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Polonnaruwa

echo the island’s golden past

The Ancient Kingdom of Sri Lanka

If you ever dream of walking through history, Polonnaruwa is where the past comes alive. Once the proud Kingdom of Great Kings, this ancient royal capital flourished under rulers like King Parakramabahu the Great, who transformed it into a centre of culture, art, and irrigation. Today, its UNESCO World Heritage ruins, vast reservoirs, and timeless stupas echo the brilliance of medieval Sri Lanka.
Among its sacred treasures stand Ruwanweliseya (රන් කොත් වෙහෙර) and Kiri Vehera, two magnificent stupas that symbolise devotion and architectural grace

The Cultural Heart of Sri Lanka

Places to Visit

The Royal Palace and Council Chamber

Once the seat of power for King Parakramabahu the Great, this seven-storey palace complex stood as a symbol of royal might. Though only a few walls remain, you can still sense the grandeur of its finely carved stone elephants and lions.

Gal Vihara

Carved from a single granite rock, Gal Vihara features four serene Buddha statues in different postures — sitting, standing, and lying down. The craftsmanship and spiritual presence here make it one of Polonnaruwa’s most revered sites.

Vatadage

A circular relic house that once enshrined the Tooth Relic, the Vatadage is admired for its moonstones, guardstones, and symmetrically placed stone pillars — a true showcase of ancient artistry.

Rankoth Vehera

A striking brick stupa rising proudly above the ancient city, Rankoth Vehera stands as a testament to the religious devotion of the Polonnaruwa era. Its dome and surrounding monastery ruins create a serene Buddhist atmosphere.

Lankathilaka Image House

Housing a towering brick Buddha statue, this image house reveals both grandeur and devotion. Even in its partially ruined state, every inch radiates spiritual artistry.

Parakrama Samudra

Meaning “Sea of Parakrama,” this vast man-made reservoir still nourishes local fields today. Built over 800 years ago, it stands as a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering of ancient Sri Lanka.

Polonnaruwa Kiri Vehera

Kiri Vehera is one of the most iconic and well-preserved stupas in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital. Built during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great (12th century), it is believed to have been commissioned by Queen Subhadra, one of his consorts.

Sri Lanka’s Glorious Places

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