Two-Day Itinerary for Polonnaruwa and Surrounding Areas

Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating ancient city in Sri Lanka with a rich history and breathtaking ruins. To thoroughly explore the beauty and history of Polonnaruwa, I recommend setting aside at least a full day. Here’s an itinerary that covers the main attractions:

Day 1: Exploring Polonnaruwa

Morning

• 8:00 AM: Archaeological Museum
  • Start at the museum to get a historical overview of Polonnaruwa.
  • Suggested Time: 1 hour
• 9:00 AM: Royal Palace Group
  • Explore the remains of the palace, audience hall, and other structures.
  • Suggested Time: 1.5 hours
• 10:30 AM: Quadrangle (Dalada Maluwa)
  • Visit the Vatadage, Hatadage, and other significant structures within this sacred area.
  • Suggested Time: 1 hour

Mid-Morning

• 11:30 AM: Shiva Devale No. 2
  • Explore this ancient Hindu temple, noting its all-stone construction.
  • Suggested Time: 30 minutes

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM: Lunch Break
  • Enjoy lunch at a local eatery.
• 1:00 PM: Lankatilaka Temple and Kiri Vehera
  • Visit these nearby significant Buddhist sites.
  • Suggested Time: 1 hour
• 2:00 PM: Gal Vihara
  • Spend ample time admiring the detailed rock sculptures.
  • Suggested Time: 1 hour

Late Afternoon

• 3:00 PM: Parakrama Samudra
  • End the day with a serene walk around this ancient reservoir.
  • Suggested Time: 1 hour

Day 2: Nearby Attractions and Nature Sites

Morning

• 8:00 AM: Minneriya National Park
  • Drive to Minneriya, famous for its large elephant gatherings. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to September), when elephants gather around the reservoir.
  • Suggested Time: 3 hours

Mid-Morning

• 11:00 AM: Return to Polonnaruwa
  • Return to the city for refreshment and a brief rest.

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM: Medirigiriya Vatadage
  • Visit this beautifully preserved vatadage that’s a bit off the usual tourist path but offers a quiet and reflective setting.
  • Suggested Time: 1.5 hours
• 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
  • Have lunch in Polonnaruwa or a packed lunch at Medirigiriya.
• 2:30 PM: Somawathiya Chaitya
  • Visit this Buddhist stupa located within the Somawathiya National Park, which is also known for its wildlife and natural scenery.
  • Suggested Time: 2 hours

Late Afternoon

• 4:30 PM: Dimbulagala Monastery
  • End the day at this historic monastery, which provides not only spiritual insight but also panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Suggested Time: 1 hour

Travel Tips for Visiting Polonnaruwa and Surrounding Areas

Wildlife Watching

• Hiring a jeep and a guide is recommended for the best experience of viewing the elephant gatherings.
• Bring binoculars for wildlife observation, a camera for capturing your memories, and insect repellent to protect against bugs in the national parks.

Comfort and Protection

• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will cover a lot of ground exploring the sites.
• Sun Protection: Bring water to stay hydrated and use hats and sunscreen to protect against the sun.

Navigation and Insight

• Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing historical context and pointing out details you might miss on your own. This can be arranged at the museum or entrance.
• Tickets: A main entrance ticket covering all major sites can be purchased at the Archaeological Museum or the entrance gate. It costs around $25 USD for foreign adults, with possible discounts for students (ID required).