Best Places to Visit in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka: An Ultimate Guide

Polonnaruwa Travel Guide: Why This UNESCO City Should Be on Your Itinerary

So, you’ve heard about Polonnaruwa. Maybe you saw a reel. Or read a travel blog. But what is it really? A city? A bunch of ruins? A place your history teacher once mentioned? Turns out, it’s all that – and a whole lot more. This is not just any old place. It’s one of the best-preserved historical sites in Sri Lanka. Once a thriving royal capital. Now? A magical slice of olden Sri Lanka. If you love history, temples, ruins – this is it. This is where you go.

Did you know that the Polonnaruwa ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? That’s right. The kings of old built palaces here. Monasteries. Giant lakes. Massive Buddha statues. And they didn’t build small. They built to last. The Polonnaruwa ruins are scattered, but connected. There’s something to check out in every corner. Polonnaruwa tourist spots aren’t just for history nerds, you know. Walk through what used to be royal gardens. Visit shrines where monks once meditated. Or stand where kings once gave speeches. Imagine the noise. The colors. The rituals. Now, it’s just the breeze and birds. You don’t need a history book. You don’t even need a guide. Just bring some curiosity. And water. It gets hot.

These are not just historical sites in Polonnaruwa. They’re reminders. That time moves. That empires fall. That stone stays. And that beauty, real beauty, doesn’t need to be polished.

So, ready to walk into the past?

Let’s go. 

The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I – A Grand Polonnaruwa Attraction

Imagine a palace so grand, it reached the skies. King Parakramabahu I built a palace that was exactly that. This 7-story palace was constructed with over 1000 chambers. It was named Vijayotpada. Today, only the foundations and a few walls remain. The palace was not just a residence. It shows us how vast and powerful Polonnaruwa was back in the day. With its detailed carvings, it shows old Sri Lanka’s building skill. Some walls still stand today. They are about 3 meters thick. This shows us the importance of strength and durability.

Next to the main palace is the Audience Hall. Also next to it were the king’s bathing pools. The Audience Hall was where the king met his ministers and addressed the public. The bathing pools had advanced drainage systems. What more proof do you need about this era’s engineering skills? 

King Parakramabahu was not just a builder but also a reformer. Improved farming? Check. Progressive water systems? Check. Good governance? Check. He was a ruler who was serious about the wellbeing of his people. And it shows. 

Visitors today can walk through the ruins, imagining how grand it once was. The place shows how the royal family lived. Not to mention how things were run back then. It’s truly impressive. 

Vatadage – A Timeless Gem Among Polonnaruwa Temples

Deep in Polonnaruwa is a circular structure. This is the famous Vatadage. It’s a round building built to protect a stupa that held The Buddha’s relics. Who built the Vatadage? There are 02 popular theories. Some say it was King Parakramabahu I. Other evidence points towards King Nissanka Malla. Some sources say King Parakramabahu built it, and King Nissanka Malli expanded it. Guess we never know for sure.

The Vatadage sits up high on a flat base, with stone posts in circles. These posts held up a wooden roof. This roof is no longer to be seen. In the middle is a small dome, with four Buddha statues looking in all directions. The way it’s built shows the Buddhist concept of the universe. The doorway has amazing carvings of moonstones and guardstones. 

The Vatadage’s design is unique to Sri Lanka. The round form tells us about the cyclical nature of existence. 

Gal Viharaya – The Rock Temple That Defines Polonnaruwa’s Spiritual Heart

The term ‘Gal Viharaya’ means ‘temple made of rocks’. That’s exactly what this is. It’s a collection of 04 ‘Buddha Prathimaa’ or Buddha Statues carved into a single granite rock face. These were commissioned by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. These are, without a doubt – masterpieces of Sinhalese rock carving. The first statue is of a seated Buddha in deep meditation. Next is a smaller, seated one. There’s theories that this could be The Buddha’s #1 disciple, Ananda. The next is a standing statue. That Buddha has His arms crossed, which is a rare sight in standing Buddha statues. The final is a reclining Buddha. This symbolises His passing away to Nirvana. 

These statues are popular for how the artists have managed to capture the serene expressions on stone. However, Gal Viharaya is not just an artistic marvel. Pilgrims find solace there, with its serene environment and calm ambience. 

Rankoth Vehera – A Golden Pinnacle Among Polonnaruwa Temples

The Rankoth Vehera is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa. It’s also the 4th largest in the country. The name comes from two words – Ran + Koth. It was named so because the Pinnacle (Kotha) of the stupa was once painted gold (Ran). 

This stupa was built by King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century. Made entirely of brick, the stupa’s design mirrors the Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura. This means that it also has a bubble (bubbulaakara) shape. The massive dome and the terrace that surrounds it shows signs of very advanced architecture. 

Around the stupa are several inscriptions. These suggest that the king was very hands-on with the construction of the stupa. This also tells us how closely Buddhism was associated with the monarchy at the time. Today, Rankoth Vehera remains a significant pilgrimage site. 

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya – A Grand Marvel in the Heart of Polonnaruwa

A ‘mandapaya’ in general is a small pavilion-like structure that we create for a temporary use in the modern day. These mandapayas are used on occasions such as pirith chantings (the reading of Buddhist scriptures).

The Nissanka Latha Mandapaya was also said to be built for this exact reason. It is a unique structure in Polonnaruwa, and is situated near the ‘Dalada Maluwa’ (Sacred Quadrangle). This was where the most sacred monuments of the city were kept. The Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, just as the name suggests, was built by King Nissanka Malla.

The structure had 8 pillars holding up the roof. What sets this structure apart are its eight stone pillars. Each was carved to look like a lotus stem, with a lotus flower carved on the crown. Instead of straight pillars, which was the common style of this era, these pillars were curved in 3 different places. At the centre of the mandapaya is a small stupa, now destroyed. 

Visitors today can appreciate the delicate craftsmanship from a distance. This mandapaya is an amazing example of the period’s architecture & innovation. 

Shiva Devala (Kovils of God Shiva) – The Hindu Element of Polonnaruwa Attractions

In this section, we move away from the Buddhist heritage of Polonnaruwa and more towards Hinduism. Specifically, 02 monuments. This is the Shiva Devala Number 1 and Shiva Devala Number 2. These are temples built for the god Shiva.

Here’s a good question; why are they named No. 01 & 02, and how many are there in total? Archaeological surveys have recognised at least 14 ruined Hindu monuments in Polonnaruwa. Most of these are Shiva Devalas. The numbering system isn’t based on their importance or age. Instead, it seems they were numbered simply in the order they were identified and catalogued. So Shiva Devala No. 01 is just the first one that caught their attention and was recorded. Shiva Devala No. 02 is the oldest & best-preserved of the bunch.

• Shiva Devala No. 01

The exact origin and who built this Devala is unknown. But the architectural style points towards the 13th century AD. This Devala shows South Indian influence, possibly linked to the Pandya dynasty. This suggests it was built after Shiva Devala No. 2.

The Devala was built with heavily packed stones in a style that wasn’t used in Sinhalese architecture. There are theories that this may have been built by Indian architects who visited Lanka at the time. It originally had a domed brick roof, which has since collapsed.

Many bronze images were found here. The most notable was one of Maha Deva (Shiva) dancing on the demon Tripurasura. It’s located on the south of the Dalada Maluwa. It was once even called the Dalada Maligaya (Temple of the Tooth Relic) by locals before being properly identified. 

• Shiva Devala No. 02

This is believed to be the oldest surviving building in Polonnaruwa. This kovil was built back during the days of the Cholas around 993 – 1070 AD. It is believed to have been built as a memorial to Vanavan Madevi, the queen of the Chola king Rajaraja I. It was originally named the Vanavanmadevi Isvaramudaiyar. 

This was also built entirely out of stone, which was a distinct early Chola architectural style. The most remarkable fact about this Shiva Devala? It is one of the best-preserved Hindu shrines in Polonnaruwa, down to its octagonal dome. 

It has a typical South Indian temple plan – garbhagriha (sanctum), antarala (vestibule) & ardhamandapa (front hall). One inscription also mentions an outer hall. Another much older (10th century AD) inscription was also found nearby. This suggests that the site earlier had Sinhalese presence. 

Pabalu Vehera – The Beaded Treasure Among Polonnaruwa Temples

In the Polonnaruwa era was a powerful Queen who wanted to build something beautiful for her people and her faith. Her name was Queen Rupawathi, and she was the wife of a powerful king, Parakramabahu I. Queen Rupawathi built a stupa in Polonnaruwa, which became popular as the ‘Pabalu Vehera’ much later.

We do not know what the stupa was originally named. During evacuation, many small glass beads were found from the site. This led to the stupa being named “Pabalu Vehera” meaning ‘temple of beads’. The stupa’s design is somewhat… unconventional. It has a series of terraces leading to the main dome.

Surrounding the stupa are several image houses. These are special constructs that are built to hold statues of The Buddha. Commonly, a stupa only has 4 image houses. But the Pabalu Vehera has 9. The presence of multiple Buddha statues suggests that Pabalu Vehera was a significant centre for worship. Pabalu Vehera is the perfect example of how royal women were involved in promoting Buddhism in the old days. 

Lankathilaka Pilima Geya – Where Art, Architecture, and Devotion Meet

This is a Gedige (vaulted) style art gallery in Polonnaruwa. It is not perfectly preserved like some others, but is a very important part of Polonnaruwa history. The name ‘Lankatilaka’ itself sounds impressive, doesn’t it? It translates roughly to “the ornament of Lanka” or “the beauty of Sri Lanka”. 

The exact builder of this structure is not known, but many believe that it was built by King Parakramabahu I. This would place it right in the golden age of the city. Some say that the building had stood there before, and that King Parakramabahu reconstructed it after foreign invasions.

What makes Lankathilaka Pilima Geya so impressive is its sheer size. It is a long rectangular hall, and at the far end is a massive statue of The Buddha. It was originally around 14 metres tall, but is now partially destroyed. The walls of the Lankatilaka are thickly built. They still reach a considerable height, giving you an idea of the original loftiness of the structure. There’s still elaborate plasterwork and paintings to be seen. 

This structure has an impressively curved roof. It is impressive because building a Gedige-style roof was a significant achievement for the time. Imagine the acoustics inside this hall, the way sound would have traveled and echoed during chanting and ceremonies! 

Parakrama Samudraya – The Lifeline of Polonnaruwa’s Ancient Kingdom

Did you know? There’s a massive sea-like water body in Polonnaruwa. It stretches as far as your eyes go. That’s Parakrama Samudraya, or “the Sea of Parakrama”. This is a giant water tank built centuries ago in Polonnaruwa. It is a masterpiece created by human hands. Imagine the engineering skills of the era!

This tank was built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Here’s a good question, why would a king build something so massive? Polonnaruwa is a dry zone of Sri Lanka, where the rains come and go. King Parakramabahu understood that water was life. It was especially needed to grow food. So he started a project to collect and store the rainwater. This way his people would have enough to cultivate their fields. Yes, even during the dry seasons. His famous saying was, “Do not let even a drop of rainwater in this country flow into the sea without being made useful to man.” What a dedicated leader he was!

Parakrama Samudraya wasn’t just one big hole dug in the ground. It was a clever system of five separate reservoirs – Thopa wewa, Eramudu wewa, Dumbutulu wewa, Bhu wewa, Kalahagala wewa. Out of these the Thopa wewa is the oldest and have been around even before the time of King Parakramabahu. Think of it like a network of interconnected lakes. These lakes work together to hold a huge amount of water. Smaller dams were built to manage the pressure. The sheer size of Parakrama Samudraya is mind-boggling. Especially when you consider it was built without modern machinery! It covers a massive area – we’re talking thousands of acres! This is also why it’s called a ‘sea’ even though it technically isn’t.

The Parakrama Samudraya was an important part of the ecosystem. It provided a habitat for fish and attracted birds and other wildlife. It also changed the landscape and the lives of the people in Polonnaruwa. It ensured a more stable food supply for the kingdom.

Over time, the way Parakrama Samudraya works has changed a bit. This is mostly because of later modifications. Even now, it provides water for agriculture in the region. Parakrama Samudraya is not just a body of water. It’s a mix of impressive engineering and smart thinking. It’s a vital lifeline for the people and a place that literally turns rainwater into a life-giving ‘sea’. 

Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum – Where the Past Comes to Life

The next tourist spot in Polonnaruwa is… the Archaeological Museum! This is a special little treasure chest right in the middle of the city. It’s filled with the most amazing little titbits from the past. Think broken pottery, and bits of jewellery. All these artifacts are one of the Polonnaruwa era. Each of them gives insights into how the daily life of people was back then. The museum has tiny models of the archaeological sites. Some of them are even in their complete form. For example, one stupa that is currently in ruins is shown in the museum as a whole, with the roof added. These completions of the replicas were built using data found about the actual site during evacuation. 

There’s plenty of statues here as well. Some important ones are of Goddess Parvati, God Shiva Nataraja, and baby Ganesh. There are also many deities and mythical creatures. The whole museum tour takes about 2 hours. It provides a deeper look into Polonnaruwa and the achievements of people of the time – so schedule a visit when you’re there!

Sandakada Pahana – A Symbolic Footprint of Polonnaruwa’s Spiritual Story

Have you ever seen a semi-circular stone slab with carvings on it? Specifically at the entrances of ancient buildings and temples? This is a Sandakada Pahana or Moonstone. This little architectural feature is an iconic Sri Lankan symbol of the past. The design varied according to the era. For example, the Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa eras had different designs to each other. The Gampola era was again different to both of these. The base of the moonstone is essentially the same but the designs vary.

Let’s dissect the Sandakada Pahana 

• Gini Daelle Ratawa (The outer ring of flames) – The outer ring is a flame design. This likely represents that cycle of change and existence. 
• Sathva Peliya (Animal Processions) – This was a big change from the previous era. Instead of all four animals in one band like earlier, the sathva peliya is now in separate bands. There are bands of elephants, horses, and lions. Each animal carries its own symbolic meaning. 
• The missing bull – This is again a big change from the earlier era. The bull sign is now gone from the Polonnaruwa Sandakada Pahana. Why? Probably because of the strong influence of Hinduism. In Hinduism, the bull (Nandi) is the vehicle of the god Shiva. It’s a very sacred animal of the religion. Because the Sandakada Pahana is something people step on, having a revered animal like the bull there wouldn’t have been appropriate. 
• Sometimes, the Lion is missing too – The Lion image is also missing from some Sandakada Pahanas of this period, like the one at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage entrance. The reason for this isn’t known. 
• Liyawela (Creepers or Vines) – This is a band of twisting plants. This is placed in between the animal bands and the central lotus. It represents the complexities of the natural world. 
• Padma (Lotus / The Central Lotus) – The lotus in the middle is still a key part. It symbolises purity – the final spiritual goal.
• Another big change was the location! The Anuradhapura Sandakada Pahanas were mostly found only at the entrances of Buddhist temples. But in Polonnaruwa, you see them at the entrances of other buildings too, not just temples. This is a broader use of the Sandakada Pahana. 

So in conclusion, the Polonnaruwa Sandakada Pahana is like a modified version of the older style. It keeps some of the key elements like the flames & lotus. But it makes a big statement by removing the bull & even the Lion. 

Alahana Pirivena – Monastic Life in the Heart of Polonnaruwa

Next up on our guide is the Alahana Pirivena. ‘Alahana’ means ‘cremation ground’ and a pirivena is a place that monks use to study, just like children go to school. Weird name for a school, don’t you think? This is because the pirivena was built over a rundown cemetery, leading it to be named Alahana Pirivena.

Contrary to the name, this is actually a very peaceful place. It’s believed King Parakramabahu I chose this spot, away from the busy city, to build a place for monks to study and find peace. This pirivena did not have classrooms like today. It was a large building with stone pillars & open halls. Monks would gather here to learn about Buddhist teachings.

Also, the Alahana Pirivena wasn’t just one building – it was a complex! The highest level of the pirivena was the Baddhasima Pasada. This was where the monks resided. They also built special meditation chambers here. These were small rooms carved out of stone. These were places where monks could go to focus their minds and find inner peace. It must have been so serene up on that hill, away from the noise of the city below. There were also all buildings that were needed to take care of the monks studying here. For example, there had been refectories here, which were like big dining halls where the monks would eat together. Today, you see the ruins of these great buildings. Even though it’s old and partly broken, you can still feel the special atmosphere of this ancient pirivena here. 

Thuparama Gedige – A Rare Brick-Roofed Wonder in Polonnaruwa

Next up on our tour is the Thuparama Gedige. When you’re walking through the old ruins, suddenly, you spot a building that looks a bit different from the others. It’s got a unique, rounded roof made entirely out of bricks. This is the Thuparama Gedige. 

This is possibly the oldest image house in Polonnaruwa. Think about that! There were many grand structures that we built in King Parakramabahu’s era, but this one is older. There’s a friendly debate among historians about this. Some say it was built by King Parakramabahu himself. Others say it might be even older, back in the time of King VIjayabahu I. Whichever king it was, it tells us that this Gedige was important for a very long time. 

The most unique part of this is the roof. This is because the cylindrical shape was very hard to achieve back in the day. Try stacking bricks without any modern tools, curving them perfectly to form that semi-cylindrical shape. It shows how clever and skilled the builders of that era were. It’s not the typical pointed roof you might see on some other buildings. This rounded design is rare and makes the Thuparama Gedige instantly recognisable. 

Step inside, or what’s left of the entrance, and you’ll immediately notice the walls. They are seven feet thick! That’s wider than most doorways today. These massive walls weren’t just for show – they served a purpose. They helped support the heavy brick roof of the Gedige. There was a large, seated Buddha statue in the interior but nothing of it can be seen today. Even in its ruined state today, the Thuparama Gedige holds a powerful presence.

Polonnaruwa – A summary

So what are the places to visit in Polonnaruwa? We’ve explored quite a few! And it’s no surprise then that the Polonnaruwa ancient city isn’t just any old ruin. It’s so special that it has been recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage organisation. This is because the Polonnaruwa ruins are a literal treasure chest of ancient Sri Lanka. 

It’s a place where you can truly connect with the past. You get to see the legacy of ancient Sri Lanka. It’s a place that continues to inspire and awe. It’s a reminder that long before our modern world, there were minds that dreamed big, built bigger, and left behind lessons in stone. 

Polonnaruwa isn’t just history – its heritage.

Planning a trip to Polonnaruwa? Check out our curated tours by SoulTrek Travel, or contact us to customise your own!

Need more details? Visit the official site of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board for more inspiration and guidance.