Built in the 1870 as a circuit Bungalow for British Government Agents (GA), with the first British GA occupant being with Mr. W. Harington, the Polonnaruwa Rest House was carefully refurbished in the style of the early 1950, whilst retaining its colonial charm, after been taken over by the then Ceylon Tourist Bureau in 1954 and thereafter by Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) in 1968.Adjoining the Rest House is the museum and within walking distance is the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya (Nissanka Council Chamber) with the ruins of King Nissanakamalla's palace “ this presents guests with the an opportunity to educate themselves on the history and culture that Sri Lanka is so famous for. The cycle safaris to the Polonnaruwa ancient ruins, organised by the Rest House on a regular basis, also prove to be quite an attraction. The Rest House has also becomes an ideal location for boating and fishing or a break in journey before driving on to Kandy. A drive to the east will take you to the hot & cold springs of Maduru Oya, and to the west side of the Minneriya Tank. Wild life enthusiasts can make a visit to the Wasgamuwa National Park, south of the Rest House.