North Central Sri Lanka Travel Guide

The acient city is really worth a visit! The site here is much better maintained than in Sri Lanka's other ancient city Anuradhapura. Polonnaruwa town itself does not have much to offer. However, it has nice tanks (artificial lakes built by ancient kings) with nice hotels around it. Especially Mineriya tank and Wildlife Park offer good chances of seeing Elephants. Since Lonely Planet recommends bycicle rent there, you would often see tourists with totally red heads driving around during the season. It can become pretty warm there so maybe you might just ask one of the threewheelers there to drive you around for the day (don't bargain him down to the last penny, that's embarassing - hey, you can afford giving him some extra bucks - however, also don't let him rip you off completely).

Hotel Sudu Araliya is clean and lovely place to stay with a view of magnificent Parakrama Samudraya tank. Do not miss the archeological sites located very close to the hotel and hiring a bicycle will be a lovely idea if you are interested in archeology and do not want to miss any thing. so many sites to visit and make sure you carry a bottle of water and cap with you. also make sure you apply some sun screen creams it may be so hot and dry.

What's nice about Polonnaruwa is that the ruins are in one compact area so you can visit them quite easily. Just one three wheeler ride from where you're staying to the entrance and you can walk about them all day long. Bicycles however are the best way to get around. Most guest houses will rent out bicycles, but be sure of the condition when you pick it up. Check if the tires are properly inflated.