Entrance to Ruins

Polonnaruwa


This is where you will have your Polonnaruwa ticket checked, before entering the main site.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Polonnaruwa attractions

1. Polonnaruwa Ruins

0.04 MILES

For three centuries Polonnaruwa was a royal capital of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms. Today's archaeological park is a delight to explore, with…

2. Shiva Devale No 1

0.05 MILES

Just south of the Quadrangle, the 13th-century Hindu temple Shiva Devale No 1 displays the Indian influence that returned after Polonnaruwa’s Sinhalese…

3. King’s Council Chamber

0.22 MILES

This pillared hall is where the King Nissanka Malla’s council would have met. Inscribed into each of the 48 columns in the chamber is the name of the…

4. Thuparama Gedige

0.22 MILES

At the southern end of the Quadrangle, the Thuparama Gedige is the smallest gedige (hollow Buddhist temple with thick walls) in Polonnaruwa, but is also…

5. Audience Hall

0.22 MILES

Parakramabahu I’s Audience Hall is notable for the frieze of elephants, each of which is in a different pose. There are fine lions at the top of the steps.

6. Latha-Mandapaya

0.22 MILES

The busy Nissanka Malla was responsible for the Latha-Mandapaya. This unique structure consists of a latticed stone fence – a curious imitation of a…

7. Atadage

0.22 MILES

A shrine for the tooth relic, the Atadage is the only surviving structure in Polonnaruwa dating from the reign of Vijayabahu I.

8. Quadrangle

0.22 MILES

A short stroll north of the Royal Palace ruins, the area known as the Quadrangle is literally that – a compact group of ruins in a raised-up area bounded…

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