Ancient stone columns and intricate carvings in a historical site.

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Our top choices for Polonnaruwa hotels

1. Heritance Kandalama

Heritance Kandalama
5.0 star property
Kandalama
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (690 reviews)
"This place is amazing. Architecture, integration with the forest, food and service are all unforgettable!"
Hong Kong SAR China
Neil C
The price is CA $264
CA $355 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Heritance Kandalama

2. EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa

EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa
3.5 star property
Polonnaruwa
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (53 reviews)
"The room, food and view was amazing 👍👍"
Denmark
Merethe
The price is CA $260
CA $340 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 1 - Aug 2
EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa

3. Cinnamon Lodge

Cinnamon Lodge
5.0 star property
Habarana
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (347 reviews)
"Hotel was great, so peaceful and located near enough to all of the sites. "
United Kingdom
Joseph
Cinnamon Lodge

4. Hotel Sudu Araliya

Hotel Sudu Araliya
3.5 star property
Polonnaruwa
7.2 out of 10, Good, (52 reviews)
"Great hotel nice staff friendly and helpful! Will return again for sure! Highly recommended!"
United Kingdom
Dilan
The price is CA $69
CA $92 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Hotel Sudu Araliya

5. Habarana Village by Cinnamon

Habarana Village by Cinnamon
4.0 star property
Habarana
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (153 reviews)
"A beautiful location with lovely staff!"
United States
Melissa
Habarana Village by Cinnamon

6. Hotel Sigiriya

Hotel Sigiriya
4.0 star property
Sigiriya
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (569 reviews)
"Great service, great location, lovely hotel all round"
United Kingdom
Robert
The price is CA $130
CA $173 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Hotel Sigiriya

7. Deer Park Hotel

Deer Park Hotel
5.0 star property
Giritale
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (55 reviews)
"Very helpful and kind staff with beautiful surroundings "
United Kingdom
Christopher
The price is CA $136
CA $177 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Deer Park Hotel

8. Sigiriya Village

Sigiriya Village
4.0 star property
Sigiriya
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (209 reviews)
"Great hotel"
United Kingdom
Nicholas
The price is CA $136
CA $177 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Sigiriya Village

9. Seyara Holiday Resort

Seyara Holiday Resort
3.0 star property
Polonnaruwa
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (24 reviews)
"Offers a very relaxing and comfortable stay. Located outside of town (will need to take a Tuk Tuk) but a great location for peace and quiet. Breakfast is very good/filling and dinner offers a nice selection of food which was very good. Highly recommend."
United States
Maxwell
The price is CA $19
CA $26 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Seyara Holiday Resort

10. Sigiriya Jungles

Sigiriya Jungles
4.5 star property
Avudangawa
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (118 reviews)
"Room is nice. Staff are friendly and welcoming. "
Singapore
Meng Kwang
The price is CA $149
CA $193 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Sigiriya Jungles

11. Aliya Resort & Spa

Aliya Resort & Spa
5.0 star property
Avudangawa
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (270 reviews)
"Stunning location. Beautiful rooms & amenities. Staff were fantastic "
Australia
Catriona
The price is CA $188
CA $247 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Aliya Resort & Spa

12. Jetwing Lake

Jetwing Lake
5.0 star property
Dambulla
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (151 reviews)
"Third time at this hotel and still rates the best in Dambulla."
United Kingdom
Rod
Jetwing Lake

13. EKHO Sigiriya

EKHO Sigiriya
3.5 star property
Sigiriya
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (131 reviews)
"This is a great place to stay! There are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby, the staff is wonderful, and the room is very comfortable. Overall, it was a great experience."
United States
Yuri
The price is CA $121
CA $160 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 4 - Aug 5
EKHO Sigiriya

14. Lavendish Lake Giritale - Former Giritale Hotel

Lavendish Lake Giritale - Former Giritale Hotel
4.0 star property
Giritale
7.0 out of 10, Good, (18 reviews)
"Great location"
United States
Peipei
The price is CA $117
CA $153 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 7 - Aug 8
Lavendish Lake Giritale - Former Giritale Hotel

15. Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve
4.5 star property
Sigiriya
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (74 reviews)
"It’s absolutely beautiful Great experience BUT one thing for other travelers If you can’t handle small animals and small creatures/insects This isn’t the place for you Rmmbr this hotel is in the middle of the jungle so you can’t expect it to be bug/animal free! It’s not the hotel’s fault"
United States
Khaled
The price is CA $510
CA $687 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve

16. Taru Villas - Maia - Habarana

Taru Villas - Maia - Habarana
5.0 star property
Habarana
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (60 reviews)
"The architecture of this inside-outside boutique hotel is in keeping with the environment and nature on grounds. The staff is very attentive and friendly. We also made use of the customer experience service to arrange private transfers and tours to all the local sites. It worked out very well. We had a lovely stay. "
United States
Maria
The price is CA $241
CA $287 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 7 - Aug 8
Taru Villas - Maia - Habarana

17. Sunshine Resort and Spa

Sunshine Resort and Spa
3.0 star property
Sigiriya
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (48 reviews)
"Lovely oasis just 50 metres over the river from the western eatery strip (its just 1km down to the western end). Very friendly and helpful staff."
Australia
Nigel
The price is CA $57
CA $69 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 20 - Aug 21
Sunshine Resort and Spa

18. Amaya Lake Dambulla

Amaya Lake Dambulla
4.0 star property
Kandalama
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (144 reviews)
"Very nice place in a fantastic location"
Denmark
Kim
The price is CA $106
CA $138 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Amaya Lake Dambulla

19. Gabaa Resort & Spa

Gabaa Resort & Spa
4.0 star property
Habarana
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (42 reviews)
"We were extremely happy with our 3 nights stay at Gabaa. Staff were superb. All the cabins were hidden amongst the nature, making it must more relaxing and enjoyable. Property was very quiet and had plenty of privacy. Hiruni and Eranda and also everyone else were always available and made our stay memorable. My kids didn’t want to leave the property. Rooms very spacious and AC was worked perfectly. We got some tea and food and they were authentic."
United States
Chameen
The price is CA $80
CA $95 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Gabaa Resort & Spa

20. EKHO Lake Polonnaruwa

EKHO Lake Polonnaruwa
3.5 star property
Polonnaruwa
7.2 out of 10, Good, (44 reviews)
"Terrific views of the Lake from the Room, Pool and dining room. A great place to relax after a hectic day of travel or sightseeing. The rooms are modern and clean. Staff are friendly and informed. The hotel is a bit too far from town to easily walk. However, the restaurant is good."
United States
Gregory
EKHO Lake Polonnaruwa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Where to stay in Polonnaruwa

Find the best Polonnaruwa areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.

Kaduruwela

While there might not be top attractions in Kaduruwela, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya.

Stay near popular Polonnaruwa attractions

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.

Ancient stone ruins with a seated Buddha statue, intricate carvings, and a circular stone platform.

Top Polonnaruwa Hotel Reviews

More cheap stays in Polonnaruwa

Find out more about Polonnaruwa

Top reasons to visit Polonnaruwa

  • Historical Significance: Discover the medieval city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing ancient architecture and ruins.
  • Natural Beauty: Explore the scenic landscapes of Kadulla National Park, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
  • Relaxing Outings: Enjoy serene moments at Polonnaruwa Lake, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
  • Cultural Experiences: Visit the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum to learn about the rich heritage of the region.
  • Variety of Accommodations: Choose from a range of hotels and guesthouses catering to all traveller preferences.

Find great hotels near Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels and guesthouses, catering to diverse traveller needs. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly environment, a family-friendly getaway, or business-focused amenities, you'll discover a range of hotels in Polonnaruwa that provide comfort and convenience. Explore the unique charm of this historical city while enjoying a memorable stay in one of the many welcoming hotels available.

  • Hotel Sigiriya: Nestled 27.4km from Polonnaruwa, Hotel Sigiriya is a luxurious 4-star resort that embodies a tranquil spa theme ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. This property caters to both leisure and business travellers, offering a range of amenities including a full-service spa, massage treatments, and a poolside bar. Business guests can take advantage of well-equipped meeting and conference facilities, ensuring a seamless work experience. The serene surroundings make it a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind amidst nature.
  • Sigiriya Village: Located 27.4km from Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Village is a charming 4-star hotel that embraces the local culture and stunning natural landscapes. This property offers a unique dining experience with options like gala dinners and onsite restaurants. Guests can indulge in various recreational activities, including hiking and biking nearby. Entertainment amenities such as billiards and television ensure that guests have plenty to enjoy during their stay. The proximity to historical sites and national parks adds to the allure, making it a fantastic choice for culture and adventure seekers.
  • EKHO Sigiriya: A comfortable 3.5-star hotel situated 27.4km from Polonnaruwa, EKHO Sigiriya offers a friendly atmosphere with essential amenities for a pleasant stay. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a restaurant and bar. The hotel also provides access to outdoor activities like hiking and biking, allowing guests to explore the beautiful surroundings. With its welcoming vibe and convenient facilities, EKHO Sigiriya is an excellent choice for those seeking a homey atmosphere while discovering the rich heritage of the region.

Things to do near Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, nestled in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, offers a blend of adventure and natural beauty perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the scenic Kadulla National Park, discover the historic sights of Polonnaruwa, and enjoy various entertainment facilities. Don't miss the chance to shop at local centres and search for comfortable resorts to unwind after a day of exploration.

Shopping

In Polonnaruwa, explore local markets like the Polonnaruwa Market for unique souvenirs and handicrafts. If you're up for a drive, visit the Dambulla Central Market, about 24.1km away, where you can find a vibrant selection of local produce, textiles, and traditional crafts.

Recreation

Experience outdoor family fun at Mahaweli Playground, located 30.6km from Polonnaruwa, where you can engage in recreational activities amidst nature. For sports enthusiasts, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, 41.8km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy various sporting events.

Adventure

In Polonnaruwa, explore the ancient ruins on a cycling tour, offering a thrilling way to discover historical sites. Experience the stunning landscapes while kayaking on the Parakrama Samudra lake, where you can enjoy birdwatching and tranquil surroundings, perfect for an adventurous day out.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Polonnaruwa at the charming local eateries and bars. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a riverside restaurant, followed by a refreshing drink at a cozy pub, where you can mingle with friendly locals and fellow travellers, soaking up the unique atmosphere of this historical city.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Polonnaruwa

To save money during your visit to Polonnaruwa, consider travelling during the off-peak months of June and September to October, when accommodation prices dip. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Mondays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly options and sort hotels by price to snag the best deals. Additionally, combining your hotel booking with flights and activities can lead to further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Polonnaruwa are June and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Polonnaruwa is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Polonnaruwa is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Polonnaruwa is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature lets you choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results from lowest to highest price to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation in Polonnaruwa with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Best time to go to Polonnaruwa

The best time to visit Polonnaruwa can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Polonnaruwa falls in May and June. June has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature in Polonnaruwa falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
February75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June81.5°F (27.5°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July81.1°F (27.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August81.0°F (27.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September80.8°F (27.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October79.0°F (26.1°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November76.5°F (24.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December75.0°F (23.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Polonnaruwa?
The best area to stay in Polonnaruwa is near the Polonnaruwa Ancient City complex, particularly along the main road that runs parallel to the ruins.

This area offers excellent access to the historical sites, making it very convenient for exploring. You'll find a good selection of guesthouses and hotels scattered along this road, often with views of the surrounding greenery or close to Lake Parakrama. It's a relatively spread-out area, but many accommodations are within a short tuk-tuk ride or even a walk to the main entrance of the Ancient City.

Couples looking for a relaxing and culturally rich experience will find this area ideal. Staying close to the Ancient City allows for early morning or late afternoon visits, avoiding the busiest times and enjoying the sites in cooler temperatures. Many larger hotels in this vicinity offer amenities like swimming pools and dining options, great for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
What are the best hotels in Polonnaruwa that travellers recommend?
Two of the best hotels in Polonnaruwa that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa and Seyara Holiday Resort.

The 3.5-star EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa, with a 9.0 rating, offers stunning lake views and a refreshing outdoor pool. It is conveniently located just 0.6 km from the Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

Another highly recommended option is the 3-star Seyara Holiday Resort, which has an 8.4 rating. This resort features a lovely outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and balconies or patios for guests to enjoy. It is praised for its quiet location and is 1.9 km from both Buddha Seema Prasada and Lankatilaka Temple.
What are the best family hotels in Polonnaruwa?
For family-friendly accommodation in Polonnaruwa, consider the Thidas Arana and the Seyara Holiday Resort.

The 3.5-star Thidas Arana, with an 8.8 rating, offers a children's pool and a playground, along with complimentary continental breakfast and free WiFi, making it a convenient choice for families.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Seyara Holiday Resort, rated 8.4. This resort also features a children's pool and offers free on-site babysitting services, complimentary toiletries, and free WiFi. It is conveniently located near Lankatilaka Temple and Buddha Seema Prasada, both just 1.9 km away. Guests have praised its quiet location.
What are the best spa hotels in Polonnaruwa?
For a relaxing stay with spa facilities in Polonnaruwa, consider Hotel Sudu Araliya or EKHO Lake Polonnaruwa.

The 3.5-star Hotel Sudu Araliya, with a rating of 7.2, offers a full-service spa that provides daily treatments, a steam room, and a sauna. Guests can enjoy various massage options at the onsite spa.

Another excellent choice is the 3.5-star EKHO Lake Polonnaruwa, also rated 7.2. This hotel provides an onsite spa for guests to unwind and offers free WiFi and free self-parking for added convenience.
What hotels in Polonnaruwa offer free breakfast?
Certainly, several highly-rated hotels in Polonnaruwa offer complimentary breakfast, including EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa, Thidas Arana, and Ruins Chaaya Hotel.

The 3.5-star EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa, with an excellent 9.0 rating, provides an inclusive resort breakfast as part of its offerings. Guests also benefit from free WiFi and complimentary self-parking. This hotel is conveniently located just 0.6 kilometres from Shiva Devalaya.

Another fantastic option is the 3.5-star Thidas Arana, rated 8.8, which offers a free continental breakfast. The hotel also provides complimentary toiletries, free self-parking, and free WiFi.

For a 4-star experience, consider Ruins Chaaya Hotel, which has an 8.4 rating. This hotel provides a a free English breakfast and guests can also enjoy free WiFi and complimentary self-parking. It is located 1.9 kilometres from Shiva Devalaya.
What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Polonnaruwa?
For a top pet-friendly hotel in Polonnaruwa, consider the Seyara Holiday Resort.

The 3-star Seyara Holiday Resort, with an 8.4 rating, is an excellent choice for travellers with pets as pets stay free. Guests frequently mention its super quiet location. The resort also offers complimentary toiletries, free self-parking, and free WiFi. It is conveniently located near the Lankatilaka Temple and Buddha Seema Prasada, both just 1.9 kilometres away.
What are the best budget hotels in Polonnaruwa?
For budget accommodation in Polonnaruwa, consider the Seyara Holiday Resort.

This 3-star resort, with a review rating of 8.4, offers free WiFi and complimentary self-parking. Guests appreciate the outdoor pool and that pets can stay free of charge. It is conveniently located near points of interest such as Lankatilaka Temple and Buddha Seema Prasada, both just 1.9 km away. Guests often mention its super quiet location, making for a relaxing stay.
What are the most romantic hotels in Polonnaruwa for couples?
For a romantic stay in Polonnaruwa, couples should consider EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa or Seyara Holiday Resort.

The 3.5-star EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa, with an excellent 9.0 rating, offers a wonderful experience for couples. Guests frequently praise the great overall experience at this hotel, which features complimentary WiFi and free parking. Its location is convenient for exploring historical sites, with Shiva Devalaya, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, and Gal Pota all within 0.7 km.

Another lovely option is the 3-star Seyara Holiday Resort, rated 8.4. This resort is known for its super quiet and great location. It provides complimentary toiletries, free parking, and even allows pets to stay free. The outdoor pool is a refreshing feature, and guests can enjoy the fireplace for a cosy evening. It is located near historical sites such as Rankot Vihara and Kiri Vihara Temple, both within 1.9 km.
What are the best hotels in Polonnaruwa near Polonnaruwa Vatadage?
For hotels in Polonnaruwa near Polonnaruwa Vatadage, consider EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa or Seyara Holiday Resort.

The 3.5-star EKHO Lake House Polonnaruwa, with a 9.0 rating, is conveniently located just 0.6 km from Polonnaruwa Vatadage. This hotel offers complimentary WiFi, free self-parking, and free toiletries. Guests also benefit from a free crib and a resort inclusive breakfast, making it a great choice for families.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Seyara Holiday Resort, rated 8.4. While it is 1.9 km from Polonnaruwa Vatadage, it is praised for its super quiet and great location. The resort provides a children's pool, free WiFi, and free self-parking. It also offers the convenience of on-site babysitting and childcare services, and pets are welcome to stay free.
When is the best time to go to Polonnaruwa?
The best time to go to Polonnaruwa is during the dry season, which runs from April to September and December to February.

This period typically offers clear, sunny skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the ancient city's ruins and outdoor attractions. You'll find it easier to walk around the vast archaeological park and enjoy activities like cycling between the sites without the interruption of heavy rainfall.

For those planning their trip around the cultural calendar, April is a particularly good time as it often coincides with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, offering a chance to experience local traditions. December to February also provides excellent weather for sightseeing, with cooler mornings and evenings.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Polonnaruwa.
How much is the nightly rate at a Polonnaruwa hotel?
Prices for hotels in Polonnaruwa often vary, but you can find a great deal from CA $10 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for the cheapest rate.