polonnaruwa Historical Places:

Menik Vehera, Rankoth Vehera, Polonnaruwa Nelum Pokuna, Kumara Pokuna, Council Chamber, Polonnaruwa Atadage Dalada Maligaya, Sathmahal Prasadaya, Pabalu Vehera, Palace of King Nishshanka Malla, Gal Potha stone inscription (Stone Book), Hindu Temple God Shiva Devalaya, Alahana Pirivena, Polonnaruwa Kiri Vehera, Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu, Pothgul Viharaya, Nissankalata Mandapa, Hetadage, Polonnaruwa Dalada Maluwa, Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya, Vatadage, Thivanka Image House, Medirigiriya Vatadagaya, Dimbulagala Raja Maha Viharaya, Lankathilaka Viharaya, Pulasthi Status, Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Museum:

Archaeological Museum Complex, Wildlife Museum

Hiking Places:

Dumbutulu Gala

National Parks and Natural Parks:

Island Park(Deepa Uyana), Minneriya Park Animal Watch Hut, Kaudulla National Park, Minneriya National Park, Somawathiya National Park, Flood Plains National Park, Angammedilla NationalPark

Reservoir:

Maduru Oya Reservoir

Others:

Ancient Bhikku Hospital

Cities in the Polonnaruwa District.

Kaduruwela
Hingurakgoda
Minneriya
Bakamuna
Aralaganwila
Medirigiriya
Girithale
Elahera
Jayanthipura
Galamuna
Lankapura
Sungavila
Manampitiya
Siripura
Walikanda
Dimbulagala
Tambala
Pulathisigama

Minneriya

Minneriya, located in the Polonnaruwa district, is best known for the Minneriya National Park. The Minneriya town has become economically strong due to this national park. Minneriya National Park is home to elephants, deer, buffalo, and various bird species. You can go on a safari and see the beautiful and wild animals here.

Girithale

Giritale is a town in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. Giritale is home to the Giritale Wildlife Sanctuary, a beautiful lake surrounded by lush forests. It attracts a variety of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and birds. It offers boat safaris and bird-watching safaris. The site is home to ancient ruins and artifacts.

Manampitiya

Manampitiya is a prominent place in Sri Lanka. The Manampitiya Bridge spans the Mahaweli River and connects the eastern and central regions of the country. It contributes significantly to the country's transport network. It also facilitates trade. The Mahaweli River provides a beautiful view of the city of Manampitiya.

Dimbulagala

Dimbulagala is a town in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. It is famous for the Dimbulagala Viharaya, which has historical and sacred value. It is an ancient Buddhist rock temple with carvings and murals. Many tourists come here to climb the Dimbulagala Rock.

Are you ready to visit the Polonnaruwa District ?

Although there are several things to do in the Polonnaruwa District, your involvement in such activities during your visit to the Polonnaruwa District will surely become an unforgettable experience for a lifetime.