North Central Province
Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka's medieval capital, compact enough to see properly in a day.
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Polonnaruwa succeeded Anuradhapura as the capital in the 11th century, and its ruins are closer together and better preserved — the royal palace, the audience hall, and the quadrangle of temples can all be covered on foot or by bicycle in a single morning.
The highlight for most visitors is Gal Vihara: four Buddha statues carved directly into a single granite outcrop, finished with a precision that still isn't fully explained.
Worth knowing
- Gal Vihara's rock-cut Buddha statues
- The royal palace and council chamber ruins
- Compact enough to cycle in half a day
Best time to visitMay–September, same dry window as Anuradhapura — the two are usually visited together.
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