Discover the neighborhoods of Polonnaruwa
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Best hotels & accommodations in Polonnaruwa
7.8
Very good
453 reviews
The Lake Hotel
"I stayed here with my friend as we were back packing around sri lanka, we found a late deal on agoda that saved us a lot of money! The room was fantastic, with a view over the lake. The lake had water buffalo grazing around it and other cows! The swimming pool was lovely and you could sit out next to it after a long day of sight seeing. The hotel staff were very helpful and can help you arrange things like jeep safaris. They also have local knowledge of how to get to the different sites on public transport.
The only thing that let this place down was the restaurant, on the first night we were there it took an hour to get food! After that it was slightly quicker but not acceptable really, we ended up taking cards to dinner to pass the time! We always seemed to have a different menu to the other people staying there which was very confusing. The menu was limited and portion sizes quite small considering we had been out sightseeing all day!
It would have been nice also if the wifi had extended to the bedrooms.
Overall it was a lovely place to stay as a base to get to sigiryia, polonnaruwa, and kaudulla national park."Show more
7.5
Very good
119 reviews
Hotel Sudu Araliya
"Polonnaruwa is just far enough away and is on such a scale that one should actually stay in the area to take in the glories of Polonnaruwa as opposed to day tripping it.
Sudu Araliya was recommended to me by a friend so I took her advice and booked there. To my pleasant surprize it is very proximate to the ruins (literally a 5 minute drive if that) and seems to be relatively new construction.
The staff are very welcoming and given how hot it is in this area a blissfully cool lobby. Check in is quick and easy and the rooms are adequate. Can’t say what theme the rooms are decorated with - but it all functions well. Most of rooms are lakefront and if you are lucky you may see an elephant swim by.
I did the monkey test a left a glass of water on the balcony and went down to dinner. Sure enough it was knocked over when I got back so don’t leave any shades or lighters on the balcony or they will disappear. Also, do not leave the balcony door open - this is tropical area and subsequently"Show more
8.7
Excellent
66 reviews
Ekho Lake House Polonnaruwa
"We had two very pleasant days and nights here when we visited Polonnaruwa. It is a small hotel that has very nicely appointed rooms and is in a lovely setting next to the lakefront with views across to the National Park on the other side of the lake. Elephants were grazing on the shores opposite each day we were there.
The museum and ruins of the second kingdom are adjacent, and the hotel organised bikes for us to spend a lovely day riding about looking at them. Magical.
The service is very good and the chef is excellent. Definitely our best breakfast in three weeks in Sri Lanka, and very good dinners. A solid five stars, and highly recommended!"Show more
7.6
Very good
81 reviews
Pharo Lake
"Convenient for the sights of Polonnaruwa, but down a narrow bumpy 1km unpaved road. Scenic location in pleasant gardens with excellent pool (very clean). Open air dining area with thatched roof and concrete/ wooden outdoor furniture in garden. Excellent drinks. Rooms basic, but very clean, modern bathroom with screened off shower, very clean. Very friendly staff. Rooms that look onto the pool and lake beyond are best. Good breakfast, (fresh fruit, fresh juice, toast, jam, Sri Lankan breakfast if you wish). Our 1 dinner here was disappointing. Excellent value for money given the location and standard of accommodation."Show more
8.5
Excellent
53 reviews
Ruins Chaaya Hotel
"On the day we were visit to spend our meaningful holidays. We were welcomed warmly with the the staff. The staffs are great and very friendlier with a big smile on their face. Room was very clean with a teapot and a fridge. Fridge was very reasonable price. Variety of breakfast was amazing. Last minutes my goodness i had a Carlsberg missed on my bag to treat the service boy nevertheless credit card.
They are willing to help your any request. Awesome service and we will recommend this hotel to everyone..
Memorable things: Response of Service person. Smile of Receptionist.."Show more
8
Excellent
47 reviews
Hotel Mahanuge
"Watching monkeys playing around the pool showcased Sri Lanka at its best!
A perfect place to travel to the national park-treated to 60 plus elephants roaming freely and happily within meters of our truck will remain a treasured highlight. Don't forget to hire bikes to tour the ruins - the only prerequisite is a lonely planet guide in your basket!
"Show more
8.5
Excellent
25 reviews
Living inn Polonnaruwa
"The hospitality at Living Inn is some of the best we have encountered. Ever.
This is an absolutely stunning location: you feel as though you've escaped into the jungle.
The food is unbelievable - be sure to have the hoppers at breakfast!
The location was perfect for our bike tour around the ancient city, and the loaner bikes from the guesthouse were an added bonus!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn't hesitate to return."Show more
9.4
Exceptional
19 reviews
Radha Tourist Home
"There are three rooms in this sweet little quiet courtyard. I had a new bathroom, and a nicely appointed and a spacious bedroom. The couple is also in the process of building a new suite with a kitchen. They are located a very easy stroll from the bus stop and a short walk from the lake. They offer to rent bikes for FAR less than your tuk tuk driver will charge you. Their son is very sweet and is working on a coin collection so bring a penny or something small from whatever country you originate! Breakfast was plentiful and good. I would stay there again but, next time, I would splurge for the extra $5.00 and take the air conditioned room!"Show more
7.9
Very good
69 reviews
Clay Hut Village
"friendly owner and a nice guy who helps out around the place made for a nice stay. good rice and curry in the evening and sri lankan breakfast the next morning. bikes available to rent to see the sights, which are very close by.
we stayed for one night and we were happy with the room and pleasant grounds. the room had a small covered outside area to sit and there was a tree house overlooking a small lake that you could sit in as well.
if you are looking for basic accommodation (no hot water) then this is a nice place to stay whilst visiting polonnaruwa."Show more
8.1
Excellent
7 reviews
Tishan Holiday Resort
"I loved this place. Really nice staff, great pool, great pool, big breakfast! Stay here!"
6.8
Good
6 reviews
AYAME Guest House
"Good location, very basic but clean and tidy , very nice and helpful hosts, beautiful food. Definitely recommend "
9.2
Exceptional
76 reviews
Luxman Guest House
"does a great job managing his guesthouse!When we will go back to Polonnaruwa we will defenitely stay at his guesthouse again.We enjoyed the best breakfast we had in Sri lanka,our simple but very clean room and the excellent wifi.But the best thing was our wonderful host,who always offered his help,rent us his bikes for free and arranged everything for us.Thanks again,you made us feel comfortable and we had a wonderful time at your place!"Show more
8.7
Excellent
6 reviews
River Nature Park
"Very friendly and helpful family, cheap and delicious homemade dinner (no need to eat out), large Sri Lankan breakfast, clean room with veranda to rest. While we were sightseeing Polonnaruwa somebody took our bikes and the owner was very cool with it and solved the problem.
There was however no hot water (like in many other places in Sri Lanka), wifi did not work.
"Show more
7.5
Very good
13 reviews
Samagi Guest House & Cottage
"We stayed there for a single night after visiting archeological site. We were the only guests in three-bedroom villa. The building is brand new, very clean, with good spacious bathroom, well-equipped living room with TV, the kitchen was under construction.
We had great dinner: rotti and avocado salad were delicious. Breakfast was very good and well served - one of the best during our journey (3 weeks). We also took the ayurvedic massage offered by the owner and it was interesting experience (note: massage center is 20 mins drive away from hotel)"Show more
8
Very good
11 reviews
Dilshan Guest
"For me the owner is a business man, always selling things. He is not the typical Sri Lanka polite and service oriented"
8.7
Excellent
10 reviews
Man Guest House
"Really nice place to stay if you are visiting Polonnaruwa ancient city. Very helpful family run business! Clean rooms and lovely local breakfast. They also organise tours and transfers for you if you ask them. The view from the room was stunning, overlooking rice fields. Also you could spot monkeys, parrots, squirrels and different birds. "Show more
9
Exceptional
5 reviews
Wildescape Polonnaruwa
"Situated very close to Polonnaruwa ancient city. walking distance to Gal Wiharaya. location covered with woods. Friendly staff and all the facilities are there. Worth for money. Actually they can increase the price. Delicious food served on our request. I can recommend the place for anybody and will definitely select the place again. "Show more
8.4
Excellent
9 reviews
Nirmala Hotel and Restaurant
"Good staff and service. Recommend for holiday stays....."
7.5
Very good
19 reviews
Suja Holiday Niche
"The place is actually in the town next to Polonnaruwa, a 7-minute drive away. However, the hotel is on the bus line, so there are plenty of buses to take you to the city or the entrance of the ancient city. Also, I was able to catch the bus to my next destination in front of the hotel. Breakfast is great and filling; the wifi works well, and there was drinking water. The only downside is that the room is poorly ventilated, so it is extremely hot inside during the summer. Therefore, consider getting an air-conditioned room, even if you typically are fine with just a fan."Show more
9.6
Exceptional
14 reviews
Sanctuary Cove Guest House
"My friends and I stayed at Sanctuary Cove after a touring Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa all in one day. The location of the guesthouse was near the ruins. You can hire a tuktuk or a van for convenience.
The rooms are very well-kept and have home-y vibes. We had a room with an AC and another one with fan only. Both were spacious enough and had their own toilet/shower area. Since Sri Lanka has a unique socket (not available in the usual universal adapter), we had to borrow from the owners. They were gracious enough to lend 3 adapters to us without any deposits. My friend also had to exchange some dollars and the nearest money changer is 1 km away. The son of the owner was even kind to take my friend to the money changer via his motorbike. We also saw their kindness when we asked our breakfast early as we had to go to Wilpattu the next morning. They served our breakfast at 5:30 am as scheduled. :)
I highly recommend anyone staying in Polonnaruwa to stay at their place. Worth every buck."Show more
6.6
Good
2 reviews
Samanala Rest
"Place surrounding is not clean and staff not supportive. My Agoda booking they knows when I'm arrived there :( . I am not recommend this place. "Show more
7
Very good
2 reviews
Jayaru Guest House
"The place Is great if what you're looking for is just a bed where to spend the night"
9.6
Exceptional
5 reviews
Binara Home Stay
"Binara home stay was great. Definitely book the Double Room with balcony, because it was lovely! Very nice ambiance in the room, clean, with nice green view. Binara is very helpful, we rented bikes from him to explore Polonnaruwa and when we missed dinner one of the nights he made up for it with the most AMAZING breakfast the next morning. As for food in the area, there is not much, so definitely eat at Jaga Foods which is located 7km from the Homestay, Binara can call and arrange a tuktuk with the restaurant to and from for a much reduced price than the local Tuktuk drivers as it is the restaurant's private service. Food is insanely affordable and you will be shocked at how many different dishes he brings you for a set price. Definitely a must!"Show more
Canel Park Hotel
"We had a great stay at Canal Park. It is not too far from Polonnaruwa town and site. You could walk it but we usually walked down the small road and onto the main road where we picked up a tuk tuk (100-150LKR one way). Chandika helped us to arrange a safari tour to see the elephants which was amazing. The food at the hotel was good and the home Sri Lankan cooking especially was really nice and lots of it! The hotel itself was clean and lovely spacious rooms. I would definitely recommend this hotel."Show more
6.9
Good
11 reviews
Cannel Side Guest House
"Near to the city and history side, have a Sri Lanka traditional breakfast. Room clean and big. But owner always no in the house. Sometime need a help also can't."Show more
7.6
Very good
15 reviews
Hotel Royal Nest
"It was a great joy to stay at Hotel Royal Nest. The staffs are super attentive. Before we arrived, we sent a request for two single beds in one room as the two guys in our travel group wanted to have separate beds. This request was responded quickly by email from the hotel, and they did got a room with two single beds. The yard is beautiful. Breakfast nice. Staff extremely helpful and responsive. But the temporary manager for the Christmas time (the owner/manager went for a holiday) did not seem to understand the hotel that well, but still try to accommodate our needs.
Location is ok. Costs 100 rupees for tuktuk to get to the city center for food."Show more
7.5
Very good
95 reviews
Rock Cascade - Home Stay
"a real home-stay. the owner really took us in as family and we had the best sri lanka food for dinner.
for european visitors - take the use of moskito net serious and learn to use it correctly - we didn't know so we were eaten up during the night.
situation close to the old town and sights were great. we highly recommend the place"Show more
7.4
Very good
113 reviews
Manel Guest House
"As soon as I got there the staff were very welcoming. The rooms were the nicest I've had during my stay in Sri Lanka. The food was excellent and very cheap. I was very happy with my stay. "Show more
7.3
Very good
156 reviews
Thisara Guest House
"Best place to stay to sightsee Polonnaruwa. We have arrived in the evening, stayed for two nights to have a full day to discover Polonnaruwa. We recommemend to rent bicycles arranged by guest house owners for a very reasonable price to discover all nearby places of interest. Also a home-made curry cooked by the lady of the house is a MUST! Absolutely lovely and delicious! You are far better off dining at the guest house than anywhere else. Breakfast was also great. We took non A/C room and it was perferct as fan, mosquito net and an open window were sufficient. The neighbourhood is quiet and evenings spent on the veranda in front of our room were just a bliss. These two nights were one of the best time we had in Sri Lanka during our 2-week travel around the island."Show more
7.8
Very good
2 reviews
Ariya Rest House
"This is a quaint place, really had a nice time staying in this place. The place gave you the vibe of sri Lankan culture. The staff were accommodating. The food was superb. This is the only place where I tasted fresh boiled vegetable, very basic yet so appetizing. Good for couples and families."Show more
Cheapest hotels in Polonnaruwa
8
Very good
11 reviews
Dilshan Guest
"For me the owner is a business man, always selling things. He is not the typical Sri Lanka polite and service oriented"
8.8
Excellent
3 reviews
Sudu Neluma Home Stay
" Great Irish pub, the green man, nearby. Hotel can be hard to find. Money changer on site. "
7.4
Very good
113 reviews
Manel Guest House
"As soon as I got there the staff were very welcoming. The rooms were the nicest I've had during my stay in Sri Lanka. The food was excellent and very cheap. I was very happy with my stay. "Show more
9.6
Exceptional
5 reviews
Binara Home Stay
"Binara home stay was great. Definitely book the Double Room with balcony, because it was lovely! Very nice ambiance in the room, clean, with nice green view. Binara is very helpful, we rented bikes from him to explore Polonnaruwa and when we missed dinner one of the nights he made up for it with the most AMAZING breakfast the next morning. As for food in the area, there is not much, so definitely eat at Jaga Foods which is located 7km from the Homestay, Binara can call and arrange a tuktuk with the restaurant to and from for a much reduced price than the local Tuktuk drivers as it is the restaurant's private service. Food is insanely affordable and you will be shocked at how many different dishes he brings you for a set price. Definitely a must!"Show more
8.9
Excellent
17 reviews
Ruins Villa
"Since I've been there I recommended this place to anyone planning to go Polonnaruwa. It is not in the busy city centre, but anyone who travels around Asia and Sri Lanka knows there is nothing better then nature and a bit of silence around. And Ruins Villa ensures that to you. Plus the owner and his wife are just lovely people, so it's shame not to meet them.
We initially wanted to spend there maximum 2 nights and finally spent 4. First - it is the best possible location if you want to visit Polonnaruwa ruins - you just take the bike, ride 10-15 minutes by the beautiful canal to the main entrance and finish all day visit only 50 meters from Ruins Villa.
From there you can also book a 1/2 day safari to see dozens elephants living FREE (not like those in sanctuaries). And if you decide to stay longer after intensive visiting - you can have one day bus trip to Kalkudah and relax at beaches there before you go further."Show more
8.5
Excellent
25 reviews
Living inn Polonnaruwa
"The hospitality at Living Inn is some of the best we have encountered. Ever.
This is an absolutely stunning location: you feel as though you've escaped into the jungle.
The food is unbelievable - be sure to have the hoppers at breakfast!
The location was perfect for our bike tour around the ancient city, and the loaner bikes from the guesthouse were an added bonus!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and wouldn't hesitate to return."Show more
6.8
Good
6 reviews
AYAME Guest House
"Good location, very basic but clean and tidy , very nice and helpful hosts, beautiful food. Definitely recommend "
9.4
Exceptional
2 reviews
Ruins View Holiday Resort
"Ok let's deal with the cons its on a busy road leading into town centre but you are way back from the road good sleep
The pros it has hot water. big rooms. balcony. great dinning area in garden. the breakfast is the best I have ever had in Sri Lanka all home cooking everyday there was a different meal for just over 200rp you got so much I could never manage to eat it all lady a fantastic cook.
The whole family where great they organised private safari. Tuk tuks they were all so kind I enjoyed it so much I stayed longer.
it's less the 1km from the ruins of ancient city they have bikes also you name it they put themselves out. this small family run business needs looking at first.
Alan Jan 2018"Show more
8.3
Excellent
9 reviews
Leesha Tourist Home
"Room was as pictured and expected-- nothing fancy but clean and well-maintained. The owner was very friendly and helpful, giving us suggestions, directions, and even taking my husband to the bank when we had some trouble with our debit card!"Show more
7.6
Very good
9 reviews
Ohseen family guest
"Not far from town and this is a small town, this is a relaxed family run place and they make u feel comfortable and the food was very nice and some dishes I hadn’t had before. They are one of the few offering AC and it was a big help. You don’t need all the time. A friendly stay "Show more
9.2
Exceptional
4 reviews
Riverdale holiday Inn
"Thanks for helpful support! But I couldn't charge my mobile due to different type of socket..."
7.5
Very good
19 reviews
Suja Holiday Niche
"The place is actually in the town next to Polonnaruwa, a 7-minute drive away. However, the hotel is on the bus line, so there are plenty of buses to take you to the city or the entrance of the ancient city. Also, I was able to catch the bus to my next destination in front of the hotel. Breakfast is great and filling; the wifi works well, and there was drinking water. The only downside is that the room is poorly ventilated, so it is extremely hot inside during the summer. Therefore, consider getting an air-conditioned room, even if you typically are fine with just a fan."Show more
7.5
Very good
3 reviews
The Rain Hotel & Restaurant
"Nice clean comfortable rooms. Location is out of town and address not accurate on google maps so maybe ring the owner to get the correct directions. The owners are very nice and food in restaurant was adequate. Preferrably have your own transport, however it is located on main road."Show more
8.7
Excellent
6 reviews
River Nature Park
"Very friendly and helpful family, cheap and delicious homemade dinner (no need to eat out), large Sri Lankan breakfast, clean room with veranda to rest. While we were sightseeing Polonnaruwa somebody took our bikes and the owner was very cool with it and solved the problem.
There was however no hot water (like in many other places in Sri Lanka), wifi did not work.
"Show more
7
Very good
2 reviews
Jayaru Guest House
"The place Is great if what you're looking for is just a bed where to spend the night"
9.2
Exceptional
76 reviews
Luxman Guest House
"does a great job managing his guesthouse!When we will go back to Polonnaruwa we will defenitely stay at his guesthouse again.We enjoyed the best breakfast we had in Sri lanka,our simple but very clean room and the excellent wifi.But the best thing was our wonderful host,who always offered his help,rent us his bikes for free and arranged everything for us.Thanks again,you made us feel comfortable and we had a wonderful time at your place!"Show more
Indra Hotel Polonnaruwa
"I arrived at the place in the early morning around 2 AM where as I entered the estimated arrival time at booking the same. This was closed. Then I had to make phone calls to the numbers displayed. One answered then he asked some person nearby to open. It took me more than 15 minutes to enter to the place. Then when I entered the room there were cockroaches in the room and in the bathroom. The bathroom was also not good. The mattress was rock hard and there were mosquitoes. (A mosquito net was available and had to use it) A very bad experience. Only plus point is that it is situated walking distance from the Kanduruwela bus stand."Show more
6.6
Good
2 reviews
Samanala Rest
"Place surrounding is not clean and staff not supportive. My Agoda booking they knows when I'm arrived there :( . I am not recommend this place. "Show more
8.1
Excellent
66 reviews
Seyara Holiday Resort
"We had a wonderful stay from the minute we arrived. We were greeted and ask to sit on a table overlooking the garden and offered a hot or cold drink while our room was prepared. This meant lights and aircon being put on and allowing the room to cool before we entered. After we had finished our drinks our bags were taken upstairs and we were shown to our room. Our room was bright and spacious with two additional chairs and a garden facing balcony (room 2).
We ate dinner at the tables alongside the garden. A Sri Lankan feast of chicken curry and rice was served to us along with a mountain of rice and around 6 fresh vegetable side dishes and dhal and all for only 600RS per person. The peaceful setting ensured a good nights sleep and to be woken by the amazing dawn chorus was a treat. In fact it didn't go on for too long and so we fell back to sleep for a while. Breakfast we chose the usual option of toast and jam to follow a fried egg. A nice fresh juice and decent coffee washed it all down. Sri Lankan breakfast is available. We were heading off to the coast for a day trip and were kindly provided with additional towels. When the owner came to say good morning he had heard we were off to the beach and brought a big bunch of bananas and 4 pieces of homemade coconut and honey cake so we didn't go hungry, so thoughtful. We were in fact only booked in for one night but the hospitality was so great we extended for another evening. This place is definitely one of the secret jewels of Sri Lanka."Show more
8.6
Excellent
2 reviews
Thenuja Guest
"Wi-Fi worked. Good fan, room cool. Room was clean, bright and new, bathroom too with everything working well. Outside seating area. Had dinner there, due to language barrier other guests got givien part of our order (which they ate) and it took a while to explain in the morning when playing the bill, we'd thought it had been clear the night before that we didn't mind not getting part of our order but we weren't paying for it.
Other than that everything great, would stay again. Also hired bikes from there. Staff friendly."Show more
8.4
Excellent
9 reviews
Nirmala Hotel and Restaurant
"Good staff and service. Recommend for holiday stays....."
8
Excellent
6 reviews
Devi Tourist Home
"It was a little bit uncomfortable. There was no blind in the window of toilet. Also when I pay, the manager tried to charge tax on the room. But when I reserve the room through agoda there was no tax. So I had to ask to correct the bill. I had a great experience in Polonnaruwa but one thing I want to point out is I should have to choose better guesthouse. "Show more
9.6
Exceptional
14 reviews
Sanctuary Cove Guest House
"My friends and I stayed at Sanctuary Cove after a touring Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa all in one day. The location of the guesthouse was near the ruins. You can hire a tuktuk or a van for convenience.
The rooms are very well-kept and have home-y vibes. We had a room with an AC and another one with fan only. Both were spacious enough and had their own toilet/shower area. Since Sri Lanka has a unique socket (not available in the usual universal adapter), we had to borrow from the owners. They were gracious enough to lend 3 adapters to us without any deposits. My friend also had to exchange some dollars and the nearest money changer is 1 km away. The son of the owner was even kind to take my friend to the money changer via his motorbike. We also saw their kindness when we asked our breakfast early as we had to go to Wilpattu the next morning. They served our breakfast at 5:30 am as scheduled. :)
I highly recommend anyone staying in Polonnaruwa to stay at their place. Worth every buck."Show more
8.1
Excellent
7 reviews
Tishan Holiday Resort
"I loved this place. Really nice staff, great pool, great pool, big breakfast! Stay here!"
7.6
Very good
15 reviews
Hotel Royal Nest
"It was a great joy to stay at Hotel Royal Nest. The staffs are super attentive. Before we arrived, we sent a request for two single beds in one room as the two guys in our travel group wanted to have separate beds. This request was responded quickly by email from the hotel, and they did got a room with two single beds. The yard is beautiful. Breakfast nice. Staff extremely helpful and responsive. But the temporary manager for the Christmas time (the owner/manager went for a holiday) did not seem to understand the hotel that well, but still try to accommodate our needs.
Location is ok. Costs 100 rupees for tuktuk to get to the city center for food."Show more
7.2
Very good
3 reviews
My Home guest
"Comfy bed and the room & toilet are clean, all you need for a good night rest after exploring Polonnaruwa ruins nearby. While the building facade is incomplete at the moment, I enjoyed my stay, staff were helpful and gave good tips. Had to start my journey early the next morning but the staff prepared breakfast for us to take away :) "Show more
7.3
Very good
156 reviews
Thisara Guest House
"Best place to stay to sightsee Polonnaruwa. We have arrived in the evening, stayed for two nights to have a full day to discover Polonnaruwa. We recommemend to rent bicycles arranged by guest house owners for a very reasonable price to discover all nearby places of interest. Also a home-made curry cooked by the lady of the house is a MUST! Absolutely lovely and delicious! You are far better off dining at the guest house than anywhere else. Breakfast was also great. We took non A/C room and it was perferct as fan, mosquito net and an open window were sufficient. The neighbourhood is quiet and evenings spent on the veranda in front of our room were just a bliss. These two nights were one of the best time we had in Sri Lanka during our 2-week travel around the island."Show more
7.5
Very good
95 reviews
Rock Cascade - Home Stay
"a real home-stay. the owner really took us in as family and we had the best sri lanka food for dinner.
for european visitors - take the use of moskito net serious and learn to use it correctly - we didn't know so we were eaten up during the night.
situation close to the old town and sights were great. we highly recommend the place"Show more
9.2
Exceptional
2 reviews
Risenlak Holiday Resort
"very good place. room and bathroom was very clean. staff are friendly and helpful. srilanken breakfast was very good. Very close to ancient city. "Show more
4-star hotels in Polonnaruwa
7.8
Very good
453 reviews
The Lake Hotel
"I stayed here with my friend as we were back packing around sri lanka, we found a late deal on agoda that saved us a lot of money! The room was fantastic, with a view over the lake. The lake had water buffalo grazing around it and other cows! The swimming pool was lovely and you could sit out next to it after a long day of sight seeing. The hotel staff were very helpful and can help you arrange things like jeep safaris. They also have local knowledge of how to get to the different sites on public transport.
The only thing that let this place down was the restaurant, on the first night we were there it took an hour to get food! After that it was slightly quicker but not acceptable really, we ended up taking cards to dinner to pass the time! We always seemed to have a different menu to the other people staying there which was very confusing. The menu was limited and portion sizes quite small considering we had been out sightseeing all day!
It would have been nice also if the wifi had extended to the bedrooms.
Overall it was a lovely place to stay as a base to get to sigiryia, polonnaruwa, and kaudulla national park."Show more
7.5
Very good
119 reviews
Hotel Sudu Araliya
"Polonnaruwa is just far enough away and is on such a scale that one should actually stay in the area to take in the glories of Polonnaruwa as opposed to day tripping it.
Sudu Araliya was recommended to me by a friend so I took her advice and booked there. To my pleasant surprize it is very proximate to the ruins (literally a 5 minute drive if that) and seems to be relatively new construction.
The staff are very welcoming and given how hot it is in this area a blissfully cool lobby. Check in is quick and easy and the rooms are adequate. Can’t say what theme the rooms are decorated with - but it all functions well. Most of rooms are lakefront and if you are lucky you may see an elephant swim by.
I did the monkey test a left a glass of water on the balcony and went down to dinner. Sure enough it was knocked over when I got back so don’t leave any shades or lighters on the balcony or they will disappear. Also, do not leave the balcony door open - this is tropical area and subsequently"Show more
8.5
Excellent
53 reviews
Ruins Chaaya Hotel
"On the day we were visit to spend our meaningful holidays. We were welcomed warmly with the the staff. The staffs are great and very friendlier with a big smile on their face. Room was very clean with a teapot and a fridge. Fridge was very reasonable price. Variety of breakfast was amazing. Last minutes my goodness i had a Carlsberg missed on my bag to treat the service boy nevertheless credit card.
They are willing to help your any request. Awesome service and we will recommend this hotel to everyone..
Memorable things: Response of Service person. Smile of Receptionist.."Show more
5-star hotels in Polonnaruwa
8.7
Excellent
66 reviews
Ekho Lake House Polonnaruwa
"We had two very pleasant days and nights here when we visited Polonnaruwa. It is a small hotel that has very nicely appointed rooms and is in a lovely setting next to the lakefront with views across to the National Park on the other side of the lake. Elephants were grazing on the shores opposite each day we were there.
The museum and ruins of the second kingdom are adjacent, and the hotel organised bikes for us to spend a lovely day riding about looking at them. Magical.
The service is very good and the chef is excellent. Definitely our best breakfast in three weeks in Sri Lanka, and very good dinners. A solid five stars, and highly recommended!"Show more
8.8
Excellent
3 reviews
Sudu Neluma Home Stay
" Great Irish pub, the green man, nearby. Hotel can be hard to find. Money changer on site. "
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Traveler impressions of Polonnaruwa
Well, it's basically quite a good place but if you're not a big fans of culture & history then you can just cut out Polonnaruwa from your itinerary.
Xin Yi, Malaysia
Great historical and religious site. Also famous for very interesting wildlife just outside the ancient city, at national parks like Minneriya and Kaudulla.
Jorgen, Norway
Spend once day there visiting the ancient ruins with a bike and try to survive the high temperatures!
Robert, Spain
It is a tourist trap it is very expensive, but if you want to make a model portfolio, then the area is awesome.
Johann, South Africa
There isn't much in Polonnaruwa except for the ancient city. Make sure that before you head to the ancient city site, you have been to the museum and bought your ticket for 25$.
Steffani, United Kingdom
not meant for shopping but can pick up bargains in the not too tidy town.be very care ful of roads if you are driving as jaywalkers are aplenty.
asoka, Sri Lanka
The cultural aspects are why you should visit this region as part of the cultural triangle it is a must see.
Lorraine, Australia
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More about Polonnaruwa
The UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed city of Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient cities, dating back to before the 11th century. The city has been the seat of kingdoms and the building site of many important shrines and temples, all of which are now available to be seen by travelers to this city. Polonnaruwa is located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, just over 200 kilometers from Colombo. It’s best accessed by car, train, or bus from cities like Colombo.
The ancient ruins of the city are conveniently concentrated in the same area, commonly known as the Polonnaruwa Ancient City. This is where travelers can see landmarks such as the Gal Vihara Rock Temple, and most of the other important temples as well.
Travelers looking to learn more about the history of this area should not miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where artifacts and sculptures tell stories of this city’s ancient history.
There’s a lot more to see and do in Polonnaruwa, and the best way to discover what else this city has to offer in terms of attractions, landmarks, and hotels is by exploring the interactive map on this page.
The ancient ruins of the city are conveniently concentrated in the same area, commonly known as the Polonnaruwa Ancient City. This is where travelers can see landmarks such as the Gal Vihara Rock Temple, and most of the other important temples as well.
Travelers looking to learn more about the history of this area should not miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum, where artifacts and sculptures tell stories of this city’s ancient history.
There’s a lot more to see and do in Polonnaruwa, and the best way to discover what else this city has to offer in terms of attractions, landmarks, and hotels is by exploring the interactive map on this page.