Off the beaten path around PolonnaruwaThis page is about less-frequented places of interest in the
area of Polonnaruwa and Pasikuda. Find a list of links to dozens of off-the-beaten-path destinations all over Sri Lanka here... |
Polonnaruwa
|
Popular tourist attractions near Polonnaruwa and Pasikuda
For all those interested in historical places, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Polonnaruwa, which was the medieval capital during the heydays of the Sinhalese civilisation, is a must-see. Many visitors of Polonnaruwa prefer Giritale for their overnight stays, as it closer to the elephant gathering national parks. Among the major heritage sites of the Cultural Triangle, Polonnaruwa is the one closest to the sea. The newly established beach resort of Pasikuda is very popular with families with children, as the water in the crescent cove is shallow and safe. - In Polonnaruwa, there are only very few temples that are not frequented by tourists. Most travellers do not stop at the small Hindu Devales in between the exit gateway of the archaeological park and the town centre. Within the archaeological park, don’t miss to walk around on the three hills and in their western backyards of the Alahena Pirivena complex, which was the major monastery of the capital. Not many tourists explore this most alluring part of the large compound in detail. Somewhat hidden is the small monastery known as Menik Vihara right in the centre of the Archaeological park. A famous and very charming site is the palace complex of King Nissanka Malla at the banks of the Topa Wewa. It’s still a tranquil site, at least at times.
Lonesome places in the surroundings of Polonnaruwa and Pasikuda
|
2**stars & not overcrowded
The most rewarding excursion from Polonnaruwa to a neighboruing archaeological site is to Medirigiriya. It’s mentioned in all pocket guides. Medirigiriya has one of the most imposing typical Sinhalese Vatadages. It’s centuries older than the more famous Vatadage of Polonnaruwa. What’s special about Medirigiriya is that there are many ancient Buddha statues still in situ. If you are an explorer, you can discover many more of them in the area between Medirigiriya and the Kaudulla tank.
|
|
1*star & almost secret
Somawathiya is a national park that can not be explored on jeep safaris. It’s possible to visit the restored stupa within the national park, but it’s highly recommendable to do so with a jeep instead of a normal car. The architecture of the stupa is not alluring. However, the remote location might be a reason for the detour. And you can come into contact with Sinhalese pilgrims here. The stupa is believed to enshrine Sri Lanka’s second Tooth Relic.
|
|
3***stars & almost secret
In between Polonnaruwa and Pasikuda, there is a heritage site that’s not crowded at all, though it’s one of the island’s most attractive destinations at all. Actually, you could spend an entire day hiking around in Dimbulagala to see the dozens of places of interest in this isolated range. Even more isolated is the single needlepoint inselberg of Thoppigala, situated even closer to Paskuda Beach, but accordingly it’s farer away from Polonnaruwa. Thoppigala is worth a visit for nature enthusiasts. It’s a protected conservation zone. Some adventure acticities, also suitable for kids, are on offer in the plains at the foot of the imposing rock.
|
|
1*star & almost secret
A short excursion from Pasikuda can lead to Thennadi Bay, which is just at the opposite side of the promontory known as „elephant head“, a long peninsula covered with palm trees. Thennadi Bay is not touristy. Some Tamil fishermen live in this area. With a little luck, you will be able to study their traditional beach seaning technique of fishing, similar to the „singing fishermen“ of Kerals, though regrettably without singing.
|
|
1*star & rarely visited
30 km south of Pasikuda is Batticaloa, situated on a spit between the Indian Ocean and Sri Lanka’s largest and most winding lagoon. Historically, Batticaloa was the second most important port in the east of the island, this is why there is a Dutch Fort similar to that in Trincomalee. Batticaloa town is crowded with Hindu temples. They are not attractive for lovers of ancient art. But their annual temple feasts are amazing. You should not miss such an event, when spending your holidays at the east coast just in due time. Kalmunai further south is even larger than Batticaloa. It’s the largest Muslim settlement of Sri Lanka.
|
|
3***stars & almost secret
Spending some days in Polonnaruwa or Pasikuda, you could consider a very special kind of safari experience, though it requires a lot of driving hours. The Maduru Oya National Park to the south of Dimbulagala but with ist maingate at the opposite side (direction Mahiyanagana) is the only large national park on the island that is never crowded with jeeps. It’s the best chance to experience Sri Lanka‘s wildlife in a completely undisturbed way.
|
