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Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka, Cultural Triangle

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As the second most ancient of Sri Lankas kingdoms, 800 years ago Polonnaruwa was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The ancient city served as a base for Kings to rule the central plains of Sri Lanka whilst market men haggled for rare goods and the pious preyed at any one of the many temples.

Today, Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in Sri Lanka and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

The main attractions include a number of dagobas and other ruins dating back almost 1000 years. The draw card here however is Gal Vihara, a rock temple part of the Parakramabahu northern monastery. Gal Vihara consists of four separate images, all cut from one large piece of granite. They include a 7m tall standing figure, a 14m long reclining figure and two seated figures, one larger than the other. These figures are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpting and carving arts.

Spend a day or half a day as your interest dictates, strolling or cycling around this ancient city. Get a feel for what life might have been like hundreds of years ago or simply look in awe at the incredible craftsmanship on display.

Our guide Claude took us around the museum and then to the major sites. Could have spent a little longer here.

Gary, September 2012

You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively with you.

Boutique Maldives & Sri Lanka Holiday

Boutique Maldives & Sri Lanka Holiday

A classic Sri Lanka and Maldives holiday with unique cultural experiences and beautiful boutique hotels throughout.

Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Our trademark authentic experiences and boutique accommodation in Sri Lanka combined with a different take on The Maldives.

Digital Detox in Sri Lanka

Digital Detox in Sri Lanka

Step away from the everyday for a one-of-a-kind holiday. Truly off-the-beaten-track with accommodation in our favourite "eco & unique" hotels.

Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast

Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast

The east coast has calm seas and the island's best weather from May-September, making it a fantastic option for a summer holiday.

Family Adventure Sri Lanka

Family Adventure Sri Lanka

An action-packed trip perfect for adventurous couples or families. Jungle exploration to white-water rafting and quality hotels.

Family Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Family Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife, countryside and culture combined with a unique local island adventure and a resort holiday in The Maldives.

Luxury Family Sri Lanka & The Maldives

Luxury Family Sri Lanka & The Maldives

A no expense spared, genuinely extraordinary one-off experience for all your family in gorgeous Sri Lanka.

Luxury Winter Wedding

Luxury Winter Wedding

Escape winter and wedding hassle: go to Sri Lanka for our Luxury Winter Wedding!

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Enjoy the incredible wildlife of animals without missing the astonishing scenery, glorious beaches and local life.

Sri Lanka In Depth With The Maldives

Sri Lanka In Depth With The Maldives

Three-week holiday taking in the local culture, nature, wildlife and of Sri Lanka with five blissful days in The Maldives.

The Instant Calmer

The Instant Calmer

Travel-lite itinerary designed to leave you rested and relaxed. Explore Sri Lanka’s wealth of wonder at your own laid back, leisurely pace.

Map centered on Polonnaruwa. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.

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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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Experience Travel Group

020 7924 7133 Get in touch

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Classic Sri Lanka Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Ultimate Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Off the Beaten Track
    • Slow Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
  • How it works
    • Where to start...
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Get in touch
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
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    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
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