About
Polonnaruwa — Sri Lanka's medieval royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkably well-preserved palaces, temples, and rock-cut Buddha statues set around a vast ancient reservoir.
Must-See Attractions
Royal Palace of Parakramabahu
The ruins of a once-towering seven-story royal palace, the heart of the ancient Polonnaruwa kingdom.
Gal Vihara
A stunning group of Buddha statues carved directly into a granite rock face, considered a masterpiece of ancient Sinhalese sculpture.
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
An elegant circular relic house with intricate stone carvings, considered one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.
Parakrama Samudra
A massive ancient man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu, still in use today and popular for sunset views.