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Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, a thriving centre of commerce and religion. Today, visitors can explore the site’s archaeological treasures, including the Sacred Quadrangle and a number of temples. Combine your trip with a visit to the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
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Tangalle
Laidback Tangalle in Sri Lanka’s south is one of the region’s more relaxed beach destinations, combining simple guesthouses and some upmarket hotels...Read more -
Yala National Park
Southeast Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is the country’s most visited wilderness reserve...Read more -
Udawalawe
Sri Lanka’s finest national park is home to herds of elephants, wild buffalo, crocodiles and leopards...Read more -
Colombo
Cosmopolitan Colombo is more than just the gateway to Sri Lanka...Read more -
Haputale
The hillside town of Haputale is a little-visited stop on the train route into tea country from Kandy to Ella...Read more -
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles Mountain Range – also known as the Dumbara Mountain Range – is home to 34 peaks and offers plenty of treks for hikers to explore, with waterfalls, tiny villages and elusive mountain animals part of the experience...Read more -
Galle
The historic fort town of Galle is best explored on foot, allowing you to take in its grandiose colonial buildings, ancient temples and mosques and many quirky side streets...Read more -
Kandy
Central Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant religious sites, being home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – a tooth from Buddha himself...Read more -
Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya is the most untouched of all of Sri Lanka’s national parks and is the only one where you can take a boat safari...Read more -
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu translates as ‘natural lakes’ in Sinhala and ‘10 lakes’ in Tamil, so it’s no surprise what the main attraction is in this national park...Read more -
Trincomalee
The port city of Trincomalee is best-known as a gateway to the beaches and resorts on Sri Lanka’s east coast...Read more -
Pasikudah Bay
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Jaffna
Intriguing Jaffna in Sri Lanka’s far north offers an insight into the country’s Tamil culture...Read more -
Anuradhapura
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Mihintale
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Paramakanda Rock temple
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Ella
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Dambulla
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Complete Sri Lanka
Ancient temples and endless beaches
Approx. 14 days
Colombo (1 days) → Polonnaruwa (3) → Kandy (2) → Haputale (2) → Udawalawe (1) → Tangalle (3) → Colombo (2)
View route
Colombo (1 days) → Polonnaruwa (3) → Kandy (2) → Haputale (2) → Udawalawe (1) → Tangalle (3) → Colombo (2)
Nature and wildlife explorer
The best of rural Sri Lanka
Approx. 17 days
Colombo (2 days) → Paramakanda Rock temple (3) → Polonnaruwa (2) → Knuckles Mountain Range (2) → Gal Oya National Park (3) → Yala National Park (2) → Galle (3)
View route
Colombo (2 days) → Paramakanda Rock temple (3) → Polonnaruwa (2) → Knuckles Mountain Range (2) → Gal Oya National Park (3) → Yala National Park (2) → Galle (3)
Slow travel Sri Lanka
Culture, countryside and beaches
Approx. 14 days
Colombo (2 days) → Polonnaruwa (3) → Kandy (3) → Galle (6)
View route
Colombo (2 days) → Polonnaruwa (3) → Kandy (3) → Galle (6)
Things to do in Polonnaruwa
Our recommended experiences and activities
Polonnaruwa
Get lost in the caves of Dambulla
Explore the five main caves of Dambulla stuffed with statues of Buddha and Hindu gods. The walk up offers great views of Sigiriya Rock.
Where to go in Sri Lanka
Our recommended places
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