
Kaduruwela New Town
Gateway to the magnificent UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa, offering well-preserved ruins and stunning rock-carved Buddha statues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Kaduruwela New Town
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to the magnificent UNESCO-listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa, offering well-preserved ruins and stunning rock-carved Buddha statues.

Dress Modestly for Temples
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Remove hats and shoes before entry. 🙏
Stay Hydrated!
Carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the ancient city. It gets hot! :water_wave:

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Explore the well-preserved ruins of Sri Lanka's second ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gal Vihara
Polonnaruwa
Marvel at the magnificent rock-carved Buddha statues, showcasing exquisite artistry.

Parakrama Samudra
Polonnaruwa
Admire the vast ancient reservoir, a testament to sophisticated irrigation engineering.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Kaduruwela
Respectful Exploration in Kaduruwela
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Modestly for Temples
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Remove hats and shoes before entry. 🙏
Stay Hydrated!
Carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the ancient city. It gets hot! :water_wave:
Rent a Bicycle
The best way to explore the vast Polonnaruwa ruins is by bike. 🚲
Photography Rules
Be aware of photography restrictions, especially inside temples. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Modestly for Temples
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Remove hats and shoes before entry. 🙏
Stay Hydrated!
Carry plenty of water, especially when exploring the ancient city. It gets hot! :water_wave:
Rent a Bicycle
The best way to explore the vast Polonnaruwa ruins is by bike. 🚲
Photography Rules
Be aware of photography restrictions, especially inside temples. :camerawithflash:
Local Bus Travel
Buses are a common mode of transport, but can be crowded. 🚌
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the well-preserved and expansive ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, highlighting its historical significance and the beauty of its rock-carved statues. The ease of exploring by bicycle is a major plus. Some find the entrance fees a bit high, and the midday heat can be challenging.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Kaduruwela New Town (Polonnaruwa) from Colombo by bus or train. Buses are frequent and depart from the main bus station, offering a direct route. Train services are also available and can be a more comfortable option. The journey typically takes around 4-6 hours depending on traffic and mode of transport.
For exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, renting a bicycle is highly recommended as it's a vast area. Tuk-tuks are also readily available for shorter distances or if you prefer not to cycle. Local buses connect Kaduruwela to surrounding areas.
No, there are no direct flights to Kaduruwela. The nearest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, from where you would take a bus or train.
Kaduruwela (Polonnaruwa) is approximately 70-80 kilometers south of Anuradhapura. You can travel between the two cities by bus or private taxi.
Yes, it's relatively easy to find transportation from Kaduruwela to Sigiriya. You can take a local bus or hire a tuk-tuk. The journey takes about 1-1.5 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the Polonnaruwa ancient city typically includes access to multiple sites within the archaeological park. It's advisable to check the current fees at the ticket counter upon arrival, as they can change.
Generally, a single entrance ticket covers most of the major sites within the Polonnaruwa archaeological park. However, it's always best to confirm this when purchasing your ticket.
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is typically open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's recommended to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the ruins.
Yes, photography is prohibited in certain sacred areas, particularly inside temples or where religious ceremonies are taking place. Always look for signage or ask for guidance.
While not as strict as for temples, it's respectful to dress modestly when visiting the ancient city, covering shoulders and knees, especially if you plan to enter any temple ruins.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle with its cluster of ancient structures, the Gal Vihara with its impressive Buddha statues, and the Lankatilaka Vihara. Don't miss the impressive Parakrama Samudra.
To properly explore the ancient city, allocate at least half a day, or ideally a full day. This allows time to cycle around, visit the main sites, and soak in the history.
Yes, licensed guides are usually available at the entrance to the ancient city. Hiring a guide can greatly enhance your understanding of the historical significance of the ruins.
Basic facilities like restrooms and small shops selling water and snacks are available at designated points within the archaeological park.
The terrain within the ancient city can be uneven, with sandy paths and ruins. While some areas might be accessible, it can be challenging for those with significant mobility issues. Cycling might also be difficult.
🎫 📱 Shopping & Services
Apple Zone Mobile in Kaduruwela, Polonnaruwa, offers phone accessories like MagSafe back covers for iPhones. You can contact them via the numbers provided in their TikTok videos.
Yes, you can typically find ATMs in Kaduruwela New Town, as it's a commercial hub. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case an ATM is out of service.
While the main focus is historical, you might find some local handicrafts or souvenirs in shops around Kaduruwela or Polonnaruwa town. For more extensive options, consider markets in larger cities.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit