Polonnaruwa Museum
To discover the protected ruins that are fenced off to an archaeological site, slightly north of the modern-day town. Worth the visit for insightful displays of life in the ancient capital and some exclusive exhibits.
The Quadrangle
The Dalada Maluwa (Terrace of the Tooth Relic) is located at the heart of the ancient city and is known as the Quadrangle. It was the sacred precinct of ancient Polonnaruwa and was the most important of the cluster of religious shrines. The Quadrangle is a cleverly designed circular shrine with carved outer walls and elaborate moonstones at each of the four entrances.
The Lankathilaka
An image house with impressive walls soaring to a height of 55 ft, enclosing a large, headless Buddha statue that is squashed inside the high, narrow space.
Gal Vihara
Four Buddha statues are located here, chopped out of granite cliff face. Gal Vihara is the peak of ancient Sri Lanka’s rock-carved art. A majestic 46 ft reclining Buddha is the highlight here: a figure so beautiful that it inspired centuries of Sinhalese art.