Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle Tour, Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka and can’t decide between visiting Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa? Well, you’re in for a treat because we’re about to dive deep into these two magnificent ancient cities. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and packed with incredible history, but each offers a unique experience. Let’s break it down and help you make the best choice for your Sri Lankan adventure!

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are both important ancient cities with hundreds of crumbling monuments. Both cities are UNESCO world heritage sites and popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are part of most Sri Lanka tour packages such as 5-day Sri Lanka tours and 7 days Sri Lanka trips. Both Sri Lanka tour packages mentioned below are multi-day trips due to the time-consuming journey from the airport. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are not day outing places in Sri Lanka, especially if you travel from Colombo.

Table of Contents

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What should I visit Anuradhapura or Plonnaruwa?

I recently published a blog post under the title “Sigiriya or Kandy?”, I decided to write that article after receiving many emails from our readers, who were in a dilemma as to whether to choose Anuradhapura or Polonnarwa for their holiday in Sri Lanka. The title of this article is also very similar to “Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa”. I get a large number of emails from readers all around the world, and some of those emails are directly on this matter: “Should we visit Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa”.

We are going to give our readers a good insight into both places so they can choose the best archaeological site to visit. However, we recommend visiting both Anuradhapura historical city and Polonnaruwa historical site if time permits.

code?” Here are some other enquiries we get from our readers about Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa: “What are the Polonnaruwa opening hours?” “What is the Polonnaruwa dress code?”, “Is Polonnaruwa worth visiting?” “What is the distance from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa?”, “Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?

Anuradhapura vs Polonnaruwa: Which Ancient City Should You Visit in Sri Lanka?

Hey there, history buffs and adventure seekers! Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka and can’t decide between visiting Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa? Well, you’re in for a treat because we’re about to dive deep into these two magnificent ancient cities. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and packed with incredible history, but each offers a unique experience. Let’s break it down and help you make the best choice for your Sri Lankan adventure!

A Tale of Two Cities: Quick Overview

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with a quick comparison:

FeatureAnuradhapuraPolonnaruwa
AgeOlder (Founded 4th century BC)Newer (Became capital in 11th century AD)
SizeLargerMore compact
Religious SignificanceHigherHigh
PreservationSome ruins, some active sitesBetter preserved ruins
Typical Visit Duration1-2 days1 day

Anuradhapura: The Sacred City

Historical Significance

Anuradhapura, founded in the 4th century BC, was the first capital of Sri Lanka and remained so for nearly 1,500 years. It’s not just an archaeological site; it’s a living sacred city.

Key Attractions

  1. Sri Maha Bodhi: The oldest documented tree in the world, said to be a sapling from the Buddha’s enlightenment tree.
  2. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: A massive white dome-shaped structure, one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments.
  3. Jetavanaramaya: Once the tallest stupa in the ancient world, it’s still an impressive sight.
  4. Abhayagiri Monastery: Ruins of a vast monastic complex that once housed thousands of monks.

Unique Experiences

  • Witness Buddhist pilgrims in active worship at ancient sites.
  • Explore the ancient hydraulic systems, including man-made reservoirs still in use today.

Pro Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the sprawling ancient city – it’s the best way to cover ground!

Learn more about Anuradhapura’s history

Polonnaruwa: The Medieval Capital

Historical Significance

Polonnaruwa became the capital in the 11th century AD after the fall of Anuradhapura. It represents medieval Sri Lankan architecture and urban planning at its finest.

Key Attractions

  1. Gal Vihara: Four giant Buddha statues carved into a granite rock face.
  2. The Quadrangle: A compact group of ancient structures, including the Vatadage (circular relic house).
  3. Parakrama Samudra: A vast man-made lake that’s still a vital water source.
  4. Lankathilaka Temple: Impressive brick structure with a colossal standing Buddha.

Unique Experiences

  • Admire the advanced irrigation systems that supported a thriving civilization.
  • See the fusion of Sinhalese and South Indian architectural styles.

History Buff Tip: Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum for context on the ruins you’ll explore.

Discover Polonnaruwa’s archaeological wonders

Comparing the Visitor Experience

Accessibility

  • Anuradhapura: About 200 km from Colombo, 4-5 hour drive
  • Polonnaruwa: About 220 km from Colombo, 5-6 hour drive; closer to popular beach destinations

Best Time to Visit

Both cities are in Sri Lanka’s dry zone:

  • Peak Season: May to September
  • Rainy Season: October to January (brief showers, still visitable)

Time Needed for Exploration

  • Anuradhapura: Ideally 1-2 full days
  • Polonnaruwa: Can be thoroughly explored in 1 full day

Crowd Levels

  • Anuradhapura: Generally less crowded, more spread out
  • Polonnaruwa: Can get busier, especially at popular sites like Gal Vihara

Making Your Decision: Factors to Consider

  1. Time Available: If you’re short on time, Polonnaruwa might be the better choice.
  2. Interest in Buddhism: Anuradhapura has more active religious sites.
  3. Photography: Polonnaruwa’s more compact nature offers great photo ops.
  4. Physical Fitness: Anuradhapura requires more walking/cycling.
  5. Historical Periods: Interested in ancient history? Go for Anuradhapura. Medieval history? Choose Polonnaruwa.

Can’t Decide? Why Not Both?

If you have the time, visiting both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa offers a comprehensive look at Sri Lankan history. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

  1. Start in Anuradhapura (2 days)
  2. Travel to Polonnaruwa (about 2.5 hours drive)
  3. Explore Polonnaruwa (1 day)

This route allows you to see the progression of Sri Lankan civilization and architecture over time.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ancient Cities

  1. Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites.
  2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
  3. Bring Sun Protection: Both sites have limited shade.
  4. Hire a Guide: Local guides can bring the history to life.
  5. Start Early: Beat the heat and crowds by beginning your exploration in the morning.

What are the Polonnaruwa opening hours?

The site is open to visitors all day long, however, the ticket counter is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This type of question is common among travellers who have very limited time for their Sri Lanka trip, while some others do not wish to travel much on their holiday despite the availability of time and like to restrict their holiday to one or two places and reserve some time for relaxation.  Some families and travellers in their 60s and 70s do not wish to cover much ground on their trips.

So, my intention is to help you decide on the most suitable historical site for you in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. I have been to both places many times and find both equally interesting. Both of them showcase a large number of historical monuments.

If you wish to book any Sri Lanka trip, please do get in touch with Seerendipity Tours by sending an email to admin@seerendipitytours.com. or Call us/WhatsApp us at 0094774440977.

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are both important ancient cities with hundreds of crumbling monuments. Both cities are UNESCO world heritage sites and popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are part of most Sri Lanka tour packages, such as 5-day Sri Lanka tours and 7-day Sri Lanka trips. Both Sri Lanka tour packages mentioned below are multi-day trips due to the time-consuming journey from the airport. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are not day-trip destinations in Sri Lanka, especially if you travel from Colombo.

jetawanarama
Anuradhapura sits in the north-central province of Sri Lanka and hides hundreds of ancient monuments. This UNESCO world heritage site is an important tourist site and is included in most Sri Lanka trips such as 4 days Sri Lanka cultural tours, 7 days Sri Lanka trips, and 3 days trips to Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.

Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?

The ancient city of Anuradhapura was inhabited for many thousands of years. During the third century BCE, Anuradhapura was the capital city of Sri Lanka. I watched over a large expanse of man-made lakes and wide spreads of rice paddies. Anuradhapura continues to be an active archaeological site, gradually revealing its ancient stories to visitors.

I feel that it is worth visiting because it is an archaeological zoo that showcases the engineering skills, artistic capabilities, and devotion to religion of people who lived many thousand years ago. E.g., Abhayagiriya Gadoba (stupa, pagoda) is a stupendous structure even today, and it had a much bigger structure than what we see now. When King Walagambhu constructed Abhayagiri Dagoba during his second reign (89–77 BC), it was one of the tallest buildings in existence at the time.

Historical monuments in Anuradhapura

There are many such great edifices in the archaeological city of Anuradhapura; another noteworthy structure is Jetawanarama, which was the second-biggest brick building in the ancient world. There are many dozens of these fascinating structures in the city, and the majority of their followers still revere and respect them.

Twin ponds, Samadhi Buddha, Thuparama Dagoba (3rd century BC), Lankarama, Isurumuniya, Moonstone, Sri Maha Bodhi, and Guard Stone are some other places that we recommend to top travellers. Visiting all those places might take around 5 hours, as they are spread over a huge area. So how do you feel? Is Anuradhapura worth visiting?

Important monasteries of ancient Anuradhapura

The huge city of Anuradhapura is divided into three major parts: the Abhyagiri Monastery Complex, the Jetawanarama Complex, and the Mahavihara Complex. There had been different temple complexes spreading over a huge area; each of the temple complexes was equipped with Buddhism learning centres, stupas or pagodas, hospitals (Ayurveda), an audience hall, parks, mediation centres, libraries, and a living quarter for monks.

IF YOU LIKE TO READ MORE ABOUT ANURADHAPURA, PLEASE READ MY DETAILED ARTICLE ABOUT ANURADHAPURA, “ANURADHAPURA TEMPLE“.

Is Polonnaruwa worth visiting?

If you have a formidable question, is Polonnaruwa worth visiting? The simple answer is yes! There is a large number of places to visit in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, all of which are closely connected to Sri Lankan history.

I have been many times to the Polonnaruwa historical site. If history and culture are things that you care about, it is strongly recommended that you visit Polonnaruwa. The archaeological site of Polonnaruwa hides many dozens of interesting monuments, such as palaces, lakes, Buddhist temples, Hindu shrines, audience halls, and many other structures.

Usually, a visit to the historical city of Polonnaruwa starts near the Parikrama palace, which was destroyed during the South Indian invasion. The Parakrama Palace is situated within the inner city, and here you find a few other structures, such as audience halls.

Starting from the Parakrama palace to the quadrangle and Gal Vihara at the far end of Polonnaruwa historical city, you see well-preserved monuments. Unlike in Anuradhapura, monuments in Polonnaruwa are in very good shape because Polonnaruwa is much younger than its counterpart. However, the number of monuments in Polonnaruwa is far less than what you see in Anuradhapura, and monuments are spread over a far bigger area in Anuradhapura compared to Polonnaruwa.

READ MY DEDICATED ARTICLE ON POLONNARUEA UNDER THE HEADING, “20 PLACES TO VISIT IN POLONNARUWA“.

If you wish to book any Sri Lanka trip, please do get in touch with Seerendipity Tours by sending an email to admin@seerendipitytours.com. or Call us/WhatsApp us at 0094774440977.

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What do you see on the Anuradhapura tour and in Polonnaruwa?

Visiting Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa means exploring the rich past history of Sri Lanka. A large number of ancient Buddhist temples, Palaces, gardens, and remnants of many other ancient buildings can be witnessed here.

Similarities between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have a lot of similarities and differences too. Both places harbor dozens of ancient temples, stupas, Buddha statues, palaces, gardens, museums and many other historical monuments. Both cities are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical and religious importance. Both cities are located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Buddhists predominately inhabited both cities.

What is the difference between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa?

The main difference between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa is the age of the historical monuments to be found in the cities because the crumbling monuments of Anuradhapura date back many thousand years, and some of the structures, such as Abhyagiri dagoba (pagoda or stupa) and Ruwanweli dagoba, were built before the birth of Jesus Christ.

The monuments that you see in Polonnaruwa are much younger than the monuments in Anuradhapura. Most historical monuments in Polonnaruwa were built between the 10th and 11th centuries AD. Since the monuments in Polonnaruwa are much younger, they are comparatively in very good shape.

Visiting Museums In Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura

Visiting museums is also very important, along with monuments, in order to understand the historical past of Sri Lanka. Both places offer museums; however, the museum in Polonnaruwa is far better organised than the Museum in Anuradhapura. The artefacts of the Polonnaruwa museum are far better organised and give a clear picture of the ancient structures to be seen on the site. E.g., the Parakrama palace has been reduced to a few walls and foundations after the invasion, and originally it had been a massive structure with 7 stories. If you visit the museum before entering the historical city, you can witness a model of the Parakrama palace, and thereby it is not difficult to ascertain the imposing size of the palace.

Anuradhapura Museum

One of Sri Lanka’s archaeological museums is the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum, also called Puravidu Bhavana. It is located in the historic government building in the holy city of Anuradhapura.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Senarath Paranavithana began documenting the Department of Archaeology’s remaining collection of artefacts in accordance with an order from his boss, Mr. H.A. Horcarts. In the beginning, this museum was kept in a section of a hospital in Anuradhapura, close to Sri Maha Bodiya and Ruwanwalisa. Later on, though, Mr. Senarath Paranavithana pushed for the need to create the museum in a new location due to a lack of facilities.

According to the accounts, S. Shan Muganathan and G. D. Ranasinghe helped organise this collection of items as a museum in 1948. It was stored on the south side of the Anuradhapura department building.

In response to this request for the construction of the Archaeological Museum, the government provided the ancient administrative building in Anuradhapura. Due to the building’s use as a centre to house flood victims in Anuradhapura in the 1940s, the opening of the museum was postponed.

As a result, the museum was able to buy two buildings, this grant building and the adjacent two-story recording building, with the aid of Mr. Nisshanka Wijeratne, who was the Anuradhapura Governor at the time. Officially, Dr. Senarath Paranavithana, a former director general, was the main force behind the establishment of the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum.

The Department of Archaeology of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest museum is the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum.

What to see in the museum

Antiquities discovered in various parts of Sri Lanka, including Buddha statues, relic caskets, drawings, puppets, coins, jewellery, beads, and other random objects, are shown in the museum. A model of the Abhayagiri Stupa, the Jantgara, the Pacvsa structure, etc. can be found among these artefacts. The Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum also has Sri Lanka’s greatest collection of inscriptions.

Polonnaruwa archeological museum

The Polonnaruwa archeological Museum, which displays historical relics unearthed by Sri Lanka’s archaeological department during the previous 100 years, provides information about Sri Lanka’s past. If you visit the museum first, your trip to the historic city of Polonnaruwa will have a deeper meaning.

A beautiful collection of objects found at the Polonnaruwa site is on display at the Polonnaruwa Museum, which is located within the Polonnaruwa World Heritage Site. It is included in the majority of tours to the Sri Lankan cultural triangle, such the 5-day cultural tour of Sri Lanka. In a recently erected structure close to the roughly 1,000-year-old Parakrama Samudra reservoir, the Polonnaruwa museum is housed. In contrast to Anuradhapura, the city’s only museum is the Polonnaruwa Historical Museum.

Comparison between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura

  • From the 3rd century BC to the 10th century AD  
  • Monuments are older         
  • Spreads over a bigger area            
  • Many dozens of monument  
  • A lot of ground to cover needs a vehicle  
  • The city tour lasts approximately 4-5 hours.

Polonnaruwa

  • 10–11 century AD
  • the monuments are younger
  • spread over a small area
  • comparingly less number of monuments
  • explore by foot, bike, or vehicle  
  • The city tour lasts approximately 2-3 hours.

Visit all these tourist hotspots on the cultural triangle tour

Reaching out to Anuradhapura

The distance to Anuradhapura from Colombo is 200km and if you start the journey, the distance is 165 Km, The journey by private vehicle takes around 4 hours. Rail transport and air transportations are also available for travelers who wish to travel to Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura bounds trains start their journey from the main railway station in Colombo (train schedule). A seaplane or helicopter can be booked to go to Anuradhapura from Colombo or from the airport, the landing point would be the domestic airport of Anuradhapura.  

Reaching out to Polonnaruwa

Road transport is the main mode of transport to reach Polonnaruwa monuments. The distance from Colombo to Polonnaruwa is 220 km and the journey takes around 5 hours in a private vehicle. Rail transport, as well as air transport, also can be booked from Colombo. There are three daily trains to Polonnaruwa from Colombo. There are two daily Polonnaruwa bound flights starting from Colombo.  

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Spend five memorable days on a tour of Sri Lanka with a variety of sightseeing activities. Visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, bicycle around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, tour Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) — all UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa distance

Sometimes our customers ask if it is possible to visit Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa on one day tour. The starting point of the trip largely determines the answer, which can be either yes or no. If you start the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa tours from a place like Sigiriya or Habarana, you can visit both places in one day.

If you begin your journey from a faraway destination like Colombo or Kandy, it will not be possible to visit both places due to the time spent on transportation. If you are based in a hotel near Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, you can easily cover both places because the distance between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa is merely a little more than 100 km, and the journey takes around 2 hours.

Extra activities in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura

Visiting historical monuments is the primary expectation of most travelers who hit these cities, but there are a few other important activities that you can engage in if you have time. Some of the activities are: doing a village tour, visiting national parks; doing a Jeep safari, taking Ayurveda treatment (massage), taking part in cooking classes, boating in the village lake, visiting temples, and jungles; trekking, and bird watching.  

I hope that by considering the above factors, you are now able to decide if it is Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa you visit on your trip to Sri Lanka. If you need some more tips about Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, please don’t hesitate to contact us at admin@seerendipitytoiurs.com.

Entrance tickets to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

The entrance tickets to both attractions are expensive. Visiting Anuradhapura and Pollonnaruwa cost US$ 60 (Anuradhapura US$30 and Polonnaruwa US$30), per tourist. The entrance ticket should be bought at the time a tourist enters the site. The tourist can use a card or cash payment in order to get the entrance ticket.

Responsible Tourism

Remember, these are not just tourist sites but places of great historical and religious significance. Here’s how to be a responsible visitor:

  1. Respect Religious Customs: Remove shoes where required, don’t pose with or touch Buddha statues.
  2. Stay on Marked Paths: Help preserve these ancient sites for future generations.
  3. Support Local Communities: Buy souvenirs from local artisans.
  4. Minimize Plastic Use: Bring a reusable water bottle.

Visisitng Anuradhapura or Polonnarywa: The Choice is Yours!

Whether you choose Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, or both, you’re in for an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s rich history. Anuradhapura offers a deeper dive into ancient Sri Lankan civilization and living Buddhist culture, while Polonnaruwa provides a more compact, visually striking medieval experience.

Remember, there’s no wrong choice here – both cities are incredible testaments to Sri Lanka’s fascinating past. Whichever you choose, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of the island’s cultural heritage and some amazing stories to tell.

So, are you ready to step back in time and explore these ancient wonders? Pack your curiosity, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a journey through Sri Lanka’s magnificent past. The ancient cities are waiting to reveal their secrets to you!

External Sources:

  1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Sacred City of Anuradhapura
  2. UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
  3. Sri Lanka Tourism Official Website
  4. Sustainable Travel International – Sri Lanka
  5. Lonely Planet – Exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangl

2 thoughts on “Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa”

  1. for me visiting both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa is very well worth it. Because unlike in Europe the history of Sri Lanka is very much older than many parts of Europe. What remains from their ancient cities is very surprising. some of their old structures are bigger than modern highrise buildings and some of those constructions are more than 3 thousand years old.

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  2. We traveled to Sri Lanka in 2018 and it was a nice country. We did a round tour with a private guide and it was a wonderful trip. We visited Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa with many other places. These tourist places are interesting but entrance fees are a bit expensive I feel.

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