Can I wear shorts in the Polonnaruwa ruins?

No, it is strictly forbidden to wear shorts that sit above the knee when you enter the sacred stupas and active temple grounds inside the Polonnaruwa archaeological site. Both men and women have to make sure their knees as well as shoulders are completely covered, out of religious respect, not just “kind of” covered.

You can wear comfortable, modest summer clothing while cycling around the general ruins and while passing by security guards and monks who are stationed near specific sacred monuments (like the Gal Vihara and the Vatadage). Still, they will deny you entry if your outfit is considered inappropriate. Always take a light sarong or a thin scarf in your daypack, so you can wrap it around your waist or over your shoulders pretty quickly before you step onto any sacred ground.