Map of Sri Lanka showing the location of Polonnaruwa in relation to 'C' Colombo

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just under 220km from Colombo

Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms after Anuradhapura. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

The most famous site of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Viharaya which consists of granite statues of the Lord Buddha.

Close to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa there is now a small town with several tourist hotels, some souvinir shops and convenience stores.

Reclining Buddha image, Polonnaruwa - Image courtesy of srilankatourism.org.uk and The Sri Lanka Tourist Board for the UK and Ireland Places to visit in and around the village of Polonnaruwa:

The Archeological ruins

Atadage House of the Eight Relics
Alahana Pirivena or University
Bodhisattva, Bodhisativa or Bodhisativa Polonnaruwa
Council Chamber / Audience Hall
Demala Mahaseya an unfinished stupa in Polonnaruwa
Gal Potha or Stone Book
Gal Viharaya - Recumbent Buddha
Hatadage Shrine of Sixty Relics
Kiri Vehera or Milk-white Shrine
Kumara Pokuna - Royal Bath-house
Lankathilake
Latha Mandapaya or Lotus Sanctuary
Monks' Hospital
Moonstones
Nelum Pokuna, seven 'Lotus Bath' ponds
Pabulu Vehera or Coral Shrine
Parakrama Samudra Reservoir
Potgul Vihara or Monastery
Rankot Vehera, The Golden Pinnacle Dagaba
Royal Citadel
Satmahal Prasada the tower in seven tiers
Siva Devale Shrine - Shiva Shrine
Thuparamaya Image Houses
Tivanka Pilimage Image House
Vatadage Temple, where the relic of the tooth of the Buddha was kept
Vatadage Round House
Vejayanta Pasada or Royal Palace

Polonnaruwa guest houses and hotels:

Polonnaruwa Royal Lotus Hotel

Polonnaruwa Rest House

We apologise for the repetition of some place or proper names with different spellings, but there is no definitive spelling translation of these words.

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The conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, commonly known as “the Tamil Tigers”) ended in May 2009. Although the conflict is over, the LTTE are believed to retain some capability to mount terrorist attacks such as grenade or explosive device attacks and shootings. The Government has relaxed the State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers but there are still heightened levels of security (e.g. checkpoints, road blocks) throughout the country. You should exercise a high level of vigilance. The risk for the most part is one of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In order to minimise this, you should avoid military, government and paramilitary locations. Always carry formal photographic identification with you. Stop and show your ID when asked to do so. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.

Fatal attacks linked to the LTTE occurred throughout the country into 2009. Most attacks have been directed against Government and military targets though a number have been focussed on civilian targets such as crowded public places, public transport and market areas. Some of the most significant attacks included a suicide bomb at a political gathering in March 2009 and an air raid on military targets in Colombo in February 2009.

JeGraNet.com statement - 15 October 2008 - Quote from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: "There is a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Fatal attacks have become more frequent. They have occurred in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka, including places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers. Further attacks may occur at any time. There is an increasing risk of British nationals being caught up in an attack". As independent travellers we left Colombo after just 9 days into our planned 6 month stay as a result of a feeling of insecurity, however we are sure that 'package tour' travellers to tourist resorts will probably enjoy a worry free holiday.