Built in the 1870’s as a circuit Bungalow for British Government Agents (GA), with the first British GA occupant being with Mr. W. Harington, the Polonnaruwa Rest House was carefully refurbished in the style of the early 1950’s, whilst retaining its colonial charm, after been taken over by the then Ceylon Tourist Bureau in 1954 and thereafter by Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) in 1968..

Seamlessly blending the power of nature, the Polonnaruwa Rest House offers a breath-taking and panoramic view of Sri Lanka’s largest man made lake “Parakrama Samudraya” from many of its simple, yet tastefully designed 09 rooms and very own “Queen’s Suite”- built in 1954 to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Sri Lanka. All rooms and suites are fully air-conditioned and furnished with TV and mini-bar.

The spacious restaurant provides both indoor and alfresco dining and can accommodate as many as 150 persons. A team of talented chefs concoct a mount-watering selection of Western, Eastern and Sri Lankan dishes and a preparation of “home’ favorites, which are popular amongst the locals and tourists who visit!

Adjoining the Rest House is the museum and within walking distance is the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya (Nissanka Council Chamber) with the ruins of King Nissanakamalla's palace – this presents guests with the an opportunity to educate themselves on the history and culture that Sri Lanka is so famous for. The cycle safaris to the Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, organised by the Rest House on a regular basis, also prove to be quite an attraction.

The Rest House has also becomes an ideal location for boating and fishing or a break in journey before driving on to Kandy. A drive to the east will take you to the hot & cold springs of Maduru Oya, and to the west side of the Minneriya Tank. Wild life enthusiasts can make a visit to the Wasgamuwa National Park, south of the Rest House.

05 air-conditioned standard rooms

04 air-conditioned superior rooms

01 air-conditioned Queen’s Suite