Jeep safaris to see wild elephants at Minneriya, famous for “The Gathering” of herds in the dry season.
- Upscale
- Experience
Why we marked it
- Medieval royal capital
- Gal Vihara rock-cut Buddha statues
- Best explored by bicycle
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s royal capital in the 11th and 12th centuries. Its ruins of palaces, temples and stupas are compact and well preserved, an easy day trip from Sigiriya.
What to expect
Hire a bicycle and ride between the sites, ending at Gal Vihara, where great Buddha statues are carved from a single granite face.
Good to know
- Start early and bring water and a hat.
- Remove shoes and hats at shrines.
- Sri Lankan citizens pay a much lower local rate; bring your NIC.
Where it is
Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
More spots in Sigiriya
All of SigiriyaThe Cultural Triangle branch of Hangover Hostels, a social base for climbing Sigiriya and Pidurangala.
- Budget
The rock next to Sigiriya, with the best view of the Lion Rock itself, best climbed at sunrise.
- Budget
- Experience