Cultural Triangle
Polonnaruwa
A medieval capital you can cycle round
Polonnaruwa was the royal capital about 900 years ago, and its ruins are some of the best kept in the country. The site is flat and spread out, so a bicycle is the nicest way to see it, finishing at the Gal Vihara, where great Buddha figures are carved from one granite rock. The Parakrama Samudra reservoir runs alongside, and the elephant parks at Minneriya and Kaudulla are close by.
Polonnaruwa
- Part of the island
- Cultural Triangle
- Suggested stay
- 1 night
- Best months
- Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Things to do
- Ask us
Weather
When to go
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best months depend on the coast. This is the pattern here.
- Jan: good
- Feb: best
- Mar: best
- Apr: best
- May: best
- Jun: best
- Jul: best
- Aug: best
- Sep: best
- Oct: expect rain
- Nov: expect rain
- Dec: good
Stays
Where to stay
Prices per night for two people sharing, for dates about six weeks away. Yours may differ.
Budget
Clean, simple guesthouses and small hotels
Tishan Holiday Resort
$24Resort at Bendiwewa with an outdoor pool, a few kilometres from the ancient city.
Pool
Kithmi Resort
$31Resort near Polonnaruwa with air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and free parking.
Air conditioning · Restaurant · Wi-Fi · Parking
Comfort
Mid-range hotels, often with a pool
Hotel Lake Park
$61Lakeside hotel in Polonnaruwa with a pool, restaurant and lake or garden views.
Pool · Restaurant · Wi-Fi · Parking
Agbo Hotel
$65Lakeside hotel near Polonnaruwa with a pool, restaurant and air-conditioned rooms.
Pool · Air conditioning · Restaurant · Wi-Fi
Superior
The nicest stays that still keep costs sensible
The Deer Park Hotel
$143Hotel on Giritale reservoir, about 10 km from Polonnaruwa, with an outdoor pool.
Pool · Parking