228. Ancient Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Why Ancient Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
In ancient times, Polonnaruwa was the capital city in this region for two Kingdoms. As you explore it, you can see that it retains its charm. As a matter of fact, the Temple of Tooth used to be here. It’s now located in Kandy, another part of Sri Lanka. The area is quite large and you will enjoy exploring it by foot or by bicycle. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka – Atadageya former Temple of Tooth
Where
Ancient Polonnaruwa is located in the northeastern part of the country of Sri Lanka. The ancient city is east of Batticaloa.
How To Get Here
By Train
As Sri Lanka is an island, there are no trains that arrive here from another country, however there are trains from Colombo to all parts of the country from the Central Train Station in the heart of the city.
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka – Colombo Train Station
By Plane
The Colombo International Airport (CMB) is the closest international airport. The following airlines has service to Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB):
Air Asia (AK), Air China (CA), Air India (AI), Austrian Airlines (OS), Cathay Pacific Airways (CX), China Eastern Airlines (MU, Cinnamon Air (C7), Emirates (EK), Etihad Airways (EY), FlyDubai (FZ), Jet Airways (9W), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL), Korean Airlines (KE), Kuwait Airways (KU), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Qatar Airways (QR), Oman Air (WY), Rotana jet (RG), Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV), SilkAir (MI), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Spicejet (SG), SriLankan (UL), Thai Airways (TG), TOR Air (OD), Turkish Airlines (TK) and Ukraine International (PS).
Colombo, Sri Lanka – Colombo Airport
By Bus
There are buses from Colombo to all parts of the country from the Central Bus Station in the heart of the city.
By Car
If you are already in the region you can take the drive. Just use a service like Google Maps for directions.
Where To Stay
There are several places to stay in this city. And they offer different levels of comfort. I stayed with Cinnamon Hotels and also the Kingsbury and was quite pleased.
Colombo, Sri Lanka Cinnamon Hotel Lakeside
Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Kingsbury
==>> You can find a list of hotels from TripAdvisor in the Polonnaruwa area here.
==>> Try Airbnb.
Where To Eat
There are a few places in the immediate are for food, but of course you can go eat in the town itself.
==>> You can find a list of restaurants from TripAdvisor here.
What To Do
Visit the ruins. You can rent bikes, take local buses or tour buses to the area. Bring lots of water with you as it does get quite hot. I’d also recommend getting a Tour Guide.
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka – King’s Council Chamber
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka – Bicyclists
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka – Monkey
==>> You may also check Viator for additional things to do.
==>> Lonely Planet also has a list of things to do.
Additional Information
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Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka – Atadageya former Temple of Tooth
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