Polonnaruwa
The second oldest of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals, Polonnaruwa was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its well-preserved archaeological ruins, which include palaces, pools, temples, schools, courts and other 12th-century civic features. It can easily be combined with one of the excellent nearby national parks, such as Kaudulla or Minneriya.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
National Parks
Polonnaruwa is close to several of Sri Lanka's excellent national parks, including Minneriya and Kaudulla. They include populations of sambar deer, macaques, hornbills and much more. Their main attraction, though, is their elephant herds. During the dry season, roughly May to December in this area of the country, it is possible to see upwards of 150 elephants grazing and gathering around the central tanks, or reservoirs – a truly amazing sight.
Nishantha Traditional Woodcarving Factory
Visit the nearby Nishantha Traditional Woodcarving Factory for an interesting demonstration in traditional carving using indigenous Sri Lankan wood: ebony, royal ebony, rosewood, teak, mahogany, sandalwood, rainbow wood, and coconut timber.
Polonnaruwa Ruins
Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital and yet another of the country’s remarkable UNESCO sites. Have a privately guided tour of its well-preserved monumental ruins, which evoke the splendor of the 12th-century garden-city, and include the Royal Palace, various temples, and a series of colossal Buddha statues carved into the side of a granite cliff.
Sri Lanka Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Central
Southern
Eastern
Western
Multi-Country Specialists
Sri Lanka Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle: Discover the Soul of a Nation
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Whether your trip to Sri Lanka includes the stunning beaches in the south, the lush highlands terraced with tea plantations or a wildlife safari in one of its national parks, it’s worth making the effort to venture into the country’s heart to explore the Cultural Triangle to get a deeper sense of history.
Heritage Hunting in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
- Author
- Victoria Hilley
In the heart of the country lies Sri Lanka’s famed Cultural Triangle, which includes the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the cave temples at Dambulla and the mighty rock fortress of Sigiriya.
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