Discover the Wonders of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa

After Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa served as Sri Lanka's second capital. The Chola dynasty, which governed the nation for close to 50 years, founded it in the tenth century. Following the eviction of the Cholas, Polonnaruwa was chosen as the seat of the Sinhalese state by King Vijayabahu I. King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186), who is regarded as one of Sri Lanka's finest kings, oversaw the city's apex during his administration. 

Numerous significant historical and cultural landmarks, including the remains of temples, palaces, and monasteries, may be found in Polonnaruwa. The Gal Viharaya, a complex of three giant Buddha statues carved out of rock, is the most well-known of these locations. These sculptures range in size, the tallest being 16 meters. 

The Vatadage, a walled-in circular stupa, is another significant location. It is thought that the stupa holds the Buddha's remains. 

Polonnaruwa also has a multitude of natural landmarks, such as gardens, lakes, and waterfalls. There are several elephants living at the Minneriya National Park, which is nearby Polonnaruwa. 

Polonnaruwa's residents are kind and hospitable, and they take pride in their history and culture. The Esala Perahera, a large procession of elephants, dancers, and singers, is one of the city's many annual celebrations. 

Polonnaruwa is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

Numerous significant historical and cultural structures, including the remains of temples, palaces, and monasteries, may be found at Polonnaruwa, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gal Viharaya, a complex of three enormous Buddha sculptures carved out of rock, is the most well-known of these locations. These sculptures range in size, the tallest being 16 meters.

Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, offers a wide variety of activities. Here are some suggestions:

• Visit the ruins of the ancient city: Polonnaruwa was once the capital of Sri Lanka, and it is home to many ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries. The most famous of these sites is the Gal Viharaya, a complex of three giant Buddha statues carved out of rock.

• Go on a nature walk or hike: Polonnaruwa is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are many opportunities for nature walks and hikes. The Minneriya National Park is located just outside of Polonnaruwa and is home to a large population of elephants.

• Visit the nearby villages: Polonnaruwa is surrounded by small villages, and it is a great opportunity to learn about the local culture. Visit a local school, meet the villagers, and learn about their way of life.

• Take a cooking class: Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious, and it is a great opportunity to learn how to make traditional Sri Lankan dishes. There are many cooking classes available in Polonnaruwa.

• Enjoy a relaxing day at one of the many lakes or waterfalls in the area: Polonnaruwa is located in a lush, tropical setting, and there are many opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery. Visit one of the many lakes or waterfalls in the area.

• Parakrama Samudra: This is the largest tank in Polonnaruwa and was built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Minneriya Tank: This tank is located just outside of Polonnaruwa and is home to a large population of elephants. It is a popular spot for wildlife watching.

• Giritale Wewa: This tank is located near the town of Giritale and is the deepest tank in Polonnaruwa.

• Bendiwewa Tank: This is a large lake located near the ruins of the Jetavanarama monastery. The lake is used for irrigation and provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife.

• Aluthwewa Tank: This is a small lake located near the ruins of the Isurumuniya temple. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular spot for bird watching.

• Minnewa Lake: This lake is located just outside of Polonnaruwa and is home to a large population of elephants. The lake is a popular spot for wildlife watching and boat tours.

• Nochchiyagama Tank: This is a smaller lake located near the ruins of the Royal Palace. The lake is surrounded by gardens and is a popular spot for swimming and boating.

• The Lotus Pond: The Lotus Pond is a beautiful pond, surrounded by lush gardens. The pond is home to a variety of lotus flowers, and it is a popular spot for relaxation and meditation.

If you are planning a trip to Polonnaruwa, I recommend staying for at least 3 days. This will give you enough time to see the main attractions and explore the city.

There are many temples in Polonnaruwa, but some of the most popular include:

• Gal Viharaya: This temple complex is home to three large Buddha statues carved out of granite. The largest statue is 16 meters high.

• Vatadage: This temple is a circular structure with a stupa in the center. The stupa is believed to house the relics of the Buddha.

• Lankatilaka: This temple is home to a large Buddha statue that is 13 meters high. The statue is made of brick and covered in plaster.

• Pancha Ratha: This temple is a complex of five chariots that are believed to have been used by the Buddha.

• Royal Palace: The ruins of the Royal Palace can be found in Polonnaruwa. The palace was once a large and impressive building, but it is now in ruins.

• Isurumuniya: This temple is famous for its reclining Buddha statue. The statue is made of granite and is 15 meters long.

• Jetavanarama: This temple was once one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the world. The monastery was destroyed by invaders in the 13th century, but the ruins are still impressive.

• Mahathupa: This stupa is one of the largest in Polonnaruwa. The stupa is 55 meters high and is believed to house the relics of the Buddha.

• Queen's Bath: This bathhouse was built for the queen of King Parakramabahu I. The bathhouse is made of brick and is decorated with intricate carvings.

These are just a few of the many temples in Polonnaruwa. If you are interested in seeing Buddhist temples, Polonnaruwa is a great place to visit.

Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Polonnaruwa:

• The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.

• There are a number of hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Polonnaruwa.

• The city is easily accessible by bus or train from Colombo.

• There are a number of guided tours available in Polonnaruwa.

• Be sure to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Respect the local culture and customs.

Accommodations:

There are many different types of accommodations available in Polonnaruwa, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa: This 4-star hotel is located on the shores of Parakrama Samudra Lake, and offers stunning views of the ruins of the ancient city. It has a pool, a spa, and a restaurant with an extensive Sri Lankan menu.

• Seyara Holiday Resort: This 3-star resort is located in the heart of the ancient city, and is within walking distance of many of the major temples and ruins. It has a pool, a restaurant, and a bar.

• Honey Tree Polonnaruwa: This guesthouse is located in a quiet, residential area of Polonnaruwa, and is a great option for budget travelers. It has a garden, a pool, and a restaurant serving home-cooked Sri Lankan meals.

• EKHO Lake House: This 5-star hotel is located on the shores of Parakrama Samudra Lake, and offers stunning views of the ruins of the ancient city. It has a pool, a spa, and a restaurant with an extensive Sri Lankan menu.

• The Deer Park Hotel: This 5-star hotel is located in a lush, tropical setting, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It has a pool, a spa, and a restaurant with an extensive international menu.

• Jetwing Vil Uyana: This 5-star hotel is located in a secluded spot on the edge of a lake, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It has a pool, a spa, and a restaurant with an extensive international menu.

• Heritance Kandalama: This 5-star hotel is located in a lush, tropical setting, and is built on stilts over a lake. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the ruins of the ancient city. The hotel has a pool, a spa, and a restaurant with an extensive international menu.

• Amangalla: This 5-star hotel is a restored colonial mansion, and is located in the heart of the ancient city. It offers stunning views of the ruins of the city and the surrounding countryside. The hotel has a pool, a spa, and a restaurant with an extensive Sri Lankan menu.

• Tamarind Tree: This 5-star hotel is located in a lush, tropical setting, and is surrounded by gardens. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the ruins of the ancient city. The hotel has a pool, a spa, and a restaurant with an extensive Sri Lankan menu.

These hotels offer a variety of luxurious amenities and services, including:

• Spacious rooms and suites

• Private balconies or terraces

• In-room spa treatments

• 24-hour room service

• Fine dining restaurants

• Outdoor pools

• Full-service spas

• Fitness centers

• Business centers

• Laundry and dry cleaning services

• Concierge service

• Tour desk

• Airport shuttle

These hotels are perfect for travelers who are looking for a luxurious and relaxing experience in Polonnaruwa.

There are also some boutique hotels and homestays in Polonnaruwa if you're seeking a more distinctive lodging choice. These choices provide a more individualized experience and may be fantastic resources for learning more about Sri Lankan culture.

Here are a few unique accommodation options in Polonnaruwa:

• Ruins Chaaya: This hotel is located in the heart of the ancient city, and is built on the site of a former Buddhist monastery. The rooms are decorated with traditional Sri Lankan artwork, and the hotel has a restaurant that serves Sri Lankan cuisine.

• The Water Garden: This hotel is located on the shores of Parakrama Samudra Lake, and is surrounded by lush gardens. The rooms have private balconies or terraces, and the hotel has a restaurant that serves Sri Lankan and international cuisine.

• The Elephant Transit Home: This is a unique accommodation option for travelers who want to learn more about elephants. The home is located in a forest reserve, and guests can interact with the elephants that are being rehabilitated at the home.

• Giritale Eco Lodge: This lodge is located in a lush, tropical setting, and is surrounded by hills and forests. The lodge offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and bird watching.

• The Village Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located in a traditional Sri Lankan village, and offers a unique opportunity to experience Sri Lankan culture. The guesthouse has a communal kitchen, and guests can learn to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes.

• The Mudhouse Eco Lodge: This lodge is built using traditional mudbrick construction methods, and is located in a lush, tropical setting. The lodge offers a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and bird watching.

• The Treehouse Resort: This resort is located in a lush, tropical setting, and offers a variety of treehouses to choose from. The treehouses have private balconies or terraces and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

• The Floating Hotel: This hotel is located on a lake, and offers a unique experience for travelers who want to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. The hotel has a restaurant that serves Sri Lankan and international cuisine.

• The Revolving Treehouse: This treehouse is located in a lush, tropical setting, and rotates 360 degrees every 24 hours. The treehouse has a private balcony or terrace and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

• The Elephant Camp: This camp is located in a forest reserve, and guests can interact with the elephants that are being rehabilitated at the camp. Guests can also go on elephant rides, and learn about the importance of elephants in Sri Lankan culture.

• The Glamping Tents: These tents are located in a lush, tropical setting, and offer a luxurious camping experience. The tents are fully equipped with all the amenities you need, including a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and a veranda.

• The Eco-Cabins: These cabins are located in a lush, tropical setting, and are built using sustainable materials. The cabins are equipped with all the amenities you need, including a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and a veranda.

These are just a few of the many unique accommodation options available in Polonnaruwa. If you are looking for a more personalized and authentic experience, these options are a great choice.

Budget, preferred location, and facilities that are essential to you should all be taken into account while selecting a place to stay in Polonnaruwa. Every tourist can find a suitable alternative in this historic city.

How to reach Polonnaruwa:

Depending on where you start, there are many routes that you may take to get to Polonnaruwa. Here are several possibilities:

• By plane: The closest airport to Polonnaruwa is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Polonnaruwa. The journey takes around 3 hours by taxi and 4 hours by bus.

• By train: There is a train station in Polonnaruwa, which is served by trains from Colombo and other major cities in Sri Lanka. The journey takes around 5 hours from Colombo.

• By bus: There are several bus stations in Polonnaruwa, which are served by buses from Colombo and other major cities in Sri Lanka. The journey takes around 6 hours from Colombo.

Once you arrive in Polonnaruwa, you can explore the city by foot, bicycle, or rickshaw. There are also a number of tour operators in Polonnaruwa that offer guided tours of the city and its surrounding attractions.