Priyanna's Polonnaruwa Paradise: Unforgettable Sri Lanka Adventure!
Priyanna's Polonnaruwa Paradise: Where Paradise (Sometimes) Needs a Little Dusting (Review!)
Alright, deep breaths, folks. Buckle up, because I just got back from Priyanna's Polonnaruwa Paradise, and let me tell ya… it’s an experience. Forget those airbrushed Instagram travel blogs; this is going to be the real deal. I'm talking warts and all, because honestly, that's half the fun, right? And if you’re looking for a getaway to the ancient city, stick around, because I'm about to tell you everything from the Wi-Fi to the size of the bathtubs (spoiler: they're surprisingly roomy!).
So, first things first: Accessibility. This is a biggie for some, and honestly, Priyanna's tries. They have an elevator and facilities for disabled guests, but let's be real… Sri Lanka isn’t exactly known for its seamless accessibility. The car park is free, which is nice, but getting around on-site with a wheelchair might take a little strategy. Honestly, I didn't notice a ton of options right off the bat.
Then there’s the Internet. Oh, the internet! They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, and Internet [LAN]. I spent a good half an hour trying to figure out how to connect through the LAN! The Wi-Fi in public areas was okay, but don't expect blazing-fast speeds. Let's just say I caught up on a few episodes of my favorite show with some very patient buffering.
Here's a bit of a tip. Before you go, download the streaming services you want to use. Don’t rely on the internet there.
Okay, now for the good stuff: Things to Do and Ways to Relax! Now, this is where Priyanna’s shines. The pool with a view? Gorgeous. Seriously, it’s the kind of view that makes you want to just… exist. Sunsets over the ancient ruins, reflected in the water… pure bliss. I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, feeling the sun on my skin, and completely forgetting about email. (Well, almost.)
They have a fitness center (didn't use it, I was too busy eating delicious food, but it looked… functional), a spa and sauna, and offer massage and other treatments like body scrubs and body wraps. And, oh my god, the massage. I splurged on a full body massage, and it was… well, it was like all the tension I’d been carrying around for years just melted away. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, and the whole experience was incredibly relaxing. I definitely recommend it, because there were a few times I wanted to just give up from the heat and the travel.
Speaking of the heat… Oh, and the steam room? Haven't been in a steam room in years! It felt incredible. So if relaxation is what you're going for, Priyanna's gets a massive gold star.
However… let's talk about the food.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking. Priyanna’s has a decent range: Restaurants, a coffee shop, a poolside bar, and room service [24-hour]. I'm going to be honest: the food was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was fantastic. I devoured the fresh fruit, the spicy curries, and the string hoppers (like rice noodles – yum!). The Western breakfast was… well, it was there. The buffet in the restaurant was a nice way to taste everything, but the quality varied. Some days it was superb, others, let's just say it wasn't fine dining. I did love the Asian cuisine in the restaurant, and the coffee/tea in the restaurant. There was also a la carte, a snack bar, desserts in the restaurant, and soup in the restaurant.
A tip: Don't be afraid to try everything!
I will also add that the bottle of water was very helpful.
Now, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of the Cleanliness and Safety.
Before I get into anything, yes they had, Hand sanitizers, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
This is something I was especially concerned about. They tried. There were Anti-viral cleaning products used and Daily disinfection in common areas. The Daily housekeeping was excellent.
But… and there's always a "but," isn’t there? Sometimes, I suspected the "professional-grade” cleaning was just a little… enthusiastic. I get the impression that they tried, though, but there were a couple of times I would have like to see a bit more scrubbing in some of the forgotten spots, but that's just me.
So let’s talk about the rooms.
Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Regarding the rooms: The air conditioning was a lifesaver. The rooms were comfortable, and the beds were… well, they were beds. Nothing spectacular, but perfectly adequate for a good night's sleep. The bathrooms were clean, and the bathrobes were a nice touch. The free Wi-Fi was patchy, but that’s Sri Lanka for ya.
The best part about my room? That window. A window that opens.
Here's where my stream-of-consciousness turns into a bit of a ramble.
So I am looking at the rooms. They had, Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Carpeting, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Sofa, Soundproofing, Socket near the bed, Telephone, Umbrella, Visual alarm.
Honestly, if I’m being honest, the rooms were simple, though I can't tell if all rooms have them, they had a bathtub.
There was nothing that stood out. Except perhaps, the mirror. It was strangely, captivating.
Anyways.
Services and Conveniences: Priyanna's offers a decent range of services, including concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage, and safety deposit boxes. The doorman was always friendly, the concierge was helpful, even though sometimes they struggled to understand my questions on Sri Lankan culture (I kept asking about the significance of the elephant statues - big mistake!).
For the kids: They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn’t travel with any kids, but the hotel seemed geared towards families, with certain areas.
Getting Around: They offer Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service, Valet parking. The car park is free, which is nice. The taxi service was easy to arrange, but a bit pricey.
Here's the real truth, though…
The staff were genuinely lovely. They tried their best, and their smiles were infectious. They would often help you with your issues, even though sometimes, I felt the lack of professionalism.
So, is Priyanna's Polonnaruwa Paradise worth it?
Well, it depends. If you're looking for luxury, you might be disappointed. If you’re looking for perfection, you’re probably going to be frustrated. But if you're looking for an authentic Sri Lankan experience, with a dash of charm, a whole lot of relaxation, and a killer pool, then YES. Absolutely yes. Just go with the flow, embrace the imperfections, and let yourself be swept away by the beauty of Polonnaruwa.
Here's my offer to you, my reader:
Stop searching for perfect paradise, and book Priyanna's Polonnaruwa Paradise!
Here's why you need to book right now:
- Escape the Ordinary: Ditch the cookie-cutter resorts and experience the real Sri Lanka.
- Unwind in Style: Soak up the sun by the stunning pool, melt your stress away with a luxurious spa treatment, and just… be.
- Feast on Flavor: Dive into delicious Asian cuisine and discover new favorites.
- Explore Ancient Wonders: Step back in time and marvel at the historical treasures of Polonnaruwa.
- Create Memories: Make memories that will last a lifetime, with a mix of beauty, authenticity, and a touch of Sri Lankan charm.
**Book your stay today and get a free upgrade
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Des Vosges, Vittel, France - Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're headed to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, and you're coming inside my brain. Forget perfect Instagram squares, this is gonna be a chaotic, glorious mess just like real life. My trip to Priyanna Guest House? Don't even get me started.
The Polonnaruwa Rambling, or How I Almost Died of a Bug Bite (But Still Had a Blast)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and a Near-Disaster with Curry
- Morning (Colombo to Polonnaruwa - The Great Train Adventure): I'm a sucker for trains. Seriously, I'd live on one if I could. So, the train journey from Colombo was supposed to be magical, right? Think postcard sunsets, friendly locals, and maybe, just maybe, a charming chai vendor. Reality? Hotter than a habanero pepper, packed like a sardine, and the "charming" chai vendor spilled scalding tea down my leg. (My fault, I was trying to admire the view. Priorities, people!) The scenery was breathtaking though, swaying rice paddies, villages popping up like vibrant wildflowers. I kept thinking "This is it. This is what I came for." despite the internal burning sensation on my leg.
- Afternoon (Priyanna Guest House Check-In & The Bug That Nearly Ended Me): Priyanna. Ah, the name conjures up images of serene peace, right? Wrong. Okay, it was lovely, actually. A family-run guesthouse, lush gardens, friendly faces… but before I could even say "Ayubowan!" (that's hello in Sinhala, you know), a tiny, menacing mosquito sank its fangs into my ankle. I swear it was the size of a poppy seed, but the itch? OMG. Became a massive, angry, red volcano. It swelled up to the size of a golf ball. I was convinced I was going to contract some tropical disease and die in the jungle. I spent the rest of the afternoon compulsively scratching and Googling "mosquito bite death" which probably wasn't the best idea.
- Evening (Curry Catastrophe & Emotional Breakdown): Dinner. Ah, the promise of Sri Lankan curry! I'd dreamt of it. And the first bite? Divine. Utterly, ridiculously delicious. Then, disaster struck. Someone, somewhere, had added a chili the size of my thumb. My mouth became a furnace. My eyes watered. I may or may not have sobbed dramatically. My hosts, bless their hearts, rushed to my rescue with ice and milk (which helped, a bit). I basically spent the evening huddled in my room, drinking water and contemplating my life choices. Good times.
Day 2: Temples, Tales, and Tiger Balm Tango
- Morning (Ancient City Exploration - The Big Buddha Bump-In): Okay, finally the good stuff! Polonnaruwa's ancient city is an absolute marvel. The giant, reclining Buddha statue at Gal Vihara? Stunning. Seriously, I stood there speechless for a good fifteen minutes. The intricate carvings, the serene expression… it's enough to make you believe in something. I wandered around, taking pictures like a crazy person, half-expecting Indiana Jones to jump out from behind a stupa. The heat was brutal, though. I drank about a gallon of water and still felt parched.
- Afternoon (Bike Ride Gone Wrong & The Sticky Situation): I rented a rickety bicycle (because I'm a glutton for punishment, apparently) and decided to explore. Big mistake. The road was bumpy, the sun was unforgiving, and I managed to get a flat tire and get stuck in a patch of something that really resembled bird poop. I spent the next hour trying to fix the tire (futile), covered in grime (mostly), and cursing my lack of cycling skills. Eventually, I just walked the bike back. The rest of the afternoon was a blur of me trying to scrub the "sticky situation" off my shoes.
- Evening (Sunset, Serenity and Tiger Balm Redemption): Okay, so remember that mosquito bite from yesterday? Well, I got the Tiger Balm out… which created a whole new level of fire on my leg. But, at least it distracted me from the bite! Finally I had a great sunset over the lake and the ancient city. It's easy to see why so many travelers adore this place. It's an incredible, beautiful place. I got back to the hotel after dinner. It was here I felt that I could finally relax.
Day 3: Farewell, Polonnaruwa (and the Mosquito That Wouldn't Die)
- Morning (One Last Look & Souvenir Scramble): Before leaving Priyanna, I squeezed in one last delicious breakfast. The family here is genuinely wonderful, and I was sad to say goodbye. I did a last-minute souvenir run and ended up buying way more spices than I could ever possibly use. I even got tricked into buying a "genuine" wooden carving of a dancing elephant that's probably 50 years old.
- Afternoon (Travel and Reflection): It was time to head on. In the bus I sat through the whole journey.
- Evening (Back to Reality… and Planning the Return): As I finally got back to city life, I got to think about the trip I'd had. I laughed on the bus. I would definitely come back here again. It's a remarkable place that just gets under your skin. The food, the history, the people… despite the near-death experiences, the bad bike rides, and the relentless mosquito, Polonnaruwa had totally won me over. I'm already plotting my return, and this time, I'm bringing industrial-strength mosquito repellent, a hazmat suit, and maybe a personal chef to handle the chili peppers. Wish me luck.
Priyanna's Polonnaruwa Paradise: Ask Me Anything (Seriously, I Know Stuff Now!)
Okay, Okay, So Polonnaruwa... Why All the Hype? Was it *Really* Paradise?
Look, "Paradise" is a strong word, alright? My expectations were SKY HIGH, and honestly? It didn't *always* deliver. Think more "Gorgeous with a side of existential heatstroke." The temples were jaw-dropping, the Buddhas were, like, staring into your soul, and the history? Overwhelming. At first.
The hype? Well, it's justified. This place is seriously impressive. But... (and there's always a but, isn't there?) ...it’s HOT. Like, bake-an-egg-on-your-skull hot. And the dust? Don't breathe too deeply unless you've got a thing for khaki-colored nasal passages. But yeah, the Buddhas. They're worth it. They *really* are.
What's the BEST way to get around Polonnaruwa? Bicycles? Tuktuks? Llamas? (Okay, maybe not llamas...)
Bicycles are the romantic option. Pedal through the ancient city, wind in your hair, pretending you're Angelina Jolie in *Tomb Raider*. (Except you're probably sweating buckets and desperately searching for shade.) They're good, but... consider the sun. Seriously.
Tuktuks are the practical heroes. Negotiate a price *before* you hop in, people! Trust me on this. I got fleeced *once*. Learnt my lesson. They know the place intimately, can navigate the bumpy roads (and the herds of roaming monkeys, more on them later...), and offer a little bit of breeze. Plus, they're fun! You feel like a movie star. A slightly sunburnt movie star. I went with a tuktuk for the bulk of it.
Walking is... heroic. Unless you *really* love sweating and seeing every single ant. And, frankly, the distances are further than they look. Bring lots and lots of water and a sun hat bigger than Texas.
Tell me EVERYTHING about the iconic Buddhas. Which ones should I *not* miss?
Oh. My. Goodness. The Buddhas. Okay, brace yourself. These are the heart of the whole damn experience. Honestly, I teared up a couple of times. Don't judge me. The sheer *size* of some of them... the serene expressions... the little kids running around the base, unaware of the millennia of history unfolding around them… it's powerful stuff.
The Gal Vihara! GO THERE. Seriously, right now. Book your ticket and GO. The reclining Buddha is... well, I’m still processing. Majestic doesn't even begin to cover it. The standing Buddhas? Incredible. You'll spend ages just staring, trying to decipher the secrets etched in their stone faces. Bring a notebook. You'll want to write something profound (even if, like me, you end up just scribbling “Whoa” repeatedly).
The Lankatilaka Vihara is also a must-see. But be warned: the roof is gone. It’s still epic--the remaining walls are huge. I got sunstroke just looking at it. So, hat. Bring a hat.
And don't forget the other structures. The Vatadage is cool, the Rankot Vihara is interesting, and take your time exploring—the details are mind-blowing. The artistry… the craftsmanship… it makes you appreciate the sheer *effort* that went into it all. It's inspiring, and also, it makes you feel a little inadequate by comparison. You'll get over it.
Monkeys! I've heard rumors. How bad are the monkeys? Should I be scared? (Asking for a friend...)
Monkeys. Ah, the furry little bandits. Look, I'm not gonna lie. They can be…bold. And by bold, I mean they *will* try to steal your snacks. And your water bottle. And possibly your soul.
I had a near-miss with a bag of chips. *Almost* lost it. The little guy was eyeing me with those beady, calculating eyes... it was a stand-off. I won (chips secured!), but the look of pure disappointment on his tiny, furry face… it haunts me to this day. I advise you to wear shorts with a lot of pockets, and keep valuables out of sight. They're cute and all, but they are *thieves*.
So, should you be scared? Maybe, a little. But mostly, just be vigilant. Hold onto your stuff, don't make eye contact (kidding...kind of), and try to enjoy the show. They add a certain… *wild* element to the experience. It is *very* exciting, actually. Especially if you're into wildlife.
Priyanna, you mentioned food...what are some must-try dishes in and around Polonnaruwa? (My stomach is already grumbling.)
Oh, the food! Okay, food is EVERYTHING. And Sri Lankan food? Amazing. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Rice and curry is the obvious champion. Don't be scared to eat with your hands! (As long as you have some hand sanitizer handy.) Different places will have wildly different curries (try the jackfruit!), so sample everything. The crab curry… OH. MY. GOD. I could write a whole blog post just about that curry. (Maybe I will…)
String hoppers (idiyappam) for breakfast! Coconut roti with dhal (or whatever you choose!) is good too. Kottu roti? A street food masterpiece! It will be available everywhere, and will be cooked to order with some sort of delicious meat or vegetables. Order it!
Fresh fruit—especially mangoes and passion fruit—is a lifesaver in the heat. And don't forget the tea! Sri Lankan tea is legendary. And if you're feeling adventurous, try the local Arrack. (I won't judge if you don't. Or if you do. You probably won't remember.)
Honestly, I just ate everything. Everything was delicious. And if something isn't to your taste? There's plenty more. Just keep exploring! (And bring some antacids, just in case. You'll thank me later.)
What about accommodation? Any recommendations for places to stay?
Okay, here's the honest truth: I was on a budget. So, luxury hotels were not in the picture. But hey, I found some gems!
Local guesthouses are your friend. Look for places a little ways away from the main bustle—they'll be quieter and often cheaper. Plus, you get a more authentic experience. The local people are very welcoming. But be warned: the AC might be… temperamental. Bring earplugs, especially if any roosters decide to throw an unwelcome early morning concert. (They did.)Book Hotels Now
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