POLONNARUWA
Declared as a world heritage site, the city of Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms. Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD. However, it was supposed to be inhabited long before this from around the 2nd century BC.

The reign of King Parakramabahu in the 12th century AD is known as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. During his time trade and agriculture flourished and Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient. The King was adamant that no drop of water falling to the earth should be wasted, but instead be used for development of the land. Hence superior irrigation systems were developed, far superior to those of Anuradhapura. Even today, these systems supply water to the paddy cultivations during the dry season in the east of the country, and remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. In terms of architecture you’ll notice a cocktail of Anuradhapura, South Indian and a unique Polonnaruwa style of building. The kings who followed were unable to achieve the same greatness as King Parakramabahu, and this great ancient city fell into decline.

While a large number of places of historical and archaeological interest are scattered over a large area in Anuradhapura, in Polonnaruwa a large number of places can be seen within a much smaller area.

Some of the must-visit places in Polonnaruwa are;

The Hindu Temples
Polonnaruwa has probably the largest number of Hindu temples spread out amidst Buddhist shrines. Compared to the larger Buddhist shrines, the Hindu temples can be considered small but significant in design and execution, with a definite Hindu character conforming to an orthodox religious architectural tradition.

Parakrama Samudraya
Also known as the Sea of Parakrama, a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand on one shore and view the other side. It encircles the town like a ribbon, being both a defensive border against intruders and the lifeline of people in times of peace.

The Royal Palace and Council Chambers
King Parakramabahu’s Palace must have once been an imposing structure, and historical records describe it as 7 stories high with a 1000 rooms. The large halls, royal pleasure gardens complete with royal baths, intricately carved stone pillars, grandiosely decorated windows and the fabulous architecture used to build this palace, are characteristic of this great era.

The Quadrangle
This sacred quadrangle contains some of the earliest and most sacred monuments of Polonnaruwa. The central unit here is the Vatadage or the circular relic house. An elegant and beautiful work of art.

In the same quadrangle are many other buildings, all image houses;

• The Thuparama – the largest Buddhist image house
• The Nissankalatamandapa – a very pretty pavilion
• A Bo-tree shrine
• The Hatadage – a shrine of 60 relics
• Satmahal Prasada – a square pyramidal tower in 7 tiers is a Dagoba with a unique design
• Galpota – A massive 8 meter long and 403 meter wide stone slab is inscribed with the deeds of a king of Polonnaruwa

Gal Vihara
Is the most celebrated site in Polonnaruwa and one of the most famous in the whole island. It is known for its large rock-cut images which are in a perfect state of preservation. Across the face of the rock is (1) a seated Buddha image in deep meditation (2) a sculpture inside a cave out of sold rock (3) a standing Buddha statue 7 meters high (4) the Buddha lying down.

Alahana Pirivena
A monastic university. The area extends over 80 hectares. Excavations have exposed some of the most unique and significant buildings of the Polonnaruwa period. The brick-built image house of Lankathilaka with its 41 foot colossal Buddha statue occupies the center of this space. Is without doubt one of the most impressive ruins of this ancient city.