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Hotel Sudu Araliya is a resort hotel in Polonnaruwa new town, beside the Parakrama Samudra reservoir and about ten minutes' drive from the Gal Vihara. Run by Araliya Resorts, it is a practical, well-equipped base for the ruins of Sri Lanka's medieval capital and the elephant parks of the north-central plains, with a swimming pool in shaded gardens, a lake-view restaurant, a spa and a fitness centre.
The hotel sells one room category to us, and the name below is the one you will see when you choose a room.
The hotel also has a Presidential Suite of about 65 square metres with a jacuzzi and a minibar, which is not part of our contract; ask us if you would like a quote for it.
The main restaurant is the Lake View Restaurant, which looks out over the water and serves Sri Lankan and international food from buffets and an à la carte menu at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Araliya Bar Lounge is open from morning until late, and the Tree House offers meals and drinks in a more informal setting through the day.
After a morning at the ruins, most guests spend the hot middle of the day by the swimming pool, which is set in lawns under large shade trees. There is also a spa and wellness centre, a fitness centre and a lounge. The hotel can arrange excursions to the archaeological sites and safaris in the nearby national parks, and there is parking for those driving themselves.
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is the reason to stay here. The rock-cut Buddhas of Gal Vihara are about ten minutes away by road, and the statue at Pothgul Viharaya is a similar distance. The Archaeological Museum is a good first stop before you tour the ruins. The 12th-century Parakrama Samudra, built by King Parakramabahu I, lies alongside the hotel and is at its best at sunset. Further afield, the hotel's own guide puts Minneriya National Park, famous for its seasonal gathering of elephants, about 35 minutes away, and Sigiriya Rock Fortress a little over an hour. Kaudulla National Park, Angammedilla National Park, the rock monastery at Dimbulagala and the Medirigiriya Vatadage are all within reach for a day out.
Yes. Polonnaruwa railway station is on the line from Colombo to Batticaloa, a short drive from the hotel. Arrange a pick-up with the hotel or with us in advance.
The hotel is about 148 kilometres in a straight line from Bandaranaike International Airport; the road journey is considerably longer. The simplest way to arrive is a private transfer from Colombo airport to Hotel Sudu Araliya, which takes you all the way to the door, and it can easily be combined with a stop at Sigiriya or Dambulla on the way.
It suits travellers on a Cultural Triangle tour who want a comfortable, full-service hotel close to the Polonnaruwa ruins, families who value a big pool and space to unwind, and anyone combining the ancient city with an elephant safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla. Two nights is enough for the ruins and one safari. For more choice in the area see our places to stay in Polonnaruwa.
The location was great! The staff was great, they offered and had our alms ready for 5.30 am. F&B manager Yapa and chef Susantha and floor staff mainly Iresha were all super helpful. Highly recommend the hotel to anyone visiting.
I visited this hotel for the first time in 2023 and when I visited this time in 2026, I found that the hotel has improved a lot. The service was better, the food was better, the hotel is better maintained. Definitely a worth it st…
Had a wonderful stay at Sudu Araliya Hotel! Everything was excellent, especially the friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms, and the delicious food. The staff were very kind and welcoming throughout our stay. Thank you, Su…
Ratings and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Hotel Sudu Araliya.
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