Polonnaruwa The Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Year-round: Prioritize lightweight, breathable, and loose-fitting fabrics. Cotton, linen, or moisture-performance synthetics are a good option for managing heat and high humidity.
When visiting religious sites, both men and women cover shoulders and knees. This concerns structures like the Gal Vihara and image houses.
Comfortable, breathable Walking sandals or easy to carry Walking shoes are ideal for exploring the historic city.
Useful for casual wear, short hikes around your accommodation, or for quick removal at temple entrances.
Pack a few pairs of comfortable Socks, especially if you plan to wear closed-toe shoes or wish to protect your feet when removing shoes at temples.
Carry both hard copies and electronic versions of key papers.
Sri Lanka uses Type D, M, and G sockets (230V, 50Hz). An Universal travel adapter is highly recommended. Your Unlocked mobile phone is compatible with GSM networks.
A reliable camera helps capture the intricate details of the Polonnaruwa ruins and beautiful landscapes. A Portable charger can help with long exploration days.
Download maps for Waze or Maps.me for navigation without data connection.
Google Translate with Sinhala language pack for offline use assists with communication.
Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for safe browsing on public Wi-fi-Fi.
A Basic first aid kit is a must. Include band-aids, disinfectant wipes, pain relievers, and antihistamines. The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 is a compact solution.
High-strength Insect repellent is necessary to prevent mosquitoes. High SPF sunscreen is also necessary for sun protection.
A small daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, and a modesty cover-up (Osprey Daylite Plus).
For safaris in nearby national parks (Minneriya/Kaudulla), binoculars are excellent for wildlife viewing, especially for spotting birds and distant elephants.
Bikes for exploring the old city are easily and affordably rented locally. Safari jeeps are always rented with a driver for national trips to the park.
For extended trips, comfort items are valuable.
Minimize your environmental impact and save money with reusable items. A few region-specific additions prove practical.
Refill and lessen plastic waste.
For markets and shopping.
Avoid single-use plastics.
Eco-friendly device power.
Pack light and use packing cubes to organize clothing. Consider rolling clothes to save space.
Always weigh your luggage before heading to the airport to avoid excess baggage fees.
