Deer Park

The Ancient Cities


A large resort-style property made up of 85 rooms in dozens of cottages. The pool, bar area and restaurant are all excellent. Some rooms have outdoor showers, and the priciest rooms have a private deck with views of Giritale Wewa. Nature tours can be arranged; borrow some binoculars and you might spot elephants on the far side of the tank.

It's south of Giritale junction.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Ancient Cities attractions

1. Exit

5.55 MILES

Most visitors exit the archaeological site here.

2. Vishnu Devale No 4

5.58 MILES

This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.

3. Shiva Devale No 5

5.59 MILES

This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.

4. Nelum Pokuna

5.76 MILES

A track to the left from the northern stretch of road leads to unusual Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond), nearly 8m in diameter, which has five concentric,…

5. Tivanka Image House

5.85 MILES

Polonnaruwa's northern road ends at Tivanka Image House. Tivanka means ‘thrice bent’, and refers to the fact that the Buddha image within is in a three…

6. Kiri Vihara

5.93 MILES

Construction of the dagoba Kiri Vihara is credited to Subhadra, King Parakramabahu I’s queen. Originally known as the Rupavati Chetiya, the present name…

7. Damila Thupa

5.94 MILES

King Parakramabahu I planned this 12th-century stupa to be the world's largest Buddhist monument, but even with the enforced assistance of Tamil prisoners…

8. Gal Vihara

5.95 MILES

Part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery, Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock…