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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.

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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.

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

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

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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

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

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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.

Travel Guide to Sri Lanka

CURIOUS TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO SRI LANKA

Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.

Download Now

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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
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Immersive 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
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • 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
    • Come and see us
  • Immersive Holidays
    • Immersive Family Holidays
    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
    • Family Holidays by Month
    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
    • Travel Better
    • Our Counter-Carbon Pledge
    • One bottle at a time
    • Building a Sustainable Future
    • Giving Back
  • Come and see us
  • My Booking
  • Brochure
  • Travel Blog