SL RIDE

Polonnaruwa to Ella

167 km ~4h 11m by car

Travel from Polonnaruwa to Ella with a private chauffeur from SL RIDE. A well-preserved ancient royal capital with impressive ruins, sculpted rock faces, and sacred dagobas. A laid-back mountain village beloved for dramatic hikes, the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, and sweeping valley views. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive across Sri Lanka.

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Distance

167 km

Estimated Travel Time

~4h 11m

Vehicle Options

Car, Van, Bus

Things to Do in Polonnaruwa

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Cycling Tour of Polonnaruwa Ruins
Adventure

Cycling Tour of Polonnaruwa Ruins

Polonnaruwa3hTicket $8

Explore the sprawling ancient ruins at your own pace by bicycle — the best way to cover the site.

Gal Vihara Rock Sculptures
Cultural

Gal Vihara Rock Sculptures

Polonnaruwa1h

Marvel at four magnificent Buddha figures carved directly into a single granite face — a masterpiece of ancient art.

Minneriya National Park Safari
Nature

Minneriya National Park Safari

Polonnaruwa3hTicket $40

Witness the famous "Gathering" — hundreds of wild Asian elephants congregating around Minneriya Tank.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour
Cultural

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour

Polonnaruwa4hTicket $25

A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed medieval capital — palaces, stupas, and sacred ponds spanning 1,000 years of history.

Things to Do in Ella

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Divurumpola Temple
Religious

Divurumpola Temple

Ella1h

The sacred site where Sita proved her purity through the "Agni Pariksha" (fire ordeal) as described in the Ramayana. A deeply revered temple among Hindu pilgrims on the Ramayana trail.

Ella Rock Hike
Adventure

Ella Rock Hike

Ella4h

A more challenging full-day hike through tea estates and jungle to a dramatic viewpoint above the clouds.

Little Adam's Peak Hike
Adventure

Little Adam's Peak Hike

Ella2h

A gentle 3 km hike to a grassy summit with sweeping panoramic views over Ella Gap and the valleys below.

Nine Arch Bridge Visit
Sightseeing

Nine Arch Bridge Visit

Ella1.5h

Watch colonial-era steam trains cross the iconic nine-arch viaduct buried in lush jungle — Ella's most photographed sight.

Ravana Cave
Cultural

Ravana Cave

Ella1h

A large cave on the hillside believed to be where King Ravana hid Sita after abducting her. An atmospheric site steeped in legend with sweeping views of the surrounding jungle.

Ravana Falls Visit
Nature

Ravana Falls Visit

Ella1h

One of Sri Lanka's widest waterfalls, steeped in Ramayana mythology — a refreshing stop on the hillside road.

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