Ancient Kingdom, Sacred Heritage & Untamed Wilderness
Discover Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital and one of the country’s finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where magnificent stone monuments, royal palaces, sacred temples, and advanced hydraulic engineering showcase the brilliance of the ancient Sinhala Buddhist civilization. Built around the vast Parakrama Samudra, this remarkable city demonstrates how a medieval kingdom mastered architecture, water management, religion, and urban planning more than 800 years ago.
Unlike Anuradhapura, whose monuments are spread across a vast area, Polonnaruwa’s beautifully preserved ruins are concentrated within a compact archaeological park, making it one of the easiest and most enjoyable ancient cities in Asia to explore by bicycle. Ride peacefully beneath towering trees as you discover the magnificent Gal Vihara, the Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle, lotus ponds, monasteries, and centuries-old stone carvings at your own pace.
Beyond the ancient city, Polonnaruwa offers far more than archaeology. Venture to the remote Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharaya, explore the peaceful Muthugala Forest Monastery, or visit the sacred Somawathiya Temple, where Buddhist heritage, wildlife, and the mighty Mahaweli River come together. Nature lovers can enjoy kayaking, explore Flood Plains National Park, or head to nearby Wasgamuwa National Park, renowned for its large elephant population and unspoiled wilderness.
Whether you’re fascinated by ancient kingdoms, Buddhist heritage, archaeology, cycling, wildlife safaris, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, Polonnaruwa offers one of the richest travel experiences in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
Travel there comfortably with CCT Sri Lanka. Our Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs, modern air-conditioned vehicles, domestic flights, helicopter transfers, and personalised holiday planning ensure your journey is every bit as memorable as the destination itself.
Destination Highlights
UNESCO Heritage | Gal Vihara | Ancient Kingdom | Parakrama Samudra | Royal Palace | Buddhist Heritage | Archaeology | Cycling | Forest Monasteries | Somawathiya | Mahaweli River | Wasgamuwa Safari
▼ Getting There
Chauffeur Transfers
Travel across Sri Lanka in comfort with a private chauffeur and air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy reliable door-to-door transport for stress-free journeys and complete peace of mind.
Luxury Travel | Chauffeur Driven
Scheduled Flights
Reach Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations quickly aboard scheduled domestic flights while enjoying spectacular aerial views and avoiding long road journeys across the island.
Fast Travel | Scenic Flights
Helicopter Transfers
Travel between Sri Lanka’s finest destinations by private helicopter, combining luxury travel, breathtaking aerial scenery, rapid transfers, and unforgettable experiences above the island.
Helicopter | Aerial Views
Private Charter Flights
Charter a private aircraft for the fastest and most flexible way to explore Sri Lanka, enjoying exclusive travel, direct routes, and exceptional comfort throughout your journey.
Private Aviation | Time Saving
▼ Signature Experiences
Polonnaruwa City Tour – Half Day
Discover the highlights of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, exploring temples, royal palaces, reservoirs, monasteries, and King Parakramabahu’s remarkable engineering achievements with an expert guide.
UNESCO Heritage | Ancient Kingdom
Polonnaruwa City Tour – Full Day
Spend a full day exploring Polonnaruwa’s Sacred City, uncovering Buddhist history, ancient medicine, architecture, irrigation systems, magnificent monuments, and royal life with an experienced guide.
History | Archaeology
Visit Somawathiya National Park
Journey through Somawathiya National Park, discovering elephants, rich birdlife, ancient forests, and the sacred Somawathiya Stupa where wildlife and Buddhist heritage beautifully combine.
Wildlife | Buddhist Heritage
Wasgamuwa National Park – Half Day Safari
Explore Wasgamuwa National Park, searching for elephants, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, abundant birdlife, and diverse wildlife across forests and open grasslands.
Wildlife | Nature
Dimbulagala Temple & Namal Pokuna
Hike to the ancient Dimbulagala Monastery and secluded Namal Pokuna, discovering hidden archaeological treasures, granite mountains, forests, and remarkable Buddhist heritage.
Ancient Monastery | Mountain Trek
Explore Muthugala Temple
Visit the hidden Muthugala Forest Monastery, exploring ancient cave shrines, peaceful meditation sites, and panoramic views across the beautiful Mahaweli River Basin landscape.
Hidden Heritage | Forest Monastery
Self-Drive Car Hire
Explore Sri Lanka independently with a quality self-drive vehicle, enjoying complete travel freedom, flexible itineraries, and the convenience of discovering hidden destinations at your own pace.
Freedom | Self Drive
Bicycle Hire
Hire a quality bicycle and discover Sri Lanka’s quiet villages, scenic countryside, ancient ruins, coastal roads, and hidden attractions comfortably at your own relaxed pace with complete freedom.
Village Roads | Freedom
Tuk Tuk Hire
Experience Sri Lanka like a local by hiring your own tuk tuk, enjoying ultimate freedom, scenic backroads, authentic villages, and unforgettable adventures across the island at your own pace.
Local Adventure | Freedom
Plan Your Journey
You’ve explored the highlights of this destination. Now let us help you get there comfortably, safely, and with complete peace of mind.
Founded in 1979, Cross Country Travels is personally managed by the second generation, continuing a long tradition of introducing visitors to the very best of Sri Lanka. Over the years, we’ve supported internationally recognised wildlife expeditions—including assisting the BBC Planet Earth team—and guests travelling with us have captured underwater photographs later featured by Red Bull, Dive Photo Guide, and the Daily Mail (UK).
Whether you need an airport transfer, a chauffeur-driven tour, or transport between destinations, our Sri Lanka Tourist Board–licensed chauffeurs and modern vehicles ensure every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Choose your preferred vehicle below and begin your journey to Hambantota.
