Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
4.5
Historic SitesAncient RuinsPoints of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasArchitectural Buildings
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission tickets
from
AU$78.68
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- Paul H35 contributionsGreat restaurant on the way to Polonnaruwa 😋Polonnaruwa is not to be missed. An ancient city spread over a huge area. It was hot when we visited, take a hat, sun cream and plenty of water. We stopped at Waandora Gedara for lunch. It’s on the Habarana road at the top of the big lake. A buffet of 22 curries including raw examples of the veg each one is made from. It’s set up for tourists but delivers a delicious authentic Sri Lankan feast.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 October 2023
- VGrietLeuven, Belgium336 contributionsMust visitYou get tickets at the museum before you van enter any of the sites. Very rich history here and variety of different type of buildings to see: Old Palace ruins, stupas, budha statues, Old monastery with hospital. And a nice stroll as well at some of the sites. It does get hot between the stone buildings, so be prepared. On the other hand, to enter most you must take of hat, take if shoes and be covered to below the knee- so take that in mind.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- JulieS2321 contributionsA cultural history lesson.The best way to visit is with a private guide and car. There are a few sites to visit. A fascinating historical site of immense architectural achievement. Layer this with other ancient sites across the world and you have an amazing cross cultural view of the way civilisations emerged.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 November 2023
- Christina43 contributionsPerfekt!Really great! Nice to ride the bike aorund the park, its very big! A little bit annoying with all the people trying to sell stuff everywhere, not accepting a no. But apart from that, its really amazing.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 November 2023
- OamaruvianOamaru, New Zealand352 contributionsFascinating historical day outWe spent the day vising the vast network of ruins in this park. It is quite expensive at $29 US/person but you get a lot for your money, starting with the museum. Be aware, many are classified as culturally sensitive, so shoes off and shoulders and knees covered before you enter. Best to wear attire that is easy to slip on and off or light clothing. Take an umbrella if it is raining as there is very little shelter. It is wise not to take food as the monkeys will cause you problems. To get a full understanding of the history, it is worth hiring a guide, which are readily available at the ticket office. Enjoy you day.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 January 2024
- Dr_Kippers65 contributionsHistorical Sri LankaWe had planned to hire bikes and cycle round the ruins as they're spead out over a large area. However, there was torrential rain so we travelled between sites by car. Definitely worth buying a guidebook or read about the site before going to get most out of your visit. The Buddist temples/holy sites require people to cover their legs (knees covered) and take off shoes so sandals are best (particularly when it's raining).Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 January 2024
- VThallurChennai (Madras), India85 contributionsDefinitely a must visit... if you are a history buff.Awestruck by this ancient capital city ruins. Spread over a large area, it gives you an idea of the scale and grandeur it dispensed in it's heyday. Can spend an entire day walking around. It's a photographer's delight. If you are wearing shorts & intend to enter the interiors of temple ruins ( a couple of them), remember to carry a wraparound cloth. However, you are free to wear shorts and footwear if you are not entering the temple interiors and just catching glimpses from the outside (like I did, 'coz I was wearing shorts & didn't have a wrap).Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 January 2024
- NikSingapore, Singapore37 contributionsHistoricalGems -PolonnaruwaPolonnaruwa, a mesmerizing step back in time! The ancient city's well-preserved ruins left me in awe. From the majestic Gal Vihara to the royal palace, every step felt like a journey through history. The ambiance is serene, and the guides share fascinating insights. USD 25 for entrance ticket per person. And 50% off for children. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique cultural experience. Truly a gem in Sri Lanka! Highly recommended to travelers.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 4 February 2024
- Dimitri J3 contributionsA Family Adventure at Polonnaruwa UNESCO SiteOur family had an enriching time exploring Polonnaruwa UNESCO site. The kids were captivated by the ancient marvels, and our guide made history come alive. The site's well-preserved ruins and insightful commentary provided a memorable educational experience for the whole family. Highly recommend this fascinating journey!Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 February 2024
- JR_EssexChelmsford, United Kingdom585 contributionsVast ancient cityWe visited the ancient city of Polonnaruwa as part of our tour of Sri Lanka. There is a small museum you can visit first, which gives an overview before you actually enter the complex, worth a visit but hot and stuffy. The complex itself is vast and would recommend the use of a guide if you want to get a good understanding of the ancient city. A visit here is an essential part of any visit to Sri LankaVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 March 2024
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4.5
2,673 reviews
Excellent
1,476
Very good
918
Average
207
Poor
54
Terrible
18
Karen C
49 contributions
Mar 2020
Recommended as a must see by others who have travelled to Sir Lanka. Be prepared all entrance fees are expected to be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees 4550 pp or US $25.00. Credit card was not accepted. The ruins are spread over several areas and we were glad we had a private driver/tour guide to show up the way. This is one of the areas where an audio tour would have been helpful for tourists to understand the significance of each section as the signage on the ruins did not match up with the map/key provided at the first call in the Museum/office.
Be aware the Monkeys on these sites are well use to Travelers and are very bold. If you stop to take a photo of them they will quickly congregate around you
Be aware the Monkeys on these sites are well use to Travelers and are very bold. If you stop to take a photo of them they will quickly congregate around you
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,920 contributions
Jan 2020
Polonnawura richly deserves its status as a World Heritage Site. It can be visited over the course of a day. While a ruin, there are enough tantalizing remains to interest any traveler. The area ruled Sri Lanka from the 11th through 13th centuries. Several buildings here likely held the Tooth Relic. There are other unique structures like the circular Vatadage and the oddly shaped Satmahal Prasada, the purpose of the latter unclear. Places like the Lankatilaka Vihara, stretching to the heavens, will catch any photographer's eye. The sublime sculptures at Gal Vihara represent the best of Sinhalese craftsmanship, the artistry of the Kumara Pokuna, the royal baths, not far behind. It is a more impressive site overall than Anuradhapura.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
851gill
Swanage, UK546 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
A must do day out whilst in this region. Really interesting and awe inspiring. Few things to try to do. Visit the museum first which will make the whole place more understandable. If you want to book a guide it is worthwhile but if you struggle with hearing it may be better not to as they don’t all speak good English. Take a scarf for the sights require ladies to cover legs and shoulders. Wear shoes you can slip on or off as you need to remove them to go up close. There is a number of pedlars at every site. Unless you want to buy anything just say No Thank You. You can go round by car or hire a bike depending on your fitness and heat tolerance level. The toilets for foreigners are very clean and good. Take some small change to tip the attendants. A worthwhile and enjoyable day and leaves you in wonder and awe on how it must of look when in its full glory.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcel U
31 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
the royal city itself is beautiful and you must have seen it, but be careful if you take a guide. we had a guide with tuktuk from the park he asked 60 euros for 3 hours to show the city when he was done for 1.5 hours and I gave him half he got angry and threatened. So be careful who you take especially when the entrance fee is 35 dollars per person.
Written 21 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sam collin
London, UK3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
we visited polonnaruwa site in the morning time.
our driver reccomended us to hire a bicycles it was great idea but not in the afternoon.
the ruines are old and beautifull.
best place in the site was three budda statues carved from the rock
our driver reccomended us to hire a bicycles it was great idea but not in the afternoon.
the ruines are old and beautifull.
best place in the site was three budda statues carved from the rock
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiana L
Odense, Denmark4 contributions
Dec 2021
An amazing site! and i believe this is one of the must-see places in Sri Lanka, highly recommended for those who like to explore history or architecture. And also definitely you need a guide, Mr Kaan was our guide throughout the tour and he has very good knowledge about the history of Sri Lanka. The information he gave we’re fantastic!
We started our visit at the archaeological museum and you can learn some interesting facts about the history from the archaeological museum before you go to the ruins. We started early morning 8.00 am and leave 1.30pm, we spent there at more than 5 hours.
We started our visit at the archaeological museum and you can learn some interesting facts about the history from the archaeological museum before you go to the ruins. We started early morning 8.00 am and leave 1.30pm, we spent there at more than 5 hours.
Written 2 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danycassio
Stockholm, Sweden6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The site is on a big area and is recommended to have a tuk tuk driver or to rent a bike in order to explore the whole area.
Very interesting ruins and I am positively impressed how everything is well maintained and clean, which is a sign that the money of the ticket goes into the preservation, as it should.
The museum is also well made and contains some artifacts found on the site.
Definitely worth a visit!
Very interesting ruins and I am positively impressed how everything is well maintained and clean, which is a sign that the money of the ticket goes into the preservation, as it should.
The museum is also well made and contains some artifacts found on the site.
Definitely worth a visit!
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oamaruvian
Oamaru, New Zealand352 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We spent the day vising the vast network of ruins in this park. It is quite expensive at $29 US/person but you get a lot for your money, starting with the museum. Be aware, many are classified as culturally sensitive, so shoes off and shoulders and knees covered before you enter. Best to wear attire that is easy to slip on and off or light clothing. Take an umbrella if it is raining as there is very little shelter. It is wise not to take food as the monkeys will cause you problems. To get a full understanding of the history, it is worth hiring a guide, which are readily available at the ticket office. Enjoy you day.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E.Winter
London, UK410 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
We visited the 3 points of attraction in the area. It took around 2hs ( max) by car, and it was fairly pleasant.
You defiantly need a guide to get a better understanding of the area and its importance to Buddhist.
It doesn't feel as grand as some of the other sites we have visited and here I feel like you really someone to guide you otherwise it feels like its just ruins and a few Buddha statues
You defiantly need a guide to get a better understanding of the area and its importance to Buddhist.
It doesn't feel as grand as some of the other sites we have visited and here I feel like you really someone to guide you otherwise it feels like its just ruins and a few Buddha statues
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ilovemyjollies
444 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This ancient village is on a massive scale so you'll need transport to get around each location.
Some if the ruins felt like being in The Jungle Book film.
You'll need around 3-4 hours to see all of the ruins and I would recommend getting there early to avoid the heat and humidity
Some if the ruins felt like being in The Jungle Book film.
You'll need around 3-4 hours to see all of the ruins and I would recommend getting there early to avoid the heat and humidity
Written 21 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ik ga in september met een groepsreis onder andere naar deze plaats. Daar staat een fietstour op het programma. Heeft U enig idee wat je voor een tour naar de belangrijkste bezienswaardigheden met een tuk tuk moet rekenen en hoe lang dat ongeveer zal duren?
Written 5 June 2019
Oh im sorry i see it now youre question but i really don t know.
Written 26 December 2018
If I remember rightly we paid LKR400 per bike for the day
Written 20 November 2018
Does anyone know how much time it takes to take the bus from Polonnaruwa to Valaichchenai? By train I read it's a bit less than 2 hours, but from the centre of Polonnaruwa you'll need a tuc tuc to get to the train station, so maybe the bus is more convenient/faster in total because the bus stop is located in the centre. thanks in advance
Written 6 May 2018
I have a car booked for my Sri Lanka trip.However my travel agent informs me that the driver/guide we are getting for the trip is not allowed to drive within Polonnaruwa, thus we will need to hire tuk tuk to move around. Does anyone here has any experience hiring a tuk tuk? Biking is not an option as most of my party members are elderly who cant cycle.
Written 5 January 2018
PS: We saw other cars and even mini-buses in the park, but no tuk-tuks!
Written 7 January 2018
how much time will it take to visit polonnaruwa ruins? can the vehicle go to every site?
Written 26 October 2017
Yes it’s reachable by a vehicle, if you have a passion towards studying the history it can take sometime if not within 1-2 hours you can finishing sightseeing.
Written 6 November 2017
Hi there,
Many people recommend visiting the museum first before the ruins. As we are staying the two nights in Polonnaruwa I was thinking about visiting the museum in the evening and then going to the ruins early the following morning. Is this possible without paying the $25 entry twice?
Thanks,
Tiri
Written 28 April 2017
The entrance fee is paid at the Museum entrance, so their ticket counter serves the whole area. Usually the tickets are dated, and then stamped on the various points of interest, so I am not really sure if they can provide you with next day tickets during late afternoon. The best strategy is to go early in the morning, and have the whole day in front of you for the ruins, usually it is enough.
Try contacting them or your local operator, but do crosscheck, because local information very often tends to be erroneous.
Written 18 May 2017
What is the average time spent at Polonnaruwa?
Written 17 April 2017
3-4 hrs to do the ancient city and museum (by bike)
Written 20 April 2017
Hi, Im going to SL in a few weeks and plan to visit Polonnaruwa. Can you remember which company or where you rented your bikes and did you book your guide in advance or when you got there? Can you recommend a company?
Thank you
Jen x
Written 26 June 2016
Sorry Jen all ours were in our deal through Cosmos Tours
Cheers
Written 3 July 2016
Bonjour ,
Nous venons au mois d'août pour 15 jours et sommes à la recherche d'un guide parlant le français pour organiser trois où quatre journées d'excursion reprenant le National Park of Yala, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradahpuna, Kandy and Negombo for the Dutch canal.
En vous remerciant d'avance pour toute proposition
Pascal
Bonjour, Pascal. Que voudriez-vous savoir sur cette attraction ?
Written 14 March 2016
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