Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Heritage's cafe-restaurant is perched opposite the main junction in town, so is perfect
for people-watching. There's a classy, turn-back-the-years ambience and a wide choice of
food: local-style curries, Western breakfasts (Rs 490), sandwiches, grilled meats and 'dev-
illed' dishes. Those with a sweet tooth must check out the cake cabinet (try a piece of
rulang
made from coconut and toffee).
Getting There & Away
BUS
Buses stop at the crossroads outside the Heritage Habarana hotel. Frequent services:
Anuradhapura
Rs 88, 2½ hours, every 30 minutes
Dambulla
regular/air-con Rs 25/40, 30 minutes, every 30 minutes
Polonnaruwa
Rs 40, one hour, every 30 minutes
TRAIN
The train station is 1km north of town on the Trincomalee road. The infrequent train ser-
vices include the following:
Batticaloa
1st/2nd/3rd class Rs 380/210/115, 3½ hours, 1 daily
Colombo
1st/2nd/3rd class Rs 620/380/240, six hours, 2 daily
Polonnaruwa
1st/2nd/3rd class Rs 160/90/50, one to two hours, 2 daily
The station at Palugaswewa, 6km west, is served by more and faster trains.
Polonnaruwa
027 / Pop 15,800
Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was
a thriving commercial and religious centre. From here, free-marketeers haggled for rare
goods and the pious prayed at any one of its numerous temples. The glories of that age can
be found in archaeological treasures which give a pretty good idea of how the city looked
in its heyday. You'll find the archaeological park a delight to explore, with hundreds of an-
cient structures - tombs and temples, statues and stupas - in a compact core. The Quad-
rangle alone is worth the trip.
