Plan 01
1 day in Polonnaruwa
- 01
Day 1: Quadrangle, stupas and the reservoir
Start at opening time at the Sacred Quadrangle and see the Vatadage, Hatadage and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya. Visit Rankoth Vehera, then Kiri Vehera and Menik Vehera, and finish with Gal Vihara before the heat peaks. Rest through midday. In the late afternoon, see the Parakramabahu statue and watch the sunset at Parakrama Samudra.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Hatadage 15 to 25 minutes Easy Early morning Nissanka Latha Mandapaya 10 to 15 minutes Easy Morning light Rankoth Vehera 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Kiri Vehera (Polonnaruwa) 15 to 25 minutes Easy Late afternoon, when the plaster glows Menik Vehera 15 minutes Easy Morning Gal Vihara 45 to 60 minutes Easy First hour after opening, or the late afternoon Parakrama Samudra 45 to 90 minutes Easy Late afternoon and sunset Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Plan 02
2 days in Polonnaruwa
- 01
Day 1: The Sacred Quadrangle and the stupas
See the Vatadage, Hatadage, pavilion, Rankoth Vehera and Kiri Vehera in the morning, then rest. Spend the late afternoon at the reservoir.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Hatadage 15 to 25 minutes Easy Early morning Rankoth Vehera 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Kiri Vehera (Polonnaruwa) 15 to 25 minutes Easy Late afternoon, when the plaster glows Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Gal Vihara and the quieter sites
Visit Gal Vihara at opening time, then Satmahal Prasada, Siva Devale and Menik Vehera. In the afternoon, take a jeep trip to Minneriya or Kaudulla if the season is right.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Gal Vihara 45 to 60 minutes Easy First hour after opening, or the late afternoon Satmahal Prasada 10 to 20 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Siva Devale 15 to 20 minutes Easy Morning Menik Vehera 15 minutes Easy Morning Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
Plan 03
3 days in Polonnaruwa
- 01
Day 1: Sacred Quadrangle
See the Vatadage, Hatadage and pavilion, then Rankoth Vehera. Rest in the afternoon and visit the reservoir at sunset.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Hatadage 15 to 25 minutes Easy Early morning Rankoth Vehera 20 to 30 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 02
Day 2: Gal Vihara and the northern sites
Start at Gal Vihara, then Kiri Vehera, Menik Vehera, Satmahal Prasada and Siva Devale at an easy pace.
Stop Time needed Walking Best time Gal Vihara 45 to 60 minutes Easy First hour after opening, or the late afternoon Kiri Vehera (Polonnaruwa) 15 to 25 minutes Easy Late afternoon, when the plaster glows Menik Vehera 15 minutes Easy Morning Satmahal Prasada 10 to 20 minutes Easy Morning or late afternoon Siva Devale 15 to 20 minutes Easy Morning Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.
- 03
Day 3: Wildlife or the next stop
Take a morning or afternoon jeep safari to Minneriya or Kaudulla, or use the day for Sigiriya or Dambulla, both within reach by road.
Read before you go
Guides for the stops on these routes
Pacing
Pacing a Polonnaruwa trip for parents and children
- See the ruins at opening time and again in the late afternoon; the stone is very hot at midday.
- Wear socks or thin sandals that slip off easily, since shoes and hats come off at most religious structures.
- Hire a driver or tuk-tuk for the park: the sites are spread over several kilometres and shade is limited.
- Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, and rest through the hottest hours.
- Use a licensed guide to pace the visit and explain the monuments; agree the price first.
- Travel insurance with medical cover matters, as serious care means transfer to larger centres.
Book the pieces
Stay close to the route
Pick a base near the first day's sights. Our guide to where to stay in Polonnaruwa compares the areas.
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