CMBSIGGAL
Classic Sri Lanka in 7 Days
The essential first-timer’s route: ancient cities, the hill-country train and the south coast.
Via Dambulla · Polonnaruwa · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya …
CultureTea countryBeach
07days
Price on request
Cultural Triangle
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
7.94°N 81.00°E
A compact medieval capital best explored by bicycle — palaces, temples and the Gal Vihara rock carvings.
Polonnaruwa became the capital after Anuradhapura and is better preserved and more compact. A bicycle is the best way to move between the royal palace, the quadrangle of temples and the Gal Vihara — Buddha figures carved directly into a granite rock face. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top things to do
01
Gal Vihara
Tip: The rock-cut Buddha statues are best in morning light.
02
Cycle the ancient city
Tip: Bicycles can be hired at the entrance.
When to visit
Best time: Feb–Sep
- January: off season
- February: good time to visit
- March: good time to visit
- April: good time to visit
- May: good time to visit
- June: good time to visit
- July: good time to visit
- August: good time to visit
- September: good time to visit
- October: off season
- November: off season
- December: off season
Practical tips
- Combine with an evening safari in Minneriya.
Tours that include Polonnaruwa
CMBSIGGAL
Culture, Tea & Coast in 10 Days
The classic route at a gentler pace, with a leopard safari in Yala and beach days on the south coast.
Via Dambulla · Polonnaruwa · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya …
CultureTea countryWildlife
10days
Price on request
CMBNEGCOL
The Whole Island in 14 Days
Two weeks for ancient capitals, tea country, two safaris and proper beach time.
Via Anuradhapura · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Dambulla …
CultureTea countryWildlife
14days
Price on request
