The sheer brilliance of the ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
Is Polonnaruwa Worth Visiting
If you find the architecture of the Pantheon in Italy intriguing, cycle or trek through Polonnaruwa with a private guide from Ayu in the Wild, for some incredible insights into the medieval Kings' brilliance that turned an ancient capital into one of Sri Lanka’s best preserved magnificent UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites.
What Is Polonnaruwa Famous For
This beautiful ancient city is so much more than just Monastries, Moonstones and Domes reaching the skies.
Cycle to the kings seven storied palace with its intriguing drainage system and private pool. Learn from our guides how the King planned it to be built several degrees cooler. Ask as many questions as you like. Our guides are locals, have a deep knowledge are wonderful at engaging with guests and have explored every nook of this ancient city.
Your privately guided tour will take you on a trail of what were once the religious sites of legendary Kings, that are today, architectural marvels.
Here lies the grandeur of Sri Lanka's Royal Kingdoms in a city of monasteries, domes sky high, the most elaborate moonstones on the island, sculptures and carvings of Gods and Dwarfs.
Be awed by the granite carvings and be inspired by what manual labour achieved surpassing any brilliance of modern machinery.
8 Must-See Things In The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, Sri lanka’s second ancient Royal capital after Anuradhapura, was established between 11th and 13th Century and has well preserved ruins of palaces and bath pools. Its one of Sri Lanka’s most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites where heritage and faith mingle in equal measure.
Learn about the sophisticated irrigation structures that fed a thriving agricultural economy making Sri Lanka the granary of the east, centuries ago.
See what these architectural marvels from ancient civilizations were used and how the four magnificent large granite Buddha statutes depict the four significant poses of Lord Buddha. These meticulously carved statues of Gal Viharaya are gigantic figures hewn from granite, testimony to the reign of the legendary King Parakrama Bahu.
Explore the impressive ruins, stone tablets with ancient inscriptions that weighed tons and were brought from hundreds of kilometers away.
Gain insights into the 10th century teaching hospital. This ancient medical school within the "Alahana Pirivena" monastery conducted abdominal and open heart surgeries with sterilized equipment. The astonishing, ancient Ayurveda doctors also specialized in treating nerve issues where patients were dipped into special baths filled with herbal oil.
One of the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa is an old shepherds cave that is now home to dozens of monkeys - the film location for Disney's Monkey kingdom. If you ever wondered if Polonnaruwa would be interesting for a trip in Sri Lanka with kids, there's your answer. The entire cycle tour of Polonaruwa is like a guided tour of scenes off the movie! From an ancient human kingdom to a modern day monkey kingdom Ayu in the Wild Holidays makes sure Polonnaruwa is covered.
Even if you are not fond of meandering through Museums, set aside half an hour to visit the Museum within the Polonnaruwa ruins to unearth intriguing insights.
Do not rush your visit to Polonnaruwa as an extended tour can include walks through the beautiful Thivanka Image House, the Lotus pond, the towering statue of King Parakramabahu and the Pothgul Viharaya which is located outside the ancient ruins.
Tips To Visit Polonnaruwa With Ayu In The Wild
Bring Socks - as you need to remove footwear when entering the temples and the temple floors can be quite hot, rocky and dusty.
Wear a hat or cap but remove head wear, cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples.
The weather in Polonnaruwa can be hot. The sun beats down strongly along the pathways and inside the ruins. Bring plenty of water, and wear sun screen and mosquito repellent.
No sleeveless shirts or shorts are allowed.
Carry some snacks like nuts, fruits, and biscuits. Ayu in the Wild provides refreshment on our private tours.
Bicycles are the best way to visit Polonnaruwa. Remember to pre-book children's bicycles and cycles with toddler seats if you are on a trip to Sri Lanka with kids.
Photography of most statues is allowed (check with your Guide where you shouldn't photograph) but do not stand with your back towards the statue of the Buddha, as it is considered disrespectful.
Where To Stay To Visit Polonnaruwa
In Dambulla - we love the luxury and al-fresco setting of the Kalundewa Retreat.
In Sigiriya - the beautiful luxury hotel Jetwing Vil Uyana and the Back of Beyond Pidurangala vie for our attention.
In Kandalama - the Geoffrey Bawa designed utterly unique Heritance Kandalama still rules the landscape.
In Polonnaruwa - The setting of Ekho Lake sets the right tone for a visit to the ancient ruins.
Ayu in the Wild curates intelligent itineraries that are not Hotel-Led by one brand of villas. We work closely with a range of stylish properties across the island. All hotel and villa recommendations are independent of any affiliations and are based on the finer details of each, to make your tailor made Sri Lanka holiday just right.
How To Visit Polonnaruwa
Combine Polonnaruwa with a visit to Sigiriya Lion Rock at 7 am on our Essential Sri Lanka Trip which will leave you enough time to visit Polonnaruwa for a cycle tour around the ruins after lunch. From the Sigiriya Rock to Polonnaruwa, it is an approximate 1 and 1/2 hour drive.
If you are staying in Sigiriya, you could visit Polonnaruwa in the morning hours and return to Sigiriya for an afternoon flight to Hambantota to visit the southern beaches of Sri Lanka and the best wildlife parks in Yala on our Gorgeous Glamping and Boutique Beach Trip. Cinnamon Air flights leave Sigiriya at 14:45 hrs and reach Hambantota at 16:15hrs.
Kids love a visit to Polonnaruwa as an Ayu in the Wild Guide takes them on an enthralling Monkey Trek around the film location of the Monkey Kingdom to observe the incredible behaviour of Grey Langurs and Torque Macaques.
Polonnaruwa can be easily included into a tour of the cultural triangle from Kandy as the ruins can be reached by an approximate 3 ½ hr drive from Kandy.
Visit Polonnaruwa enroute to a Private Tour of Jaffna as part of our Other Side of Sri Lanka trip that explores Sri Lanka's beautiful northern regions. April to September is a wonderful time to combine Polonnaruwa with a luxury beach holiday by the pristine beaches in Trincomalee or Pasikuda.
Contact the Travel Designers of Ayu in the Wild for a private luxury trip in Sri Lanka, that includes the Polonnaruwa World Heritage Site
Where Is Polonnaruwa On The Map In Sri Lanka
Is it Safe to visit Sri Lanka and other Sri Lanka Travel Advice
Include a visit to Polonnaruwa on your tailor made holidays to Sri Lanka with
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