What to do in Polonnaruwa

Activities, attractions and tours

Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Polonnaruwa has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Polonnaruwa is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Polonnaruwa to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Polonnaruwa Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Polonnaruwa.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Polonnaruwa attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Polonnaruwa

Number of things to do
31
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Polonnaruwa Ancient City Private Day Tour (Hidden Gems): CA $42
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Polonnaruwa

Discover the most popular places to visit in Polonnaruwa

Lankatilaka Temple

Lankatilaka Temple

After visiting Lankatilaka Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Polonnaruwa. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

Lankatilaka Temple
Gal Pota

Gal Pota

Find out about the history of Polonnaruwa when you take a trip to Gal Pota. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

Gal Pota
Kiri Vihara Temple

Kiri Vihara Temple

After visiting Kiri Vihara Temple, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Polonnaruwa. Amble around the area's lakeside, or seek out its biking trails.

Kiri Vihara Temple

Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum during your trip to Polonnaruwa. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

After visiting Polonnaruwa Vatadage, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Polonnaruwa. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Gal Viharaya

You can find out about the history of Nissankamallapura when you stop by Gal Viharaya. Amble around the area's lakeside, or seek out its biking trails.

Gal Viharaya

Hatadage

Find out about the history of Polonnaruwa with a stop at Hatadage. Stroll along the lakeside or seek out the biking trails.

Hatadage

Tivanka Image House

Find out about the history of Nissankamallapura with a stop at Tivanka Image House. Amble around the area's lakeside, or seek out its biking trails.

Tivanka Image House

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

You can find out about the history of Polonnaruwa with a stop at Nissanka Latha Mandapaya. Amble around the area's lakeside, or seek out its biking trails.

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

Explore areas of Polonnaruwa

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Kaduruwela

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

Kaduruwela

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Polonnaruwa worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Polonnaruwa is visit Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum. Check this leading sight off your list, then discover more of this area's walking trails and history.
How do I spend a day in Polonnaruwa?
After you've visited key attractions like Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum and Polonnaruwa Vatadage, spend the rest of your day enjoying Polonnaruwa's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Polonnaruwa?
You can't leave without visiting Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Polonnaruwa.
Is three days enough to stay in Polonnaruwa?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum, Polonnaruwa Vatadage and Gal Viharaya with a three-day stay in Polonnaruwa. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so linger longer and head to Dambulla.
Is Polonnaruwa a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Polonnaruwa is a great place to explore on foot. Have fun wandering between Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum and Polonnaruwa Vatadage. Then take a stroll around New Town, located 3 kilometres from downtown, and Kaduruwela, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Polonnaruwa with kids?
Deciding what to do in Polonnaruwa with kids has never been easier. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Polonnaruwa for adults?
Gal Pota and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya are just two of the things to do in Polonnaruwa. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Polonnaruwa?
In Polonnaruwa, Rankot Vihara is a popular spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Polonnaruwa.