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Polonnaruwa
Things to do in Polonnaruwa (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated August, 2025) | Trip.com
About Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa Local Experiences Map
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Things to do in Polonnaruwa
What to Do
Looking for things to do in Polonnaruwa? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
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Minneriya National Park
5.4
4.6/532 Reviews
Natural scenery
Opening hours: 06:00-18:30
Mtng:“We visited Minneriya hoping to see the famous elephant gatherings, but there were surprisingly few. The park’s terrain is mostly forested, with limited open plains for wildlife viewing. In contrast, Yala National Park offered a much richer experience with more wildlife sightings, including elephants.”
Sigiriya Lion Rock
6.9
4.7/5546 Reviews
Historic buildings
Opening hours: 05:00-18:30(Tickets available until 17:00)
Mostboringdudeever:“if at all possible hike both this one as well as the other mountain across so you get to see the rock palace from afar. i do suggest getting acquainted with the historical context by doing the museum outside as well. this one and Dambullah cave shd fit nicely into a one day plan. the only snag is that monkeys on top of the palace will snatch food just be mindful of that. they do enforce rules so when they say no pictures no drones they do mean it please try to be respectful”
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
3.8
4.6/552 Reviews
Historic buildings
Opening hours: 07:00-17:00
泰宁根吴承恩:“The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has a history of more than 1,500 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit. The ancient city is very large and its basic outline can still be seen.”
Somawathiya Chaitya
3.2
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Historic buildings
Open year round, 24/7
Uththararamaya (Gal Vihara)
3.2
4.3/517 Reviews
Historic buildings
Please contact the attraction to confirm specific opening hours
胡大老顽童:“This place is very unique, with exquisite Buddha statues and niches carved on huge granite stones, which are very representative of Sri Lankan Buddhist art. It has high historical research value and artistic value, and is recommended for visiting! !”
Dalada Maluva - ( Polonnaruwa)
3.1
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Please contact the attraction to confirm specific opening hours
Royal Palace of King Maha Parakramabahu
2.9
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Historic buildings
Opening hours: 08:00-18:30
Ponte Principe Amedeo Savoia Aosta
2.9
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Please contact the attraction to confirm specific opening hours
Vatadage
2.8
4.8/519 Reviews
Historic buildings
Opening hours: 07:00-20:00
pan***he:“Polonnaruwa is full of world historical and cultural heritage, especially the royal palace. The Vatadage is really amazing. It is actually a group of ancient buildings. The guard stones and moon stones of the Vatadage (circular stone house, also called square courtyard or circular Buddha house) are very beautifully carved. The moon stones here are different from those in Anuradhapura. There are different animals crossing in the same circle, while here there is one animal in each circle. Laymen like us can only see these superficial differences. The guard stones are separated on both sides of the steps to protect the Buddha statue.”Where to Stay
Discover the most popular places to stay in Polonnaruwa, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
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Hotel Sudu Araliya
3.7/556 Reviews
Guest User:“I had an excellent stay at Hotel Sudu Araliya in Polonnaruwa! The location is absolutely stunning, offering breathtaking views and a serene ambiance. The highlight of my visit was witnessing the sunset – it was a truly magical experience.
The food was delicious, with a great variety to satisfy every palate. The staff provided exceptional customer service, always friendly and attentive to our needs, making the stay even more enjoyable.
If you're looking for a peaceful getaway with great views, excellent food, and warm hospitality, Hotel Sudu Araliya is the perfect choice. Highly recommended! 🌅🍽️✨”
The Deer Park Hotel
4.2/552 Reviews
Guest User:“A very relaxing hotel with great rooms, especially the lake view rooms. Service is very good and the hotel is very well maintained.
Highly recommended”
Giritale Hotel
3.8/543 Reviews
InnaK:“Отель выбирала из-за вида! Он конечно очень прекрасен. Вечером был красивый закат. Номера очень простые, но на одну ночь было нормально. Еда не понравилась, морепродукты зажаривают до состояния чипс, рыбу кушать было невозможно, а вот десерты были ничего. Завтрак тоже не понравился. Но это все компенсировал шикарный вид.”
Risenlak Holiday Resort
4.5/512 Reviews
ellkell:“A lovely little homestay, very convenient for visiting the Pollonaruwa ancient city. It’s not a tourist town but worth a visit for a taste of central Sri Lanka. The family were very helpful and welcoming, and both dinner and breakfast were delicious. It’s a bit of a distance from town but there’s a very nice walk along the lake that takes you right to the ticket office.”
Ekho Lake House
4.6/550 Reviews
RM55:“Excellent location, great service, and delicious food in this hotel!”
Rivonway Hotel Polonnaruwa
4.0/52 Reviews
IGORILLO:“Hotel stuff is nice and helpful. Traditional Sri Lanka food is on the breakfast and the portions are very big!
Nice view of the wild nature”
What to Eat
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Polonnaruwa dishes and foodie spots.
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Priyamali Gedara
3.0/52 Reviews
Open Late
Avg. EUR2/person
Open 8:00-21:00
酱-:“The only negative was the Hakkatini,which was too sweet and lacked punch.A little more salt would also have helped.”
Ruins Chaaya
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seylanta tea & coffee Arcade
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Rasa Bojun Gedara
5.0/5This user hasn't left any comments yet
Ohseen Family Restaurant
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Derana Restaurant
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Kadamandiya Family Restaurant
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Lake Inn Guest House Dining Room
3.0/57 Reviews
桃李春风一杯酒:“The decoration and service are really good, and the service is quite warm. There are many more types of food here than in general Sri Lankan restaurants. If the weather is very hot, you can even swim in the pond here, hahahaha but none of us dared! The price is a little expensive, but not much higher than the average level in Sri Lanka.”
Ariya Rest House
3.0/57 Reviews
酱-:“Went to restaurant for dinner and the entire experience was great.Staff were friendly and courteous,and went out of their way to make guests feel at ease.The food was well presented and delicious,especially the sea bass in honey and miso.”Polonnaruwa Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes
Post
When the sea breeze of the Indian Ocean blows by, it feels like falling into the world of Spirited Away
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Best of Polonnaruwa
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Nuwara Eliya District
Popular Types of Attractions in Polonnaruwa
Historical attractions | Nature and wildlife | Natural scenery | Beaches and shores | Mountain climbing | Cultural institutions | Museums | Themed exhibition halls | Leisure activities | Spa/massage | Farms and pastures | Camping and campsites | Sightseeing tours | Boat tour | Night view | Outdoor activities | Cycling | Mountain climbing | Exhibitions & events | Skybound experiences | Water sports
Popular Attractions in Polonnaruwa
Chapter House and a Hospital | Samudra Parakrama | National Cricket Stadium, Hingurakgoda | Mahindaramaya Temple | Flood Plains National Park | Moragahakanda Dam Viewing Point | Gal Amuna Samadhi Statue | වීරසිංහ පැළ තවාන (weerasinghe plant nursery ) | கறப்பளை ஸ்ரீ முத்து மாரியம்மன் ஆலயம்,sri muththu mariyamman kovil | Muslim Colony Markas Jumma Mosque | Kottapitiya Ancient Bo tree | Nelum pokuna II (නෙළුම් පොකුණ II) | Ancient Places Ihakuluwewa | Northern Gate and the Main Street - 55 | King Mahasen Statue | Jummah Mosque | Pabalu Vehera (Temple of Marbles) - 52 | Wild Animal Jeep Safari | Wild animals Safari Kaudlla | Immaculate Conception of St. Mary’s Church - Polonnaruwa | Batticaloa Junction | Dewagala Archaeological Site | Safari with Asanka | Ticket Office | Square Courtyard | Tharu jeep safari kaudulla & Minneriya park | Passikudah Beach | VIRON FARM | Kaudulla National Park Ticket Office
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Popular Restaurants in Polonnaruwa
Zomoto Family Restaurant | Priyamali Gedara | Dinetime Family Restaurant | Ruins Chaaya | seylanta tea & coffee Arcade | Rasa Bojun Gedara | Ohseen Family Restaurant | Derana Restaurant | Kadamandiya Family Restaurant | Lake Inn Guest House Dining Room | Ariya Rest House | Sunrise And Akila Restaurant | Wishma Restaurant | Applebee's Burger Hut | Lake Front Hotel And Restaurant | Gami Gedara | Hotel Mahanuge | Sudu Araliya Restaurant | The Lake Restaurant | Mihini | Hotel, The Village | Gajaba Hotel Dining Room | Devi Tourist Home Dining Room | Clay Hut Village | Chilli's Lathpadura | Girithale | Ambalama Kele Restaurant | Sampathe restaurant and Bar | Welikanda Restaurant & Bar | Manjula Wine Store
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More Things To Do in Polonnaruwa
Day tour to Minneriya National Park,Sigiriya & Dambulla from Kandy | Private Jeep Safari To one of a Best National Park | Sigiriya, Dambulla and Habarana Safari , Budget Tour from Colombo | Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa & Dambulla "Trilogy" Day Tour from Colombo | Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Day Tour | Private Polonnaruwa Sightseeing Day Tour from Sigiriya | Sri Lanka's Mirnyaya Forest Park|Safari Jeep + Wildlife Viewing & | Global 77 Countries 4G/5G eSIM | Day Pass/Data Packages | 1-30 Days | 24-Hour Billing | QR Code | Global (66 countries) | 5G/4G eSIM | Total Package | 24H Billing | 1-7 days | QR code | Global 108 Regions | 1–30 Days | Easy In-App Setup | QR Code | Sri Lanka 4G Travel eSIM | 1-30 Days | Instant Setup | QR Code | Global eSIM (149 countries/regions) 4G/5G | eSIM | China Mobile CMLink | 1-30 day optional | Instant order and use | Supports hotspots | QR Code | Global 92 Countries 4G/5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Package | 1-30 Days | QR Code | Global (72 countries) | 4G/5G eSIM | Total Package | 365-day validity | 24H | QR code | [Asia] 4G network | Unlimited traffic | Self-pickup at the airport | WiFi rental, high-speed traffic, shared by multiple people, ready to use at boot, 12H standby, 24H customer service | Dambulla, Sigiriya and Pidurandala Day Tour with a verified tour guide | Trincomalee, Sri Lanka travel photography[Beach sunset wedding photo shoot/photographer, translator, local private charter, chartered car/customized group itinerary guide] | Sigiriya and Dambulla Private Day Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car | Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura | All kinds of interpreters, Guide , chartered private charter, photographers, business escorts, medical accompaniment, travel guides, customization throughout Sri Lanka | Travel photography in Kandy, Sri Lanka[Wedding photo shoots all over the country with commercial group, personal photographer, interpreter, local guide and private charter] | Full-Day Private Sigiriya and Dambulla from Kandy | From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip and Safari | Private Day trip Kandy & pinnawala with your selected attractions | Kandy Village Cooking Class | Private Trip to Sigiriya, Dambulla & safari from Colombo/ Negombo | Srilankan Cooking class by FFL kandy | Kandy Sigiriya Day Trip by tuk,tuk/car/van | Sri Lanka | 5G/4G eSIM | Total Package | 24H Billing | 30 days | QR code | Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka[Great Pagoda/Holy City Photography service/Photographer private charter, Local Guide, Interpreter and Customized Accompanying]
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