Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, served as the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom during the Polonnaruwa era from the 10th to 12th centuries.

The city was known for its massive reservoirs and fortified walls, and it flourished as a Buddhist city with numerous temples and stupas built during its time.

In 1982, Polonnaruwa was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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1.2 Palace of King Parakramabahu I
This palace, part of the World Heritage Site, originally had seven stories and 50 rooms. Today, only up to three stories remain.

3.4 Council Chamber
Only the stairs leading to the chamber and its pillars remain.

5 Atadage
An early temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic from the Polonnaruwa era.

6 Hatadage
A larger temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic compared to Atadage.

7 Vatadage
Circular stupa ruins.

8.9.10 Thuparama
A Buddhist shrine made of brick and plaster, featuring stone Buddha statues from the 7th century.

11 Latha Mandapaya
The pillars here are uniquely curved, resembling the swaying stems of lotus flowers.

12.13 Gal Vihara
Rock-carved Buddha statues, including a massive reclining Buddha statue approximately 15 meters long. This is considered the masterpiece of Polonnaruwa.

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Access

Polonnaruwa Ruins - Palace Site
📍W2V2+282, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Gal Vihara
📍X283+CXG, Nissankamallapura, Sri Lanka

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⚠️ Please refrain from taking photos with your back to Buddha statues.

⚠️ When entering temples, you are required to remove hats and shoes at the entrance (a tip is needed for shoe storage; socks are allowed). Wearing clothing that exposes too much skin is prohibited for both men and women inside temple premises.