Polonnaruwa District

Must-see places in Polonnaruwa District

Polonnaruwa District Must-Sees

Polonnaruwa District preserves the ruins of Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital, dating back to the 11th century. The site features the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, once a seven-story structure, and the Gal Viharaya’s four granite Buddha statues. Beyond the citadel, the Lankatilaka Temple showcases massive brick architecture, while the Gal Potha records royal history on an eight-meter stone slab. The region also includes Minneriya National Park, known for seasonal elephant gatherings, and the Dimbulagala monastery, which provides views over the North Central Province's plains.

Polonnaruwa District Must-Sees — Map

Mlechanteur / CC BY 3.0

A

The Royal Palace of Polonnaruwa

Poḷonnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central…

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Gal Viharaya

The Gal Vihara, and known originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city Polonnaruwa, the…

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Lankatilaka Temple

A massive 12th-century brick structure featuring 17-meter-high walls and a headless standing Buddha statue. The exterior displays intricate relief carvings of architectural designs and deities.

D

Pothgul Viharaya

The oldest library on the island.

Cherubino / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Stone Book

An 8-meter-long stone slab weighing 25 tons, inscribed with the achievements and genealogy of King Nissanka Malla. The text claims the stone was transported over 100 kilometers from Mihintale.

F

Archaeological Museum

This museum houses bronze statues, ancient surgical instruments, and scale models of the city's ruins. It provides context for the site's hydraulic systems and religious evolution.

G

Ancient Northern Entrance

The remains of the northern gateway providing access to the fortified inner city of the ancient capital.

H

Demala Maha Seya

An unfinished 12th-century stupa designed to be the largest in the world. Today, it remains a massive, flat-topped earthen mound covered in vegetation.

I

Minneriya National Park

A wildlife sanctuary centered around the Minneriya Tank, famous for 'The Gathering' of hundreds of wild Asian elephants between August and October.

J

Dimbulagala Temple Viewpoint

A viewpoint located at a historic rock monastery, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding dry zone plains and ancient reservoirs.