Polonnaruwa Ancient City
About This Museum
Walking through Polonnaruwa is like stepping directly into a 12th-century capital, where ancient kings once ruled. You'll find yourself face-to-face with the Gal Vihara's breathtaking Buddha statues, carved with such incredible skill from a single granite wall. The air is thick with heat and history, and you can almost hear the whispers of the past among the crumbling palaces and serene, man-made reservoirs. It’s a vast, sprawling site that truly feels more like a lost city than a museum, best explored slowly on a bicycle as the tropical sun beats down.
Collection Highlights
Don't miss the four sublime Buddha figures at Gal Vihara, especially the massive reclining one entering Parinirvana. The Lankatilaka Temple boasts towering walls and a headless but still imposing standing Buddha, while the circular Vatadage is a beautiful ceremonial relic house with intricate moonstones and guardstones.
Visitor Information
It's huge, so rent a bike at the entrance to cover ground comfortably—trust me, your feet will thank you. Go early in the morning to beat the worst of the heat and the crowds; the light is beautiful then, too.
Architecture & Building
The ruins showcase sophisticated Sinhalese architecture, from massive brick-walled stupas (dagobas) to beautifully carved Hindu temples (kovils) and palaces built from stone and brick, all demonstrating advanced ancient engineering.
Contact & Location
Address: Polonnaruwa District, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Website: Visit Website
