Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a captivating city with a rich history and stunning attractions. The city is renowned for its ancient temples and ruins, which offer a glimpse into its glorious past. The picturesque lake adds to the charm of this place, providing a tranquil setting for leisurely walks or boat rides. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of wildlife and the opportunity to explore the surrounding forests. The city's castle and cultural sites showcase the architectural brilliance of the bygone era. Additionally, Polonnaruwa is a great destination for biking enthusiasts, with its scenic routes and pleasant weather. For those looking to relax by the beach, the coastal town of Pasikudah is just a short distance away. Polonnaruwa truly offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Polonnaruwa Hotels
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Our top choices for Polonnaruwa hotels




1. Risenlak Holiday Resort
Risenlak Holiday Resort



2. Green Kingdom Resort
Green Kingdom Resort



3. Binara Home Stay -Tourist Lodge
Binara Home Stay -Tourist Lodge



4. Seyara Holiday Resort
Seyara Holiday Resort



5. Hotel Sudu Araliya
Hotel Sudu Araliya



6. Hotel Mahanuge
Hotel Mahanuge



7. Sudu Neluma Home Stay
Sudu Neluma Home Stay



8. Rock Cascade Homestay
Rock Cascade Homestay



9. Kamatha Resort
Kamatha Resort



10. Hotel Dunhinda
Hotel Dunhinda



11. Nadun Rest
Nadun Rest



12. Wildescape Polonnaruwa
Wildescape Polonnaruwa



13. Kumari Resort
Kumari Resort



14. SSC VIlla
SSC VIlla



15. Dilshan Guest House
Dilshan Guest House



16. Rio Lake Hotel Sigiriya
Rio Lake Hotel Sigiriya



17. Hotel Viverra
Hotel Viverra



18. The Senaro Holiday Inn
The Senaro Holiday Inn



19. Lavendish Lake Giritale - Former Giritale Hotel
Lavendish Lake Giritale - Former Giritale Hotel



20. Winmi Resort
Winmi ResortWhere to stay in Polonnaruwa
Kaduruwela
Though Kaduruwela may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum and Gal Viharaya.
Stay near popular Polonnaruwa attractions

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Kiri Vihara Temple

Lankatilaka Temple
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum
Shiva Devalaya
Gal Viharaya
Pabula Vihara
Tivanka Image House
Learn more about Polonnaruwa
Rent bicycles to explore the ancient city's massive Buddha statues, royal palaces, and intricately carved temples. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress nearby for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and archaeological wonders.
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Top Polonnaruwa Hotel Reviews
Amaya Lake Dambulla
"Everything is perfect thanks"
Sigiriya Jungles
"The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The buffet was incredible. Our room was amazing and it really felt like we were in a jungle with a tree in the bathroom. Everyone genuinely wanted us to feel welcomed."
Flower Garden Eco Village
"Room Electricals need some maintenance our bedside lamps were not working. Wardrobe inside finishing was incomplete - but otherwise an excellent location and hotel. Food and pool were great"
Hotel Sigiriya
"We had a great stay at Hotel Sigiriya! The views of Sigiriya Rock were beautiful, and we really enjoyed the breakfast. Our room was on the smaller side, but it was comfortable enough for our stay. The pool looked lovely as well, although unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to use it. There were two disappointments during our stay. First, before arriving, I contacted the hotel management to request a simple birthday surprise—a decorated room with a “Happy Birthday” message and a small cake. The hotel acknowledged the request, and I even noticed it written in the corner of our check-in paperwork. Unfortunately, the request was overlooked and the surprise never happened. It was a missed opportunity to make an already wonderful stay truly special. Hopefully, they can follow through next time! The second disappointment was on our second day. The cleaning staff made an elephant out of towels and placed it on our bed. When we dismantled it to use the towels, we realized that they appeared to be our previously used towels. We found this quite concerning and unsanitary, especially since used towels had been arranged and placed directly on the bed. Despite these issues, we had a lovely overall stay, enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, and appreciated the friendly service. With a little more attention to these details, the hotel could make the experience truly exceptional. We would consider staying again and hope for an even better experience next time."
Cinnamon Lodge
"Amazing stay, amazing staff, amazing property, amazing meals and buffet, amazing pool. The ideal place if you want to check out and relax for a while. Truly a therapeutic experience. We will be back."
Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort
"Staff were excellent and made every effort to make our stay comfortable. Food was fresh and delicious. We recommend keeping the spa open till later in the day although we note the concern about wild elephants and safety. Overall a great place and we would love to come back"
Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve
"Overall, we really enjoyed our experience at jet wing! We came for our honeymoon and our butler did a fantastic job of making it special for us. From the service we got at check-in to check out the staff was great! We really enjoyed the excursions offered by the hotel like birdwatching in the morning. The food was all delicious and we especially liked the morning breakfast. We recommend jetwing to others on their honeymoon, but also saw a lot of families and seemed like a great place for groups as well."
Taru Villas - Maia - Habarana
"I travel a lot, and this hidden gem is just perfect."
Aliya Resort & Spa
"This is a very special property. It has beautiful views , spacious rooms and tasty food. It is very well situated for all of the main attractions in Sigiriya. Definitely stay here if you can"
Hotels in Polonnaruwa with star rating

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Find out more about Polonnaruwa
Ancient ruins and cultural wonders in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Top reasons to visit Polonnaruwa
- Ancient Temples and Ruins: Polonnaruwa is renowned for its historical temples and ruins, offering a glimpse into its glorious past through exquisite stone carvings and ancient statues.
- Picturesque Lake: The tranquil setting of Polonnaruwa's lake provides a serene backdrop for leisurely walks or boat rides.
- Abundance of Wildlife: Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunity to explore the surrounding forests and witness the diverse wildlife in Polonnaruwa.
- Majestic Castle and Cultural Sites: The city's castle and cultural sites showcase the architectural brilliance of the bygone era, adding to the historical charm of Polonnaruwa.
- Biking Enthusiast's Paradise: Polonnaruwa offers scenic routes and pleasant weather, making it a great destination for biking enthusiasts to explore the city and its surroundings.
Find your hotel in Polonnaruwa
When visiting Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, you'll find a range of hotels to suit all preferences and budgets. Here are some popular options:
- Hotel Sudu Araliya - This 3.5-star hotel offers a variety of amenities including a steamroom, childcare services, massage facilities, sauna, a beautiful lake, concierge service, fitness center, spa, sports activities, and a pool.
- EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa - Also a 3.5-star hotel, it features a stunning lake view, massage services, a seafront location, concierge service, smoking area, spa, historical ambiance, room service, complimentary breakfast, and beautiful gardens.
- Seyara Holiday Resort - A 3.0-star hotel offering childcare services, a cozy fireplace, romantic atmosphere, biking facilities, outdoor pool, room service, swimming facilities, recreational activities, a pool, and business amenities.
Staying in Polonnaruwa allows you to explore its rich history and archaeological sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a range of hotel options available, you can find the perfect accommodation for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this culturally significant city.
Explore the best places to visit and stay in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, offers a range of exciting areas and neighborhoods for tourists to explore.
- Kaduruwela: This area is a great destination for history enthusiasts, with its historical sites, temples, and ruins. Nature lovers will also appreciate the beautiful lake and wildlife in the area. Additionally, Kaduruwela offers opportunities for biking and exploring the surrounding countryside.
- Pasikudah Coastal Town: Situated on the eastern coast, this town is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. It's the perfect spot for relaxation and water activities such as swimming and snorkeling.
- Polonnaruwa Online: This area is well-located in Polonnaruwa and offers a nice base for exploring the city. Visitors can easily access the city's attractions, including the ancient ruins and historical sites.
- Polonnaruwa City: As the main city in the region, Polonnaruwa offers a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. Tourists can explore the ancient city ruins, visit museums, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Each area in Polonnaruwa has its own unique geographic features, landmarks, and local experiences, ensuring a memorable holiday filled with adventure and relaxation.
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, offers a unique experience with its historical temples, ruins, serene lake, nature, wildlife, majestic castle, rich culture, and biking opportunities.
- Gal Viharaya: Immerse yourself in the historical and cultural significance of this temple, adorned with exquisite stone carvings and ancient statues.
- Rankot Vihara: Explore the grandeur of this ancient temple, known for its towering white dagoba and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Gal Pota: Marvel at the massive stone book, believed to be the largest book inscription in the world, providing a glimpse into the region's rich history and heritage.
Don't miss the opportunity to witness the grandeur of Pramakamabahu Palace, indulge in delicious local cuisine, experience a traditional ceremony, and embark on a thrilling safari in Maduruoya National Park. Finally, relax and enjoy the tranquility of the vast Parakrama Samudraya, a picturesque lake that adds to the charm of Polonnaruwa.
How to find great deals and cheap hotels in Polonnaruwa
- Explore the historical sites, ancient temples, and fascinating ruins in Polonnaruwa, which are a must-visit for any tourist.
- Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake in Polonnaruwa and indulge in activities like boating and fishing.
- Immerse yourself in the wildlife and nature of Polonnaruwa by visiting the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.
- Don't miss the opportunity to explore the castle and experience the rich culture of Polonnaruwa.
- Rent a bike to explore the city at your own pace and take in the scenic views of Polonnaruwa.
- To save on travel expenses, consider visiting Polonnaruwa during the off-peak season when prices for flights, hotels, and attractions may be lower.
- Take advantage of budget-friendly transportation options such as local buses or trains to get around Polonnaruwa.
- Follow Expedia's website for regular updates and discounts on hotels and travel deals in Polonnaruwa.
Discover the flavours of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa offers a delightful dining experience with its local cuisine and unique dishes. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours and aromas of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, such as hoppers, kottu roti, and string hoppers. Indulge in a mouthwatering array of curries, including chicken, fish, and vegetable curries, bursting with spices and herbs. Don't miss out on the opportunity to try the local specialty, Polonnaruwa rice and curry, which showcases the region's unique culinary heritage.
When it comes to dining in Polonnaruwa, there are several popular restaurants that offer a variety of culinary styles. Pizza Hut පොලොන්නරුව is a pizzeria where you can enjoy delicious pizzas with a local twist. Saruketha is an Asian restaurant that serves authentic Sri Lankan and Indian dishes, providing a truly immersive dining experience. If you're in the mood for a buffet, Hotel Mahanuge offers a wide range of delectable dishes for you to feast on. These restaurants ensure that you can savor the flavours of Polonnaruwa while enjoying a memorable dining experience.
Best time to go to Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa boasts a year-around average temperature of 27.9 °C, peaking at 28.9°C in April, May, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 27.2°C in January, October, November, December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 149.0mm annually, with August seeing the heaviest showers and February being the driest month.
Month![]() | Temperature (Celcius)![]() | Rainfall (mm)![]() |
| January | 27.2 | 91.4 |
| February | 27.8 | 53.3 |
| March | 28.4 | 87.6 |
| April | 28.9 | 118.1 |
| May | 28.9 | 101.6 |
| June | 28.1 | 163.8 |
| July | 28.0 | 302.3 |
| August | 28.0 | 305.8 |
| September | 27.7 | 147.3 |
| October | 27.2 | 116.8 |
| November | 27.2 | 160.0 |
| December | 27.2 | 139.7 |
The nearest major airports for your trip to Polonnaruwa
Reaching Polonnaruwa is convenient via Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), situated 150km away. Nearby, you’ll find excellent hotel options such as Sentido Heritance Negombo, a 5-star hotel located 8km from the airport, offering airport shuttle services. Jetwing Beach, another 5-star hotel, is located 10km from CMB, providing easy access to the airport. Additionally, Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, an adults-only luxury resort, is just 6km away and offers similar transport facilities. These hotels ensure a comfortable stay and seamless transfers to the airport, making your journey to Polonnaruwa hassle-free.
The Polonnaruwa info point: What you need to know
Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka |
| Historical Importance | Former capital of Sri Lanka, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Attractions | Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site, Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, Rankoth Vehera |
| Best Time to Visit | February to April, September to November |
| Duration of Visit | 1-2 days |
| Weather | Hot and dry climate, monsoon season from October to January |
| Transportation | Tuk-tuks, bicycles, private vehicles |
| Accommodation | Hotels, guesthouses, eco-lodges |
| Local Cuisine | Rice and curry, hoppers, string hoppers, kottu roti |
| Nearby Places of Interest | Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple |



