New Town sits just east of the archaeological site, strung along the road to Kaduruwela. It holds most of Polonnaruwa's guesthouses, bakeries and bike-hire shops, with Parakrama Samudra's shoreline a 5-minute walk from the centre. This is where independent travellers base themselves for two to three nights while cycling the ruins.
New Town is low-rise and functional rather than scenic: a strip of guesthouses, tuk-tuk stands and small restaurants serving rice and curry. Evenings are quiet, with most visitors turning in early for 6am starts at the ruins. The lake shore at sunset is the one spot with a view worth lingering over.
What It Feels Like
Polonnaruwa New Town is known for closest accommodation base to the ancient city ruins.
Avoid if Travellers wanting nightlife, resort pools or varied dining
What to Do
- Cycle the quadrangle and Royal Palace ruins before 9am
- Watch sunset over Parakrama Samudra from the bund road
- Visit the Archaeological Museum before entering the site
Local tip Bike-hire shops near the museum rent sturdier bikes than those at guesthouses; check the brakes before riding.
See our best things to do in Polonnaruwa or One Day in Polonnaruwa.
Getting Here
In the centre of Polonnaruwa. From Habarana, a tuk-tuk or hired car takes 40 minutes.
Nearest transport: Polonnaruwa bus stand, 5-minute walk from most guesthouses.
More on Polonnaruwa
The Polonnaruwa overview compares this area with the others.
We plan trips to Polonnaruwa and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
Where to eat and drink
Priyamali Gedara
Sri Lankan home-style · Unlimited rice and curry set lunch
Gajaba Restaurant
Sri Lankan · Grilled fish and devilled chicken