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Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa contains the UNESCO-listed ruins of what was the medieval capital of Ceylon.

Antara Bate

28 jul 2021.

About Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.

Polonnaruwa history

Polonnaruwa was initially a temporary royal residence. However in the late 10th century, it became a capital city of Ceylon (the former name of Sri Lanka) after the ancient capital of Anuradhapura was conquered and destroyed by King Chola Rajaraja I. The Chola dynasty favoured Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura as it was thought to be easier to defend.

Despite this reasoning, in 1070, King Vijayabahu I of the Sinhalese kingdom conquered Polonnaruwa and made it his capital, exiling the Cholas. Vijayabahu set about adorning Polonnaruwa with Buddhist monuments, as opposed to the Brahmanist monuments of the Chola dynasty.

Overall, Polonnaruwa would remain the capital for three centuries, with the 12th century seeing a mass building project undertaken under King Parakramabahu I.

Parakramabahu constructed beautiful palaces, monuments, parks and gardens. The well-preserved ruins of many of the structures built during this time can be seen at Polonnaruwa today, such as its star attraction, the collection of vast Buddha sculptures known as the Gal Vihara .

Another monument created under Parakramabahu is the Lankatilaka , a grand sacred structure known as a “gedige” which houses a large headless Buddha statue.

Polonnaruwa today

Polonnaruwa has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982.

Getting to Polonnaruwa

The monuments of ancient Polonnaruwa are within easy reach of one another within the modern city. Many tourists choose to hire bicycles to get around.

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• Description

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Cité historique de Polonnaruwa

Seconde capitale de Sri Lanka après la destruction d'Anuradhapura en 993, Polonnaruwa comprend, à côté des monuments brahmaniques élevés par les Cholas, les restes monumentaux de la fabuleuse cité-jardin créée au XII e siècle par Parakramabahu le Grand.

مدينة بولوناروا التاريخية

تحتضن بولوناروا التي اصبحت العاصمة الثانية لسريلانكا بعد الدمار الذي لحق بأنوردابورا عام 399 أنقاضاً ضخمة للمدينة الجنائزية الخلابة التي أسسها الكبير في القرن الثاني عشر، الى جانب نصب برهمانية شيدتها سلالة "الكولا".

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

公元933年，继阿努拉达普拉被毁灭后，波隆纳鲁沃城成为斯里兰卡的首府所在地。在波隆纳鲁沃古城里，不仅有考拉斯时期的婆罗门教遗址，还能看到帕拉克拉马一世于12世纪时修建的神话般花园城市的遗迹。

Antigua ciudad de Polonnaruwa

Segunda capital de Sri Lanka después de la destrucción de Anuradhapura en el año 993, la ciudad de Polonnaruwa posee una serie de monumentos brahmánicos edificados por la dinastía de los cholas, así los vestigios monumentales de la fabulosa ciudad-jardín creada en el siglo XII por Parakramabahu el Grande.

source: NFUAJ

Oude stad van Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa werd de tweede hoofdstad van Sri Lanka, na de vernietiging van Anuradhapura in 993. In de immense stad zijn brahmaanse monumenten (gebouwd door de Chola’s, leerlingen van het brahmanisme) te vinden en ruïnes van de indrukwekkende tuinstad ontworpen door Parakramabahu I. De stad is bijzonder vanwege de ongewone afmetingen en de zeer bijzondere relatie tussen de gebouwen en de natuurlijke omgeving. De oude stad gold ook als een heiligdom van het boeddhisme en de Singalese geschiedenis vanwege de aanwezigheid van de tand van de Boeddha – talisman van de Singalese monarchie. De verwijdering van het relikwie bevestigde de ondergang van Polonnaruwa.

Source: unesco.nl

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Polonnaruwa – beautiful ruined city of sri lanka.

Polonnaruwa is a bit of tongue twister name. I kept pronouncing it wrongly throughout the trip. Being a UNESCO world heritage site, it was on my list for this Sri Lanka Road Trip. But I had no idea about what this heritage place is besides that.

My first insight into this lovely city was at the Colombo National Museum where they had a section devoted to the Polonnaruwa era of Sri Lanka. It spoke about its mighty kings like Prakrambahu and his contributions.

After soaking in Anuradhapura, the next day I headed to Polonnaruwa. I am happy I did not follow my guide’s advice to do both of them in one day. It would have been too much to take in one day. At the end of the day, I liked it far more than Anuradhapura. And I am definitely biased toward the latter.

History of Polonnaruwa

Established by King Vijay Bahu I in 1070 CE, Polonnaruwa is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka . It was however under Parakramabahu I who ruled for most of 12th CE that this city flourished. Parakramabahu’s imprint can be seen all over the city including a very popular life-size image of him holding a plow in stone.

The city is located close to a large manmade lake called Parakrama Samudra. It is a huge lake even though you see only a part of it from the road. A lot of this lake is behind the hills. It had an excellent agricultural economy. And its water management systems are worth researching. In folklore, they say in Polonnaruwa not a single drop of rainwater was wasted. He also started trading with other kingdoms. Most of what you see in this ancient city was built by Parakrambahu. Read more about Parakramabahu on his Wikipedia page.

Parakramabahu was followed by Nissankamalla – a king who came from Odisha in India. Nissankamalla could become the king of Polonnaruwa because he had the same royal blood – talk about matrilineal heritage. However, Nissankamalla did not give local aristocrats & landowners the respect they deserved. And as a result, he was murdered by poisoning in the 9th year of his reign. His son was murdered the same day as he was crowned. Brother of King Nissankamalla – King Magh, came from Odisha and destroyed the city eventually in an act of revenge.

After the 3rd king, the city did not see any strong kings. And the internal fighting led to the eventual decline of the mighty kingdom.

Ancient City – Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is a well-planned city and site. It gives you great insight into how the cities of that era were planned. It was clearly divided into three main parts:

• Inner City – meant for the stay of the royal family and the highest officials of the kingdom. It had an elaborate palace and a council hall.
• Outer City – It is the city where the tooth relic of Buddha was kept. I found it the prettiest part.
• The outermost city or Northern City – was meant for the monks and the general public. So, the monks lived away from the power center but close to the common people who would essentially feed them on a daily basis.

At the southernmost end of the city are a library and the famous statue of Parakramabahu.

A summer palace of the king stands in the middle of the lake. And to go there is a well-designed gate on the edge of the lake.

The three parts can still be seen distinctly in the city that is now more or less in ruins.

The place is compact and easily walkable if weather permits.

Archaeological Museum at Polonnaruwa

This is the place you buy your tickets. I would suggest a quick round of the museum as they have created lovely models of how the ruins would have been in 12th CE. They also have a lot of restoration images depicting the ‘before and after’ state of many monuments here.

You can see some copper coins with the image of the king on one side and the image of Kubera – the lord of wealth on another. You see Copper Doits – the smallest denomination coins, which are a part of idioms, used when you need to say I have no money. And you see some coins with Lakshmi as well.

There are Veergals or memorial stones that are erected for those warriors who sacrificed their lives in war. On one side, they are shown with their weapons, and on another in heaven living with the gods.

The royal proclamation of King Nissankamalla that led to the destruction can be seen at this museum. It says farmers should farm and not try to become kings. Kings are gods in human form. Farmers trying to become a king are like a crow trying to become a swan. You can learn about things that Sri Lanka exported like – Gems, Elephants, Rice, etc.

Surgical pieces of equipment from a 12th CE hospital are interesting to see – they look very familiar and modern.

Polonnaruwa Inner City

The inner city is the place where the king and royal family lived and is the most well-protected part of the city. It has a high brick wall all around it that can still be seen.

Satmahal Prasada – The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace must have been a sight to see. In its absolute remains, it has a double-story brick wall and the five stories above it were all wooden. The holes in the wall would have been to insert beams to support the roof. A total of seven stories gave it the name SatMahal Prasada. Imagine the view of the lake and the hills from this Palace. The Palace is not very big, but it seems quite well-planned. All around the palace are quarters that belonged to the staff and the consorts of the king.

The palace was burnt when the invaders destroyed the city. You can still see the marks of burning on the remaining bricks.

I walked around the royal palace and the walls behind it. I wonder what would Parakramabahu think if he saw his palace in this shape.

Council Hall

This is a rectangular building on a raised platform. The most beautiful remaining part of this is the steps leading to the hall. It has a moonstone at the entrance and lions guarding the two sides of the steps. A bas-relief of elephants runs across the platform wall. Each elephant is carved differently.

On the platform, you see free-standing pillars that have lost the weight they once supported. In the end, is the royal seat where King would have sat. The Council of Ministers would have sat on both sides. One wonders what matters they would have discussed here. How many plans would have taken shape here?

Royal Baths or Kumara Pokuna

Royal Bath is a bathing pond with a chamber that would be equivalent to a changing room. The stone-layered pond looks similar to the Twin Ponds at Anuradhapura. You can only imagine it with flowers and perfumed water. I could not figure out how? But my guide told me that there was a provision for a shower bath in this pond.

You have to walk down a couple of levels to see this pond. On my way to this pond, I saw two ancient wells lined with terracotta rings. These are a part of the water filtering and storing system.

Polonnaruwa Outer City

This part is better known as the Quadrangle. This is where the Tooth Relic of Buddha rested during the Polonnaruwa era of Sri Lanka.

Thuparam Temple

I entered from the royal city side and my first rendezvous was with Thuparam Temple or the large image house. A major renovation was going on when I visited it. Through a narrow vestibule, you reach the temple which houses many standing and one-sitting image of Buddha. All the images are still worshiped. Music is regularly played here.

The Vatadage or circular structure is the most beautiful place in Sri Lanka. A raised platform has a circular wall with an opening in all four cardinal directions, with a Buddha statue on top. A small flight of steps leads to the platform. Like everywhere else the steps are carved with lion heads. And steps always begin with moonstone and are flanked by guard stones.

I walked around the platform, then climbed it and walked inside the circular wall. As luck would have it, a group of monks came to pray there. Their chanting made the atmosphere come alive even in the ruined state of the temple. They reinforced my view that it is the devotee and his devotion that makes the atmosphere spiritual.

The model of how this temple would have been can be seen at the museum.

Nissanka Lata Mandapa

This is a small platform with pillars – but the most extraordinary pillars I have ever seen. Pillars are not straight but they are carved as a vine or a stalk of Lotus stem. These are sculptures of rare elegance.

Given its name, it’s obvious that it was built by King Nissanka Malla. He probably used it as his personal meditation hall. There is a small stupa or dagaba that can be seen at the center of this sacred hall. I imagined the floral pillars in the color of white or maybe pink lotus that would make the king feel as if he is sitting in a lotus pond and meditating.

Why do we not have these aesthetics in our modern architecture?

This is the shrine bang opposite Vatadage and the home of the tooth relic temple. It was built by the first King of Polonnaruwa- Vijaybahu I. What remains is again the pillars and the base and the lone Buddha statue standing.

Gal Potha or the Stone Book

This is an intriguing part of the sacred quadrangle – a stone book. This is actually a long inscription but from a distance looks like a giant book.

A board next to it explains the inscription. It says the stone block was brought from Mihintale – which is roughly 100 km away. It talks about the Kalinga origins of King Vijaybahu and his story of his becoming the king. And then it talks about the taxes he reduced along with tax rates. Taxes reduced with the distance of fields from the water tank – interesting!

It talks about the virtues of the King. And how he would daily donate things worth his, his wife’s, and his children’s weight. It tells the repair works he carried out at various stupas and the new structures he built. Interestingly, he built a Devala at Rameshwaram in India. It talks about his friendly alliance with many Kingdoms of India.

In the end, it says: Kalingas are the rightful heirs of the throne of Sri Lanka. Therefore, non-Buddhist kings like Cholas and Pandyas shall not be consecrated in Sri Lanka.

It is advice from Nissankamalla to the future kings of Polonnaruwa – a piece of advice it seems was ignored soon.

Satmahal Prasada

In one corner of the quadrangle stands this lovely tall pyramidal structure. Literature tells me that all sides of this structure were ornate once. All 7 stories are visible though.

My sense is that this was probably an experimental structure that tried to build a stupa. Probably inspired by the pyramids of Giza or other similar structures known to the Kalinga kings.

Northern City in ruins

This is where you can see the remains of markets, hospitals, cemeteries and monasteries, and the common public. Then there were villages surrounding the city, where most of the population would have lived. One of the biggest monasteries is built on the site of a cemetery.

Ran Kot Vihara

This golden pinnacle brick stupa or dagaba built by Nissankamalla is the largest one in Polonnaruwa. Inscriptions say it was called Ruwanweli. Ran in Sinhalese means gold.

Gal Vihara is a cluster of rock-cut Buddha images. This is the closest you would see to the Bahmany Buddhas destroyed in Afghanistan.

3 images here are open and one is enshrined.

The first image is that of Buddha sitting alone in the lotus pose in Dhyan Mudra on top of a platform.

The second image that is enshrined is also in the same pose but it has an elaborate parasol carved over it along with a Prabha Mandal or a halo. Two smaller images flank the image – probably this is the image of enlightened Budha which is why it gets a shrine. The walls of the shrine have some remnants of paintings. I assume all these idols would have been profusely painted back then. This is called Vidyadhar Guha.

The third image is that of a standing Buddha in a contemplative mood as if he is thinking. This image stands on an inverted lotus. Some historians believe that this is not a Buddha image but that of a monk called Ananda. While others say it depicts Buddha when he was looking at the Bodhi tree with gratitude.

The last image is the largest – a 45 feet long image of Buddha in a Mahaparinirvana state or the state where he left his material body. This is one of the largest stone sculptures in Asia.

Away from the city, why these statues were carved in stone remains a question for me. Were there more such?

Together these are called Uttara Rama or the northern monastery.

Southern End of the ruins

Maha parakramabahu statue.

About 3 km south of Inner Citadel is Potgul Vihara. You walk through the rocky path to reach a shed where the statue of King Parakramabahu stands with the part of a plow in his hand. There is no inscription or any evidence that the statue depicts the king. However, the local folklore has always considered it to be that of the King. It is said to be depicting the beginning of harvesting season when the king would start the ceremony.

It shows the King as a common man but still with a royal stance. Some experts think the sculpture is that of a sage.

Pothgul Vihara

A few meters south of the statue is a lovely building with a circular chamber in the middle. This was the ancient library . Standing in that chamber, I could imagine handwritten manuscripts all around. I wonder if anything is left of this library or if everything was engulfed by the fire.

Some accounts say that this was the place to listen to stories or some kind of an auditorium. The circular shape that is not very usual in Buddhist monasteries indicates a possibility of this.

Around this Vihara, you can see the monastery building – with most just as the foundations.

As a bibliophile, I had the same feelings that I had at Nalanda when I heard about the libraries burning there for days together.

Hindu Temples

Hindu Temples particularly those devoted to Shiva with a Shivalinga at their core are scattered across the ruins. Most of them are known as Shiva Devala. Their original names seem to have been lost, most of them are known by numbers. Here is a list of Hindu Temples that I located in this ancient city:

• Shiva Devala No 1 – Just outside the Inner City area. It was home to many bronze sculptures that now can be seen at Colombo Museum and some at the Archaeological Museum in Polonnaruwa itself.
• Shiva Devala No 2 – Outside the sacred quadrangle are a series of Hindu temples. You see the basement and the Shivalinga standing in the middle of them.
• Vishnu Devala – Next to No 2 Shiva Devala is the only Vishnu Devale I found. It is similar to Shiva temple except that in place of Shivalings, there is a life-size Vishnu statue.

On the same road, there is another Shiva Devala I found, could not gather its number though.

I gather there are many more Devala, but it would take another trip to discover them.

• Tickets are available at Archaeological Museum only, so that should be your first stop. At the time of writing, tickets for foreigners are priced at $25.
• Pothgul Vihara and Prakramabahu statues in the south are free entry.
• The stones at all the sites can get very hot by 11 AM or so. It is advisable to visit either early morning or late afternoon. Wearing thick socks may help to some extent.
• Photography is allowed everywhere except in the museum.
• The best way to cover the place is on bicycles or a combination of walking and using a Tuk Tuk.

Recommend you read the following travel blog on places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura – Things to see in the ancient capital

Ramayana – Places to see in Sri Lanka

Top 10 Sri Lanka Souvenirs to Pick

Dambulla Caves – Most Beautiful wall murals

Vegetarian Food – You must try

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33 comments.

Wonderful information. Both educative and informative. Compliments to the author.

Thank you for your encouragement, Rajendrappa. Polonnaruwa is such a beautiful sight – not many know about it.

Hello Anuradha, Thanks for introducing with the Polonnaruwa City. After reading your post, it seems the city is awesome. Will visit this place during my next Tour to Srilanka.

Hi Jennifer, Polonnaruwa is a lovely city. If you like historical places, you would love it. Do visit it whenever you are in Sri Lanka next.

I have not heard of Polonnaruwa but that ruined city looks really pretty. I am a huge history fan and I am definitely adding this to my bucketlist when I head to Sri Lanka.

Mel, same here, I had not heard of it till I sat down to plan my Sri Lanka Road Trip. Guess what, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wow, what a gorgeous place -and filled with so much history! I could wander there for days.

Me too Karyn. I wish I has more time to explore the nitty gritties of the place. There must be so many stories still waiting to be discovered.

The whole trip looks nice. I would like to take a trip and see and hear the history of the area. On vacations I like to see places like this and learn from the areas.

Rose, it was a wonderful trip. Slow travel, stopping by anything that interested me and of course, cities like Polonnaruwa.

Now I know why Polonnaruwa is the thriving commercial and religious center of Sri Lanka! These photos are breathtaking!! <3

Stephanie – Is it a thriving commercial center? I really did not realize that, but then, I just visited the historical quarters of Polonnaruwa. Thank you for your appreciation of images.

Beautiful images and well-written guide. I have Sri Lanka on my list.

Thank you Shivranjani.

The architecture in temples are just amazing to look at. I was really surprised to see those wells with the terra-cotta in them used to filter the water.

Saidah, I think in good old days they had such simple solutions to all the everyday needs. Yes, I was surprised to this architecture and wonder why is not world famous yet.

What a wonderful documentation of this place. It looks full of history and tales of old – I love visiting historic sites myself and think you did well at documenting the journey through Polonnaruwa.

Kristina, Polonnaruwa is full of history, of stories of creation and destruction.

This does look like a rather neat city. I always like exploring old places. You never know what you’ll find. I love your photos!

Thank you Amber. The joy of travel is in discovering the unknown.

Wow, I saw the ruins of Rome and fell in love instantly. I guess this was much neater than that and definitely demands a visit and look.

Jhilmil, am yet to travel to Rome, but all places where ancient civilizations thrived are on my list.

I’ve never heard about this place before reading your informative post. Polonnaruwa seems to be an awesome sight ! I like historical places so I would probably enjoy visiting this lovely old city. All places where ancient civilizations thrived are on my travel list 🙂

Bingo. All the ancient civilization places are on my list too 🙂

This is really interesting and informative as i didn’t knew about this. Thanks for sharing!

Most people have not heard of Polonnaruwa, you are not alone.

Sri Lanka was such a beautiful place and I was lucky to be able to visit when I was younger, we didn’t make it to Polonnaruwa though, the history sounds incredible.

Ellie, that gives you a reason to plan another trip to Sri Lanka.

what an interesting travel post! I loved the part about the royal baths! I actually live in thessaloniki greece and we have a very, very similar ancient bath hereI believe from the roman times!

Chelf – Greece is a place I so want to see. I want to see all the places where ancient civilization flourished.

I’m a Srilankan. You have beautifully written about Polonnaruwa. I agree Polonnaruwa is more attractive than Anuradhapura. Thank you for giving a beautiful article about Polonnaruwa.

Thank you, Kiki.

What a stunning place! The stone carvings and statues look amazing.

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Polonnaruwa – A Journey to Sri Lanka’s Ancient Glory

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa stands as a living testament to the island nation’s rich history and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and a vivid tapestry of the past. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a virtual journey through Polonnaruwa, exploring its historical significance, iconic attractions, and the unique experiences it offers to every traveler.

The Rise and fall of Polonnaruwa kingdom:

Sri Lanka has had multiple cities serve as its capital over its lengthy history, and various kingdoms have been established in and around those cities. Anuradhapura was the first of nine such kingdoms, which we got to know from a previous post named “ Why Anuradhapura is famous and what can you see there “. In the 11th century, following the South Indian Chola attacks on Anuradhapura and its fall, Polonnaruwa emerged as the second capital of Sri Lanka, succeeding Anuradhapura. This strategic move was driven by its central location and accessibility.

The city flourished under the Chola and Sinhalese dynasties, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate visitors to this day.

When you visit Polonnaruwa, you will notice the Hindu influence on the constructions in the Polonnaruwa kingdom because the religion of the Chola dynasty was Hinduism.

The Chola rule in the Polonnaruwa kingdom ended after the Sinhala king Vijayabahu Ⅰ defeated them in 1070. He ruled in Polonnaruwa for 40 years. After his death, King Parakramabahu ascended to the throne.

Under King Parakramabahu Ⅰ, Polonnaruwa became a prosperous, self-sufficient kingdom. Sri Lanka was known as the “Granary of the East” during his rule due to the extensive rice production thanks to his highly developed irrigation network. Polonnaruwa kingdom was at its peak under the rule of King Parakramabahu Ⅰ.

You will witness the massive tank built under his reign called “Parakrama Samudrya” when you visit Polonnaruwa. “Parakrama Samudrya” literally means the Ocean named Parakrama due to the sheer size of the tank. When thinking that this massive structure was built almost a thousand years ago, without any modern engineering technologies we can’t help but bow to our ancestors for their creations.

You can browse through amazing photos from Sri Lanka and purchase some for yourself by visiting our profile @ iStock by Getty Images .

King Nissankamalla is another prominent ruler in the Polonnaruwa kingdom who succeeded after the reign of King Parakramabahu Ⅰ. He has many stone inscriptions throughout the country. The Galpotha (Stone book) is one of his most popular stone inscriptions that you will be able to see in Polonnaruwa. It is the largest stone-slab inscription in Sri lanka. King Nissankamalla’s policies and his need to outdo King Parakramabahu Ⅰ work led the Polonnaruwa kingdom to bankruptcy and the power shifted towards the western part of the island.

Places to see in Polonnaruwa:

Just like Anuradhapura, here you can see well-preserved ruins of a great kingdom, stupas, and beautiful tanks. Not only that, there are many other activities like going on safaris, elephant watching, and sightseeing that you can do if you visit Polonnaruwa, even if you are not a history buff.

Did you know?

Polonnaruwa is situated in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka .

Compared to Anuradhapura, where the ruins are situated across a large area, Polonnaruwa has a concentrated area of ancient monuments inside a well-maintained park in which you can explore easily by bicycle.

Cycling through these ancient ruins under the shade of giant trees that probably witnessed the rise and fall of a great kingdom thousands of years ago, while taking breaks to drink a king coconut and quenching your thirst will be a wonderful experience that you will remember forever.

1. Archeological Museum of Polonnaruwa

This is the portal to the Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. By visiting the museum you will get a detailed insight into this archeological site, its history, and its importance. So this is the best place to start your journey to the ancient city.

The museum has a layout of the archeological site which will be useful to get a bearing of where you are and which places you want to visit. But don’t worry about remembering landmarks because the site itself is very well labeled and you will have no problem finding all the important monuments and ruins inside the ancient city grounds.

2. The Royal Palace complex of King Nissankamalla:

Close to the museum and ticket office is the Palace complex of King Nissankamalla. You’ll see remnants of the palace, the bathing pool, and the King’s council in this complex.

3. Pothgul viharaya

This is a temple built to store books built by King Parakramabahu Ⅰ. Poth (Books) Gul (Cave) Viharaya (Temple). This is the oldest library complex in Sri Lanka.

Maybe the “gul (cave)” part in the name is because this temple consists of a series of square walls that get progressively smaller towards the center where a small circular building is located which is believed to be the main area for storing books.

4. The Royal Palace complex of King Parakramabahu

This grand structure which consisted of thousands of rooms and elevated seven stories is believed to be one of the tallest buildings at that time. Even to this date, visitors are surprised by the sheer thickness of the walls that are remaining and the vast foundations of this massive structure.

Taking into consideration that this colossal structure was built almost 1000 years ago, these ruins are living proof of the developed architectural skills of Ancient Sri Lanka.

Next to the palace, you will see the king’s audience hall and the swimming pool.

5. Dalada Maluwa (Sacred Quadrangle)

Dalada Maluwa consists of closely located, well-designed religious monuments of Polonnaruwa. You can see more than ten such constructions by visiting Dalada Maluwa including Vatadage, Hetadage, Atadage, Image of Bodhisattva, Sathmahal Prasadaya, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, and Thuparamaya.

The name “Dalada” may sound familiar to you because of the Kandy Dalada Maligawa a.k.a The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. “Dalada” means Tooth Relic. During the Polonnaruwa kingdom, The Tooth Relic was located in Vatadage under the rule of King Parakramabahu and then in Hetadage under the rule of King Nissankamalla.

As a tradition, the ruler who possesses the ownership of the Tooth Relic is considered the king. So the location of the Tooth Relic has changed with power shifts throughout history and now it is located in the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. If you haven’t read my post on The Temple of the Tooth Relic I recommend you to read it before visiting the holy temple.

6. Pabalu vehera

Pabalu Vehera is a stupa built under the supervision of Queen Rupawathi, one of King Parakramabahu’s wives. This stupa has an unusual shape, unlike other stupas you see in Sri Lanka. Other than having an unusual shape this stupa has 9 image houses surrounding it compared to 4 image houses that surround a stupa usually.

7. Rankoth vehera

Rankoth Vehera means the stupa with a golden pinnacle. It is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa and is well-preserved to this day.

8. Lankathilaka Temple

Built by King Parakramabahu, this temple was one of the most prominent Buddhist temples at that time. Towering brick walls lead to a standing 13m tall Buddha statue. Unfortunately, only the torso of the Buddha statue remains today.

9. Kiri vehera

Close to Lankathilaka Temple, you will see Kiri Vehera. It is the best-preserved stupa in Polonnaruwa that even has its original lime plaster.

10. Gal Vihara

Gal Vihara means the Temple built with stones. This is a collection of 4 massive Buddha statues carved out of a single massive granite slab which are perfectly preserved to this date. When you think about the craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lankan sculptors who could discipline a heatless rock into not one but four incredibly calming Buddha statues, you will be left in awe.

Pay attention to the details of the stone-carved pillow of the 14m reclining Buddha statue and the evenly carved folds of the “civara” (Buddhist monk’s clothing). You will see how talented these sculptors were.

Immerse in Sri Lankan culture:

Polonnaruwa isn’t just a collection of stone structures; it’s a living testament to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Engage with locals, savor traditional cuisine, and witness cultural festivals that bring ancient traditions to life. Through interactions with the community, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture.

Practical Tips for Explorers:

Best Time to Visit: Months from  December to April are suitable for visiting the North central part of Sri Lanka where Polonnaruwa is located. The period between February and April offers pleasant weather and clear skies, making it the ideal time of the year for exploring the historical wonders of Polonnaruwa.

The earlier you get to the entrance; the better. You will avoid unnecessary crowds and heat from the sun in the afternoon. The historical site is open from 7 am to 6.30 pm. If you can get there around 7.00 – 8.00 am that would give you plenty of time to explore the ancient city before the sun starts heating the sandy floor near the ruins.

How to get to Polonnaruwa? Conveniently accessible from major cities like Colombo and Kandy, Polonnaruwa can be reached by train, bus, or private transportation. 

Just like any other place in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is easy to get to.

Polonnaruwa can be reached by many transport options. Buses, trains, tuk-tuks. If you are taking the bus, just know that the main bus stand is in Kaduruwela which is very close to the main attractions of Polonnaruwa.

Exploration Essentials: Comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential companions for your journey through the ancient city.

Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain insightful historical and cultural context about the attractions. You can hire a guide or join a pre-booked tour. There are cycling as well as tuk-tuk tours. Tours are well worth the money considering that you will get to know the history behind all the monuments you visit and you won’t have to worry about keeping track of the roads. In my opinion, tuk-tuk is the best method to explore archaeological sites because it will be hard to paddle your bicycle under the scorching sun in the afternoon.

When entering sacred spaces like Dalada Maluwa, Stupas, and Gal vihara you will have to remove your shoes. So it is better if you wear sandals or such kind of footwear which is easy to remove and put back on without too much effort. You don’t have to remove socks when entering sacred spaces. So wearing socks can protect your feet from the heated sand on the ground in these places.

Be mindful not to take pictures with your back towards Buddha statues. It is considered disrespectful.

Cover your shoulders and knees. I know covering up your body in a place like Polonnaruwa is not very comfortable considering the hot climate there. So wear anything comfortable, but take a cloth to cover up your shoulders and knees only when you enter religious places. As a conservative country, in Sri Lanka, it is a must to cover up shoulders and knees when entering religious grounds.

The Entrance fee is 25$ per person. For visitors from SAARC countries, there is a 50% discount. I know it’s pricey. But it includes entrance to the huge museum complex and entrance to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Even Though card payments are available at the ticket office, it will be convenient if you can take cash since sometimes the card payments can stop working due to technological issues.

Compared to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is visited by a lesser number of tourists. If you’re looking for an ancient kingdom in Sri Lanka where you can walk freely without worrying about crowds, Polonnaruwa is a great alternative for you.

More @ Polonnaruwa

As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, Polonnaruwa is not all about History. Here are some other interesting attractions that are situated in the Polonnaruwa area which you can add to your itinerary to make it a diverse experience.

Minneriya National Park: Where Nature and Wildlife Converge

Discover the enchanting world of Minneriya National Park, a captivating sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Home to the famous Elephant Gathering, this park offers a breathtaking spectacle as herds of elephants gather around the ancient Minneriya Tank.

Beyond elephants, the park’s diverse ecosystem shelters a range of wildlife, from elusive leopards to vibrant birdlife. Immerse yourself in the park’s rich history, as ancient ruins whisper tales of times gone by. With its remarkable blend of wildlife and heritage, Minneriya National Park invites you to explore the wild heart of Sri Lanka’s natural treasures.

Angammedilla National Park: Serenity Amidst Wilderness

Angammedilla National Park, a hidden gem in Sri Lanka, offers a tranquil escape into untouched wilderness. Nestled away from the crowds, the park showcases a diverse landscape of lush forests, meandering streams, and rugged terrain. Its pristine beauty is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting sightings of endemic species like the Sri Lankan leopard and elusive sloth bears.

As you explore its trails, you’ll uncover a sanctuary where nature thrives undisturbed. Angammedilla National Park invites you to embrace the serenity of the wild and connect with nature in its purest form.

Parakrama Samudraya: Sri Lanka's Ancient Reservoir of Abundance

Parakrama Samudraya, an ancient reservoir nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the engineering marvels of bygone eras. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this vast water reservoir was designed to harness monsoon rains, ensuring prosperity for the kingdom’s agricultural lands.

The reservoir’s tranquil waters mirror the skies and surround lush landscapes, creating a serene oasis that continues to provide sustenance to the region. Parakrama Samudraya’s historical significance and enduring importance make it a captivating destination for those intrigued by the harmonious union of human ingenuity and nature’s bounty.

Giritale Wewa: Where History Meets Tranquility

Giritale Wewa, a picturesque ancient reservoir in Sri Lanka, weaves a tale of history and natural beauty. Carved centuries ago, this reservoir served as a lifeline for agriculture and sustenance, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient engineering. Nestled against a backdrop of verdant landscapes, Girithale Wewa offers a serene haven for visitors seeking tranquility.

The peaceful waters mirror the sky, creating a soothing oasis that invites reflection and connection with the past. Explore the shores and immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of history and nature at Girithale Wewa.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Ancient Majesty Amidst the Skies

Rising dramatically from the lush plains of Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a remarkable testament to human innovation and artistry. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient rock citadel boasts towering heights crowned by the remnants of an ancient palace. Adorned with mesmerizing frescoes, Sigiriya narrates tales of a bygone era.

The steep ascent leads to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, a breathtaking reward for those who conquer its steps. With its captivating history and awe-inspiring architecture, Sigiriya remains an enduring marvel that invites travelers to step into the past and bask in the splendor of ancient Sri Lanka.

If you haven’t read the article “ 7 Things to Know Before Visiting Sigiriya ,” I recommend reading it.

Polonnaruwa transcends time, inviting us to walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, artists, and devotees. This remarkable destination not only showcases Sri Lanka’s rich heritage but also inspires a deeper understanding of human creativity and spirituality. So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a connection with the past, Polonnaruwa awaits, ready to weave its enchantment around you.

I’ll meet you with another “Letter” from Ceylon. Until then… 

නැවත හමුවෙමු😉 ( Newatha hamuwemu = Let’s meet again)

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Polonnaruwa Ancient City

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What is Polonnaruwa ?

Polonnaruwa Kingdom or the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka for three centuries between the 11th to 13th century after the destruction of Anuradhapura Kingdom in 993. It is located in north central province of Sri Lanka. Due to its archeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage in 1982 under the name of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.

History of Polonnaruwa Kingdom

Polonnaruwa was the first declared capital city by King Vijayabahu, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the nation once more under a local leader. During the time of the great King Parakramabahu who led the country between the times of 1153 – 1186 sustained such heroic scales in rice cultivation by constructing the massive irrigation network with reservoirs that look like natural in land seas. Sri Lanka became known as the Granary of the Orient. Polonnaruwa consists of ruins of the glorious kingdom of the Great King Parakramabahu. The richness and the glamor of this kingdom are still evident. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers.

The Great King Parakramabahu

The time of King Parakramabahu was considered as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. Trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the king, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each was to be used toward the development of the land. Hence, irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura age were constructed during Parakramabahu’s reign – systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama.

Things to do in Polonnaruwa

• Archaeological Museum
• Ancient site including ancient monuments such as Gal Viharaya / KiriVihara / Kumara Pokuna / Vatadage
• Visit Parakrama Samudraya (Sea) a masterpiece of ancient hydraulic management
• Money conservation center
• Enjoy a typical Sri Lankan local Lunch
• Cycle ride through ancient site

Polonnaruwa Tourist Information

• Distance – From Colombo 227 KM / From Kandy 141 KM
• Province: – North Central Province
• District – Polonnaruwa
• Entrance ticket price of Polonnaruwa for Museum & cultural sites (Foreign) 25 USD / Children 12.5 USD
• Popular for – Ancient City of Polonnaruwa & its archaeological remains (UNESCO World Heritage)
• How to get there – Direct train service available daily from Colombo fort to Polonnaruwa but no express luxury trains available / Public buses are available to Polonnaruwa and the route number is 48 from Colombo
• Weather – 29 °c (Approximately)
• Hotels – Many star class and normal guest houses are available in Polonnaruwa
• Type – cultural
• Main income – Agriculture

Ruins of Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu

Originally this was a seven storied building with approximately 1000 chambers, built by the King Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186) located within the archaeological site of Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage. The Palace was called as Vijayantha Prasada. Since it has consisted of 7 stories, the building also called “Sath Bumupaya” (in Sinhala).  The remaining huge walls with thickness over one meter and part of stairs and the foundation walls give you an idea about the size of the building. These massive walls over a meter thick going up to about 30 FT and the bottom half of the main stairway which led to upper floors can be seen today and parts of melted brick walls caused by intense heat when this was set fire by Chola invaders at the end of Polonnaruwa era. This can be highlighted as an important sight for archaeological educational tour in Sri Lanka. 

Rankoth Vehera (Stupa) (Golden Pinnacle) It is a magnificent stupa situated in Polonnaruwa which is a perfect destination to experience archaeological educational tour and is the 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was built by the King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196). The stupa of Rankoth Vehera is in the center of a large square terrace. There are four entrances to the main building with four cardinal points. Rankoth Vehera's design was inspired by the traditional stupas in Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya and bears a close resemblance to Ruwanwelisaya. 

Archaeological Museum, Polonnaruwa

Though the museum looks like a small, simple hut from outside it consists of a variety of informative visuals and artefacts inside. It is composed with information regarding the monuments and statues and other brick works (A miscellaneous collection of small articles commonly of ornamental or sentimental value). Archaeological Museum of Polonnaruwa has rooms dedicated to the citadel, the outer city, the monastery area and Hindu monuments. The latter room contains a wonderful selection of bronzes, including some outstanding Shiva statues. You may obtain your entrance ticket to Polonnaruwa UNESCO site from the museum as well. 

Kiri Vehera (Stupa)

Polonnaruwa Vatadage (Circular Relic Chamber)

It was constructed during the reign of the king Parakramabahu to house the Buddha's tooth relic or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to house the Buddha's alms bowl. Both of these revered artifacts would have given the edifice a great deal of historical value. This edifice is a superb example of a typical Sri Lankan Vatadage, as it is built in the Buddulakara or bubble-shaped pattern. This is recommended place for archeological educational tours in Sri Lanka.   

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

A very unique structure built by King Nissankamalla in the 1100s, the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is believed to be the recitation house for Buddhist chanting (Pirith). Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is one-of-a-kind Sri Lankan building. For a variety of reasons, this architectural marvel is unique. 

Gal Vihara or previously known as Uththara Ramaya is a Buddhist rock shrine in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. This is one of the must visited places if you visit to Polonnaruwa. It features four rock statues, each depicting a different Buddha image. The first one is where Buddha is seated on a lotus, the second one is also a seated figure but smaller in size, the third one is a standing figure, and the last one is a reclining figure. Gal Vihara is the most prominent of all hundred temples that were built throughout Sri Lanka by the king Parakramabahu. It is important in Buddhist pilgrimage tours in Sri Lanka.  

Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone)

Moonstone, is a unique element of ancient architecture. Sandakada Pahana is a magnificently carved semi-circular stone slab usually placed at the bottom of staircases and entrances. It demonstrates religious beliefs in diversified manner. Archeologists believes that the Sandakada Pahana symbolizes the cycle of Saṃsāra in Buddhism. Recommend witnessing this historical symbol during your holiday in Sri Lanka which gives you an insight of centuries old Buddhist Culture of Sri Lanka. 

Lotus Pond The historic pond of Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) has a distinctive design created by ancient Sri Lankan architects. The pond's name comes from its design, which resembles a fully blossomed lotus flower. This pond is small in comparison to the other ponds in Polonnaruwa's ancient city, and it is made of stones. The structural design of the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in Colombo also has been inspired by this Lotus Pond. One of the unique ancient constructions in Ancient City of Polonnaruwa. 

Parakrama Samudraya

Parakrama Samudraya is a freshwater body which was built in the 11th century by the king Parakramabahu the Great. The Parakrama Samudraya, also known as the ‘Sea of Parakrama,' was developed as an irrigation solution to deliver water to the kingdom's vast paddy fields. The Parakrama Samudra continues to provide water to about 18,000 acres of nearby agriculture fields.  Also we recommend you to have a boat ride in Parakrama Samudraya during your family adventure holiday in Sri Lanka.  Cycle ride along the Parakrama Samudraya Lake Bund Lake bund of the Parakrama Samudraya is about 14 KM long and it offers many fascinating views of the lake, archaeological sites and paddy fields. In order to witness these wonderful sightings, can have a walk or a cycle ride along this lake bund which is considered as the longest man-made lake bund in Sri Lanka. Cycle ride along the Parakrama Samudraya Lake Bund is recommend during your family adventure holiday in Sri Lanka. 

Parakramabahu Statue

The Parakramabahu statue is a colossal statue in Polonnaruwa Ancient City that faces the Parakrama Samudra Reservoir. The statue was created by King Parakramabahu I and is placed near the Potgul Vihara monastic complex. The figure itself is carved into a large rock during the 12th Century AD. It is one of the finest stone statues belonging to this period. Close to twelve feet tall, this statue is of a man with a grave, but wise expression with half-closed eyes and a sad smile as he reads from what most think is a manuscript he holds in his hands at around chest height. Study of Ancient Irrigation Management  This is an educational technical tour about ancient irrigation of Sri Lanka focusing Polonnaruwa. In Polonnaruwa it can evaluate water diversion methodologies of ancient Sri Lanka. A huge stone anicut can be seen across the Ambangaga, a river that starts from the knuckles range in the central hills of Sri Lanka. The king Mahasen built a stone anicut to divert a great portion of water towards the lake Minneriya in 3rd Century AD. From Minneriya Lake, water was diverted to two other massive reservoirs called Kanthale and Kaudulla. This study is mostly applicable in educational tours in Sri Lanka and will be conducted by Institute of Dry Zone Ecology & Environmental Studies

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• _Prehistoric Period
• _Protohistoric Period
• _Historic Period
• __Kingdom of Anuradhapura
• __Kingdom of Polonnaruwa
• __Kingdom of Dambadeniya
• __Kingdom of Gampola
• __Kingdom of Kotte
• __Kingdom of Kandy
• Chronicles/Inscriptions
• _Chronicles
• _Inscriptions
• __Sinhalese
• _Other Ancient Texts
• Art/Architecture
• __Alms Halls
• __Asanaghara
• __Bodhighara
• __Janthaghara
• __Padhanaghara
• __Patimaghara
• __Sandakada Pahana
• __Tempita Vihara
• __Uposathaghara
• __Vatadageya
• _Aavuranchikkal & Sumaithangi
• _Clock Towers
• _Mansions/Country Houses
• _Sculptures
• Places to Visit
• _Archaeological Sites
• _Gardens & Parks
• _Lighthouses
• _Railway Stations
• _Religious Sites
• __Buddhist Temples
• __Hindu Temples
• _World Heritage Sites
• __Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
• __Ancient City of Sigiriya
• __Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
• __Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
• __Sacred City of Kandy
• __Sinharaja Forest Reserve
• __Nuwara Eliya
• __Batticaloa
• __Trincomalee
• _North Central
• __Anuradhapura
• __Polonnaruwa
• __Kilinochchi
• __Mullaitivu
• _North Western
• __Kurunegala
• _Sabaragamuwa
• __Ratnapura
• __Hambantota
• __Monaragala
• _Flora/Fauna
• _Historical Trees
• _Water Springs
• _Mineral Resources
• _Wildlife Protected Areas
• _Reservoirs
• _Waterfalls

Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

Period of Chola rule (1017-1070 A.D.)                          Vijayabahu I (1055-1110 A.D.) Jayabahu I (1110-1111 A.D.)                                          Vikramabahu I (1111-1132 A.D.) Gajabahu II (1132-1153 A.D.)                                          Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 A.D.) Vijayabahu II (1186-1187 A.D.)                                       Mahinda (1187-1187 A.D.) Nissankamalla (1187-1196 A.D.)                                   Veerabahu (1196-1196 A.D.) Vikramabahu II (1196 A.D.)                                             Chodagangadeva (1196-1197) Queen Lilavathi (1st round: 1197-1200 A.D.)                Sahassamalla (1200-1202 A.D.) Queen Kalyanavathi (1202-1208 A.D.)                           Darmashokadeva (1208-1209 A.D.) Commander Anikanga (1209-1209 A.D.)                      Queen Lilavathi (2nd round: 1209-1210 A.D.) Commander Lokeshwara (1210-1211 A.D.)                 Queen Lilavathi (3rd round: 1211-1212 A.D.) Parakrama Pandya (1212-1216 A.D.)                             Kalinga Magha (1216-1236 A.D.) 

(After Vijayabahu I (1055-1110 A.D.), there were three rulers in the country;  Manabharana in Dakkhinadesa , Siriwallabha in Dolosdahasrata, and Kithirimegha in Atadahaserata).

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A travellers guide to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka

With an abundance of ancient places in Sri Lanka, it can be quite a mission to pick the right one. Luckily for you, it’s exactly this guide that makes the decision simple.

Most travelers find it difficult to choose between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, so was I. When the day arrived to pick one, my intuition told me to go for Polonnaruwa. And up until this day, I’m still impressed by the atmosphere that prevails in the ancient city.

A well-mixed brew of impressive shrines, picturesque temples, and elegant Buddha statues is that which makes the ancient city of Polonnaruwa a highlight in every Sri Lanka Itinerary.

In this guide, you’ll find useful tips, including its history, the entrance fee and a detailed list of what to see in Polonnaruwa.

With that being said, let’s find out what makes Polonnaruwa this unique.

A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO THE ANCIENT CITY OF POLONNARUWA

A brief history of polonnaruwa.

In the midst of the Chola dynasty at the end of the 10th-century, Polonnaruwa was the chosen one to become the capital of the Chola kingdom. Three centuries-long, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa served as the capital for both the Chola and Sinhalese Kingdoms.

Chosen over Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa had one big advantage, it was strategically positioned in the heart of Sri Lanka. Surely, those benefits made a difference in the protection against the rebellion of the Ruhunu Sinhalese kingdom.

Eventually, in 1070, it was the Sinhalese king Vijayabahu who drove the Cholas of the teardrop-shaped island. He also chose to hold Polonnaruwa as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom.

Under Sinhalese rule, Polonnaruwa reached its absolute glory. Unfortunately, this wasn’t everlasting. Early 13th-century, Sinhalese power moved to the western side of the island, where we now find Colombo.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was left abandoned, not knowing it would be declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Your adventures start-off at the Polonnaruwa museum, and not only for a history upgrade.

I’ve been told the museum is the only place to get a valid entrance ticket.

My advice? Don’t risk buying your tickets elsewhere.

THE ESSENTIALS

Polonnaruwa ruins entrance fee | Adult – 4.550 LKR, ($25), children – 2.275 LKR, ($12.5)

WHAT TO SEE IN POLONNARUWA

It’s the ruins, shrines, and temples that attract travelers to Polonnaruwa, that’s for sure.

As you start exploring you notice how well-preserved the ancient city really is. This is mainly because of the materials that were used during the renovation.

The Polonnaruwa ruins are formed by unique stupas, well-preserved temples, and harmonious looking buddha statues.

The temple complex of Polonnaruwa has one big advantage, it’s fairly small compared to Anuradhapura. This ensures that you can easily explore it by bicycle.

With that being said, here are the temples you should absolutely visit in Polonnaruwa.

SACRED QUADRANGLE

An impressive bundle of ruins safely positioned on a raised-up platform.

The Sacred Quadrangle is an imposing area where you’ll find an abundance of well-preserved buildings. With around 10 magnificent structures, it is hands-down the best introduction to the history of Polonnaruwa.

The quadrangle is home to the Sathmahal Prasadaya, Thuparama Image House, Hetadage, Bodhi Tree Shrine, and the well-known Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

Altogether a must-see. Let’s get into detail on a few of the structures found at the Sacred Quadrangle.

THE POLONNARUWA VATADAGE

Let’s start with the aesthetically pleasing Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

Legend says it was built to house the significant ‘Sacred Tooth Relic’, that is nowadays kept in Kandy.

The two-tiered circular Vatadage is a high-end structure among this type of architecture.

The Vatadage is strategically designed to protect a small dagoba that is positioned at the heart of the structure. The dagoba is surrounded by four Buddha statues, each facing one entrance.

What’s even more impressive, is the amount of decoration and detail. Each Stairway is decorated with an elegant moon-stone, not to mention the stone carvings throughout the Vatadage.

THE HATADAGE AT THE SACRED QUADRANGLE

The Hatadage is positioned next to the Vatadage and is very intriguing to see.

The Ancient Relic Shrine is in bad shape, nevertheless, it is fascinating to wander around.

THE IMPRESSIVE BANYAN TREE AT THE ANCIENT VISHNU SHRINE

What I personally found to be very attractive is the imposing Banyan tree at the Ancient Vishnu Shrine.

The large buttress roots of the Banyan tree are there to reveal itself above the dusty soil.

From this perspective, it’s phenomenal to see how the power of nature works. In particular, the way the tree took over part of those ancient ruins.

A stop-over at the impressive tree next to the Vishnu Devale is as easy as it gets. You’ll pass it along the way from the Sacred Quadrangle to the Gal Vihara.

THE BRILLIANT GAL VIHARA BUDDHA STATUES

The four giant Buddha statues, directly carved out of a large granite rock facade, are one by one of artistical value.

Therefore it isn’t surprising that particularly those masterpieces attract travellers to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

The story goes around that one of the four statues isn’t actually Buddha. It was supposed to be his grieving apprentice after Buddha’s passing.

It should concern the 7-meter high standing statue, so pay extra attention to his facial expression.

It is the Gal Vihara that stands out in the ancient city. Its uniqueness, both aesthetically and in size, makes it my favourite site in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Trust me, it is the one thing you can’t miss in Polonnaruwa.

LANKATILAKA TEMPLE

With its walls reaching an impressive height of 17 meters, the Lankatilaka Temple stands tall against its backdrop.

The large image house is home to a giant Buddha statue made out of bricks. Sadly the upper-part of the statue and roof has been devastated a couple of centuries ago.

The unique features in the design of Lankatilaka are hands-down a reason worth visiting.

It is the design of the stairways that is uncommon. Every step of the stairway is only 10 centimetres width, which makes it hard to climb in the way that we are used to.

The reason for this unique design?

With significant short steps, the only way to climb down is sideways. In this manner, it’s impossible to turn your back towards the Buddha statue, which is considered disrespectful in Buddhism.

RANKOTH VEHERA STUPA

Most of the Polonnaruwa area is formed by ancient temples and shrines. This is why the Rankoth Vehera stands out even more.

As a matter of fact, the Rankot Vihara is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa. Not to mention that it is entirely made of bricks.

A walk around the stupa makes you realize how huge it is. It is clear that this has been a tough job.

PABALU VEHERA STUPA

The unusually shaped Pabalu Vehera stupa, made of brownish bricks contrasts richly with the dense green jungle.

The mix of well-preserved and wrecked components, a jungle-ish environment, is what creates the feeling of a Tomb Raider-like scene.

OTHER INTERESTING RUINS IN POLONNARUWA

Mentioned above are only eight impressive structures I recommend in Polonnaruwa. Others that are really worth visiting are the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall, the Kiri Vehera Stupa and the Thivanka Image House.

COMBINE IT WITH A TRIP TO THE MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK

A visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa takes only a morning of your time and is easy to combine with a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park.

A trip to a national park is one of my highlights and should be in every Sri Lanka itinerary.

In the Minneriya National park, you’ll find yourself among wild elephants, which will be the experience of a lifetime.

Besides elephants, the famous park also is home to leopards, Sloth bears, Spotted deers, Sambar deers, and wild buffaloes.

How to get to The Minneriya National Park | Most safari’s include a hotel pickup and drop off.

Cost | Entrance Minneriya National Park – 3.500 LKR, ($19) per person  | Guide + Jeep – 7.000 LKR, ($38) per jeep

Or by joining a private Polonnaruwa + Minneriya day tour from Dambulla (including entrance fees). For prices and availability click here .

WHERE TO STAY IN POLONNARUWA

Singha guest house | Spacious and pleasant rooms, a large pool in front of the guesthouse and excellent bikes for rent. More information and availability here .

Pharo Lake | A stylish hotel directly at a scenic lake, a great pool, and nearby the archaeological site of Polonnaruwa. More information and availability here .

Mahanuge Hotel Polonnaruwa | A luxurious hotel located inside the ancient city. Everything you need for a combination of relaxing and exploring. More information and availability here .

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Polonnaruwa on booking.com .

HOW TO GET AROUND POLONNARUWA

Rent a bicycle.

What I liked about Polonnaruwa is the fact you can easily explore it by bike. The ability to discover what the city has to offer with a cooling breeze is both fun and energetic.

Cost | 400 LKR, ($2.25) per bicycle

HIRE A TUK-TUK GUIDE

Taking a tuk-tuk driver as a guide is a good alternative to seeing the ancient city, especially if you’re in a hurry. Personally, I think renting a bicycle is so much more fun.

Cost | 1.200 LKR, ($6.5) per tuk-tuk. Generally, there is enough space for two people per tuk-tuk.

HOW TO GET TO POLONNARUWA

Keep in mind that Kaduruwela is considered the Polonnaruwa new town. Depending on the location of your hotel you can ask the bus driver to stop in Polonnaruwa.

The easiest way is by joining a private Polonnaruwa + Minneriya day tour from Dambulla (including entrance fees). For prices and availability click here .

FROM SIGIRIYA TO POLONNARUWA 

Bus | Sigirya – Inamaluwa – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | After a short tuk-tuk journey from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa jump on the bus to Kaduruwela.

Cost | Tuk-tuk from Sigiriya to Inamaluwa 500 LKR, ($2.8) | Bus from Inamaluwa to Polonnaruwa 200 LKR, ($1) per person

Travel time | 1.5 hours

FROM DAMBULLA TO POLONNARUWA

Bus | Dambulla – Polonnaruwa – Kaduruwela | Take a direct bus that heads for Kaduruwela from the Dambulla Main bus stop. The bus leaves every 20-30 minutes starting from 7 am.

Cost | Bus from Dambulla to Kaduruwela – 220 LKR, ($1) per person

Travel time | 1.5 to 2 hours

FROM TRINCOMALEE TO POLONNARUWA

Bus | Trincomalee – Habarana – Polonnaruwa | A quite difficult journey. From Trincomalee take a bus heading for Dambulla or Colombo.

Tip | Before entering, ask if the bus driver stops in Habarana and if there is a connection to Polonnaruwa. Generally, you’ll find buses that stop in Polonnaruwa at the Habarana Junction.

Cost | Bus from Trincomalee to Habarana – 120 LKR, ($0.70) | Bus from Habarana to Polonnaruwa – 80 LKR, ($0,50)

Travel time | 4 hours

FROM COLOMBO TO POLONNARUWA

Train | Colombo Fort – Polonnaruwa | A rough journey that is packed and heads out to the east coast of Sri Lanka. Personally, I recommend visiting Kandy and Sigiriya in between.

Cost | 2nd class: 350 LKR ($2) per person, 3rd class: 200 LKR ($1) per person

Travel time | 6.5 hours

Train times from Colombo Fort to Polonnaruwa | 06:05, 19:00. For more information about train times click here .

STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

PLAN YOUR SRI LANKA ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES

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Polonnaruwa The Medieval Kingdom

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Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa (Sinhalese – පොළොන්නරුව Tamil – பொலநறுவை   was the country’s capital from the 11 th – 13 th  Century. Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka is considered one of the best preserved historic cities in the world. Located approximately 140km from  Kandy , Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its abundance of historic remains.

Most commonly referred to as Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital, the city of Polonnaruwa is nevertheless a magnificently preserved city with rich archaeological monuments and natural beauty. Located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Polonnaruwa has both its ancient city, an adjoining “old town” as well as a “new town” located about 6km away. The archaeological sites are in a compact layout, within easy distance of each other, and tours are easily arranged either on foot or more popularly explored on bicycle.

As in  Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa too has its share of Buddhist sites, and tour buses of pilgrims can be often seen visiting the stupas and monasteries. But Polonnaruwa also boasts an impressive array of ruined palaces and courtyards, pleasure gardens and intricate networks of bathing tanks, as well as carvings and sculptures and a rich display of artistry. The ancient city was declared a World heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.

Parakrama Samudra

One of the most striking features in Polonnaruwa is the vast Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakramabahu), an irrigation tank built, as the name indicates by King Parakramabahu the Great.  This was his largest irrigation project and covers an area of more than 15 Km2.The dam (or bund, as it is known in Sri Lanka, is almost 14 Km long and 12 metres high.

The waters of the Parakrama Samudraya circle the ancient city and its environs, and in ancient times served as a moat against invading armies. An intricate network of irrigation canals supplied water from this reservoir to surrounding paddy fields, ensuring that agricultural production could be carried out year-round. The hitherto rain-fed agricultural practices were transformed, and Polonnaruwa became the rice growing capital of ancient Lanka.

The Dipuyyana (Island Garden) is on the promontory by the rest house. When King Parakramabahu had built his vast lake, he selected this lovely spot for a royal garden. Later King Nissankamalla liked it so much that he built his palace and council chambers there.

Royal Palace and Council Chambers

Among the most noteworthy buildings in ancient Polonnaruwa was the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I. The Palace must have been an imposing edifice, and the chronicles describe it as “seven stories high, furnished with a thousand chambers”. Entering the palace from the south, you come to great hall (31 Metres long and 13 metres wide), which was probably an audience hall. Although the Palace itself is in ruins, the frieze of elephants in the main Audience Hall and the many carvings and moonstones along the entry ways to the palace buildings are worth exploring.

Across the way is the council chamber of Parakramabahu – embellished with lion portals, graceful pillars and a moonstone (a delicately carved stepping stone). The building is supported by powerful bas-relief elephants around the base. Each one is different from the next.

Siva Shrine – Siva Devale No:1.

A Hindu Temple of chaste and restrained line dedicated to God Siva. This temple dates to the later Polonnaruwa period, and was probably built during a period of Indian domination in the thirteenth century. A number of superb bronzes in mature Choler style were found at this temple, and these can be seen at the Colombo Museum.

The Thuparama in Polonnaruwa

This oblong brick image house occupies the southwest corner of the adjoining quadrangle. The Thuparama, is a large Buddhist image house.

Inside the building, in the inner sanctum, is a ruined brick and plaster pile, that was once a seated image of the Buddha. The original vaulted roof of the building is still intact. Tropical rains run down the curve of the roof, and like the gargoyles of medieval Europe, Makara (dragon) spouts drain the water to the ground.

The Vatadage

This circular relic house possesses an elegance and beauty that is rare even in ancient Sri Lanka. In line with the outer circle of stone pillars is a tastefully ornamented screen wall patterned with four petaled flowers.

The flights of access stairs at the cardinal points are of stone and are beautifully carved. At the head of each flight is a Buddha statue in stone. The shrine is lavished with moonstones., guard stones and sculptured writings.

The shrine, like all dagobas in Sri Lanka, is oriented towards the cardinal points – north, south, east and west. Four Buddha statues face outwards, with their backs to the dagaba mound.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya

A very pretty pavilion, this floral altar in stone has pillars which simulate with rare grace, a lotus on a stalk. This is a sacred hall of unknown purpose, and it was built by Nissankamalla. In the centre of the building is a small model dagaba, with worshippers sculptured around the base.

The Satmahal Prasada

A square pyramidal tower in seven tiers – a Dagaba of novel design. Each side of each tier is ornamented by a figure of a deity in an arched niche. The simple, stepped design is a very ancient form of architecture which occurs in the step pyramids of Egypt, and the ziggurats of Mesopotamia. Another building of this type occurs in Thailand in the monastery of Vat Kukut at Lamphun, and both are probably derived from an earlier Indian prototype.

The Shrine of Sixty Relics, which stands opposite the Vatadage. It was claimed to have been built by King Nissankamalla to house the Sacred Tooth Relic and is a handsome edifice, whose plain ashlar walls are very artistically relieved by a double border of faintly incised carving. However despite Nissankamalla’s claim, it may in fact been built by Parakramabahu.

Gal Potha (Stone Book)

A massive 8 metre long and 4.3 metre wide stone slab, which lies by the side of the Hatadage is inscribed with the deeds of King Nissankamalla. The massive inscription, amongst other things, records Nissankamalla’s brief invasion of India in glowing terms, and details of his relations with foreign states, as far away as modern Pakistan and Indonesia.

Pabulu Vehera in Polonnaruwa

To the east is the softly rounded dagoba. the Pabulu Vehera or Coral Shrine. It is said to have built by Rupavati, one of the queens of Parakramabahu. There are a number of Buddha images to dating from the later Polonnaruwa period to be seen around the dagoba.

Ran Kot Vehera – The Golden Pinnacle Dagaba

Built by Nissankamalla. This Dagaba is the largest in Polonnaruwa and measures 550-ft. in girth and 180 feet high. Although it was completed by Nissankamalla, the dagaba was probably largely the work of Rupavati, one of Parakramabahu’s queens.

Kiri Vehera

Just ahead of Lankathilake is the  gleaming white Kiri Vehera or Kiri Viharaya (literally, Milk white temple) which is said to have been built by King Parakramabahu in honour of his wife, Queen Subadra. Kiri Vehera is the best preserved of Sri Lanka’s un-restored dagobas.

This stupa which is 95 ft. in height with a circumference of 280 ft. is located 800 m North to the famous Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya.

Lankathilake- The Image House

The walls of the majestic Lankathilake even now stand 55 ft. high. In the 12th century, it was one of the most splendid of Buddhist Shrines in Asia. Lankathilake (the ornament of Lanka), was built by Parakramabahu I. The vast standing Buddha inside the shrine was originally about 41 feet (13 metres) with it’s base, but sadly only its torso now stands.

The brickwork of the building is of extraordinary variety, from the massive bricks which support the weight of the building, to the tiny, delicately molded bricks of the architectural details. The building must have been immense, and even today it is the most impressive ruin of the ancient city.

Gal Vihare – Rock Shrine

The Gal Viharaya is a cluster of carved Buddha images, which would have formed part of an extensive monastery on this site. Four separate images of the Buddha are carved from one long slab of granite, a feat of artistry. The Buddha rock sculptures at the Gal Vihare are considered masterpieces of Sri Lankan Buddhist art, and were commissioned by King Parakramabahu I.

The first sculpture is a seated Buddha image in a deep meditation, on a throne decorated with lions and thunderbolts and behind the Buddha is a halo. The statue is one of the most impressive examples of Sri Lanka’s sculpture.The next sculpture is inside a cave carved out of solid rock. The seated Buddha is protected by an umbrella. Between the cave and the tall standing figure is a large inscription of Parakramabahu, which records in detail his struggle to unite the Buddhist order, and sets out the reformed rules of conduct.

The finest of the images – the standing figure is twenty three feet high (7 metres) with crossed arms. The carving of the serene face is extremely sensitive, and the relaxed, elegant execution of the body and drapery distinguishes this figure as one of the masterpieces of Sri Lankan art.

The immense figure of recumbent Buddha measures 46 ft (14 metres). is the last sculpture in the group. The Buddha is lying down, at the final moment of his earthly life, entering Parinibbana, the state of supreme enlightenment. Here too the liquid flow of the robes over the body and the calm expression of the face are beautifully interpreted.

Demala Maha Seya- The Tamil Dagaba

This enormous stupa was built by Tamil prisoner of-war-labour. It is a shrine of novel design, the dome rising from a terraced and molded base is left unfinished at a height of about 50 ft. from the ground. If it was completed, it would have been the largest dagaba in the world, rising to about 600 feet in height.

A pretty rook-cut pool shaped like a stylised lotus, constructed in diminishing concentric lamina, built by Nissankamalla.

Tivanka Image House

Largest among the brick – built shrines of Polonnaruwa. In the narrow antechamber, beautiful Devas (demigods), and the Bodhisattvas above, beckon the worshipper into the inner sanctum. Here stands the mighty Tivanka image of the Buddha, depicted in the ‘thrice curved pose.

Activities in and around Polonnaruwa

Safari of kaudulla national park.

Kaudulla National Park is located on the Polonnaruwa district’s Kaudulla Tank. The most suitable period to visit this place is during September and October when the dry season ensures that the forest is bare and devoid of its lush foliage. This is when the Elephants come out to look for water and large herds can by seen gathering, drinking and bathing by the main tank. Therefore, the evening hours are best for safari tours, and the soul-stirring sight of hundreds of Elephants will stay with you forever!

Safari of Minneriya National Park

Be a part of the famous ‘Gathering’ as Elephants from the Somawathi Sanctuary, Kantale and Wasgamuwa make their annual trip across the land in search of water. Their destination is the Minneriya Tank, which is never completely dry even at the end of the dry season. The Minneriya Jeep Safari will get you up close to the massive herds of Elephants, but never too close to disturb them. This will give you a wonderful opportunity to observe these lumbering mammals in their natural setting.

Kings of Polonnaruwa

The history of early Sri Lanka was very carefully recorded and written down by monks.

The Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle) records the earlier period of the Sri Lankan, and Chulavamsa (lesser Chronicle), gives an accurate picture of the ‘Polonnaruwa’ period.

King Aggabodhi IV

From this chronicle we learn that Aggabodhi IV (667 – 685) AD was the first Sri Lankan King who lived in Polonnaruwa, and the town came gradually to become the ‘Country Residence’ of royalty. Anuradhapura, the formal and administrative capital, was already a thousand years old, and kings increasingly favoured the new city of Polonnaruwa, and developed it. However it was the Cholas of South India who made Polonnaruwa the capital after looting and burning Anuradhapura in 993 AD.

King Vijayabahu I

In 1070 AD the Sinhala King Vijayabahu I liberated the country by defeating the Cholas, and kept Polonnaruwa as his capital. Vijayabahu succeeded in repairing much of the irrigation system in the island, encouraged trade and brought some prosperity back to the country.

King Parakramabahu I

King Parakramabahu I (1153-86) raised Polonnaruwa to its heights. He erected huge buildings, drained swamps and planted vast areas with crops, planned beautiful parks, created wildlife sanctuaries, restored earlier monuments & even undertook military expeditions against Burma and India.

However his crowning achievements were the creation of the 2400 hectare tank (about 15 Km2), so large it was named the Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama); and the unification of the three orders of monks, the Maha vihara, Jetavana and Abhayagiri into one Sangha or ‘Supreme Order of Monks’. The greatness of his achievement was to ensure the survival of Buddhism in the dark centuries ahead.

Parakramabahu was the last great king of Sri Lanka.

King Nissankamalla

King Nissankamalla (1187 – 96), although claimed himself to be a great builder, was not. And squandered most of the country’s wealth trying to match his predecessor’s deeds.

The decline of Polonnaruwa

After Nissankamalla’s death, Polonnaruwa went to decline, civil war, lawlessness and constant invasions from the South Indian Chola Empire, and Malay barbarians who sacked the city several times, virtually destroyed the social structure and religious order of the country. A whole century after this were the ‘Dark Ages’ of Sri Lanka, a century from which few historical records survive.

The capital was shifted to Kurunegala, and Polonnaruwa returned to the jungle; it’s great reservoirs survived as a series of swampy lakes, and its large brick buildings became lost under thick tropical forest. The Portuguese are said to have raided and looted Polonnaruwa, but by the early nineteenth century the site was completely lost.

In the early years of this century the main monuments of the ancient city were uncovered. Today, conservation and excavations continue, as part of the work of the Cultural Triangle.

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Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

Exploring The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by Soumya

An ancient city located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa forms an important part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. It is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you love history and culture. Or are even vaguely interested in learning how Sri Lanka’s history evolved over the years. Wandering through the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa is enlightening.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

I love history as much as you do. So, it was a given that I had to visit Polonnaruwa when traveling in Sri Lanka.

But there was a personal connection too. And that beckoned me stronger to the ruined capital city of Polonnaruwa.

Apart from being a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site ( tiny Sri Lanka has 8 of them! ), Polonnaruwa is inextricably linked with the history of Odisha (erstwhile Kalinga), an Indian state that I call home.

The founder king, Vijayabahu was married to a princess from the Kalinga royal family. Later, two Polonnaruwa kings hailed from Kalinga. Nissanka Malla (a benevolent ruler who cause prosperity) and Kalinga Magha (an usurper who caused the final fall of Polonnaruwa).

So, exploring Polonnaruwa was not just a historical expedition for me. It was also about discovering some of my lost roots.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Polonnaruwa History

Polonnaruwa was established as the capital of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa by King Vijayabahu in the late 11th century. He had just recaptured the island of Ceylon from the Cholas of South India . Subsequently, Polonnaruwa was ruled by three illustrious Sri Lankan Sinhalese monarchs : Vijayabahu, Parakramabahu I, and Nissanka Malla.

The period under Parakramabahu was the most glorious one. Huge investments were made in irrigation. And a massive water tank called the Parakrama Samudra was created to deal with Central Sri Lanka’s enduring water crisis. Great irrigation -> surplus grains -> prosperity everywhere.

Money flowed in and beautiful temples and palaces were constructed. You can still see the remains of this glorious era in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. And I hope this post will help you plan a trip to this amazing historical city including figuring out the best things to do in Polonnaruwa.

Top 12 Things to do in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.

We spent a day exploring the ruins of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. And covered a lot.

Here is a list of the 10 best things to do in Polonnaruwa that can be easily covered in a day. If you plan to spend more than a day, then, of course, you can wander more and discover more.

Archaeological Museum of Polonnaruwa

As we entered the gates of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, we were greeted by a small, one-storeyed building. This was the Archaeological Museum of Polonnaruwa.

From the outside, it did not look like much. Therefore, I can understand why it is easy to give the museum a miss.

But I strongly encourage you to go in. This is also where you will be purchasing your tickets to the ruins (more about that later).

Because on the inside, it is a historical treasure trove. There are rooms dedicated to the citadel, the outer city, and the monastery filled with well-preserved artifacts. Honestly, taking a tour of the museum helps you appreciate the real ruins far better.

You cannot take photographs inside the museum. But make sure you use the toilets at the end of the museum tour. They are pretty scattered in the ancient city. And you may not find one when you need one.

Pro Tip: Hire a tour guide right before getting into the museum. There will be a few standing outside. They will approach you. Our guide was really knowledgeable and charged us LKR 3000 (USD 16). I thoroughly enjoyed my discussions with him.

Royal Palace of Polonnaruwa

Visiting the ruins of the Royal Palace is one of the best things to do in Polonnaruwa.

The Royal Palace was home to Parakramabahu I. It is believed to have been a 7-storied mansion in the 12th century. That would make it one of the tallest buildings of those times.

However, not much remains today.

What you see today is a stub in the place of a glorious palace. About 2-3 stories of brick walls with holes in them. I believe wooden beams must have gone into those holes to hold up higher floors.

Imagine Parakramabahu going up to the 7th floor and appreciating all that he had created. Including the Parakrama Samudra! Yes, he could see his entire kingdom from here.

A little reading tells me that the palace contained 1000 rooms. Well, that’s hard to believe based on what you see today. But a bit of imagination never did anyone harm.

Pro Tip: The Royal Palace is extremely crowded all the time. Go really early if you wish to get a good picture of the ruins without the people.

The Audience Hall

Our next stop was the Audience Hall, right next to the Royal Palace. This is where the king used to hold his important meetings.

The Audience Hall is an impressive structure with stone elephants and lions carved into it. A few stairs lead you to the top from where you can enjoy a vantage view of the Royal Complex and official quarters. A beautiful moonstone adorns the foot of the stairs.

Pro Tip: The Audience Hall with its pillars, stairs, and moonstone makes for a great photo op. You won’t find it very crowded on the top because people usually wait at the stairs for their turn to go up.

Kumara Pokuna or the Royal Bathing Pool

Another important stop on our Polonnaruwa tour was the Royal Bathing Pool. This is located right next to the Audience Hall.

You will need to take a flight of stairs down to where the pool is. As soon as I approached the bathing area, I was reminded of my trip to Queen’s bathing complex at the royal enclosures of Hampi . That one was more regal and covered but this one was open, bigger, and deeper.

The pool was filled with moss green water due to lack of use. But it is easy to imagine how inviting that pool would have been hundreds of years ago when filled with cool water. In the scorching heat of Sri Lanka.

Luckily, there is an ice cream shop right next to the pool now. I am sure you are going to love this shop more than the pool by the time you get here.

Recommended: Take a tour of the Royal Quarters of Hampi, India

Potgul Vihara

You won’t find Potgul Vihara in most Polonnaruwa travel guides. It is one of the least explored structures in the ancient city. Mostly because of its location at the southern end of Polonnaruwa.

However, I found it quite unique and definitely worth a mention. Potgul Vihara is circular and hollow inside.

It is believed that this was a royal library that housed several books and religious texts. The inner walls were decorated with paintings. Easy to visualize how pretty this place would have in its heyday.

Pro Tip: Potgul Vihara hardly sees any tourists. So, this is a great spot for getting those awesome pictures for your gram.

Dalada Maluva or The Sacred Quadrangle of Polonnaruwa

Dalada Maluva is one of the most important spots on any tour of the Polonnaruwa ruins. If you are running short of time and have less than half-a-day, I would suggest you visit Dalada Maluva and Gal Vihara, the two most sacred places in Polonnaruwa.

Dalada Maluva is the sacred quadrangle of Polonnaruwa and contains 12 key buildings. Visiting here is a must for a deep dive into understanding the role of Buddhism in Sri Lankan culture .

The most magnificent is the vatadage, a circular shrine unique to Sri Lanka. It had a stupa in the middle surrounded by four Buddha statues facing the cardinal directions. The structure is exquisitely carved and one of the best representations of Sri Lankan stonework. Do not forget to notice the gorgeous moonstones that adorn the entrances to the stairs.

Built in the time of Polonnaruwa’s illustrious kings, the vatadage is believed to have held the tooth relic of Buddha (now housed at the Temple of Tooth in Kandy ).

Apart from the Vatadage,

Dalada Maluva is also home to a huge slab of rock ( Gal Pota) covered in inscriptions from the era of Nissanka Malla. There is also a ruined pyramid-shaped temple (reminded me of the temples of Koh Ker in Cambodia) known as Stamahal Prasada. And the Hatadage which was used to store Buddha’s tooth relic for some time.

Pro Tip : You need to cover your shoulders and legs when you enter Dalada Maluva. Carry a scarf/sarong if you are wearing sleeveless/shorts because you won’t find them on rent here.

Recommended: 9 Must-have cultural experiences in Sri Lanka

Rankot Vihara

Rankot Vihara is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa and the 4th largest on the island. It imitates the architectural style of Anuradhapura, the previous capital and was built by King Nissanka Malla in the late 12th century.

“Ran” means gold in the local language. And, Rankot refers to the golden pinnacle on top of the stupa. It is believed that originally the stupa was white in color but now it stands as a rather uninteresting mound of black rock. But the walk around the stupa is engrossing especially when you peep into the little shrines around it.

You will have to remove your shoes for the walk. But remember, it can be exceedingly hot during daytime. And since walking barefoot can actually be torturous, I would probably skip this circumambulation the next time I am there.

Lankatilaka Vihara

This is one of the most stunning remnants of the glorious days of Polonnaruwa and an absolute must-visit when you are here. It was built by the Great Parakramabahu and surely deserves a place in your Polonnaruwa itinerary.

The best part is that this shrine is pretty different from the other stupas that you will see in the ancient city. You can see the remains of pillars and two walls almost 17 m high that form a cathedral-like structure. At the far end of the shrine stands a tall, headless Buddha statue. The interiors are adorned with colorful murals. You can spot some of them on the exterior wall of the side entrance too.

Alahana Pirivena

On our way to the Lankatilaka Vihara, we came across Alahana Pirivena in Polonnaruwa. The Pirivena was a Buddhist university founded by Parakramabahu I. It was one of the largest monastic complexes in whole of medieval Sri Lanka. Even today, the remains of it are spread over more than 80 hectares of land.

As we reached the complex, huffing and puffing on that hot summer day, I stared in front of me with disbelief. Monk homes, stupas, bathing areas, and chapter houses stood neatly organized over an 80-hectare space.

Surely, I did not see the entire 80 hectares. But it felt like I did. I could see the buildings until what seemed like the end of the world.

One of the most impressive buildings in the complex is called Baddhasima Pasada – a meeting hall for senior monks and the king. Don’t miss seeing that one.

Buddha Statues at Gal Vihara

The Gal Vihara is the other important sacred site (apart from Dalada Maluva) in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. It is actually an enclosure with open/nearly open shrines.

The highlight of this complex is the collection of 4 impressive Buddha statues that were created at the epitome of Sinhalese carving history. There are two images of seated Buddha, one standing, and one reclining.

Your guide will point out how the standing image is the most beautiful of them all and displays Buddha in a thoughtful position. It is also unique because it shows Buddha’s arms in a very uncommon crossed pose. The reclining Buddha depicts nirvana after death.

You will need to show your ticket here again. So make sure you don’t lose it.

Pro tip: Cover your shoulders and legs before entering the sacred enclosure. Also, remove your shoes to visit these temples though it can be really hot to walk barefoot on the rocks and the sand. I would advise you to keep your socks on.

Shiva Devalaya

The Shiva Develaya (Shiva temple) is special because it is one of the oldest Hindu shrines in Polonnaruwa ancient city. It was constructed during the reign of the Cholas from India who ruled Polonnaruwa for a brief period before the coming of Vijayabahu. Look closely to see Tamil inscriptions on the temple that speak of the Chola rule.

Parakrama Samudra

Parakrama Samudra is a large water reservoir that was built by King Parakramabahu in the 12th century. Polonnaruwa always suffered severe water crises. Apart from the short monsoon spells, the city was mostly dry. This hampered cultivation and trade. Parakramabahu was a visionary king who envisaged that building a huge water reservoir would solve the city’s problems.

Parakrama Samudra still functions as the primary water storage for Polonnaruwa. It is not a ruined monument but definitely an important part of the whole Polonnaruwa ensemble. Because this is literally where the golden reign of Parakramabahu began. And this is why Polonnaruwa prospered as the capital.

Polonnaruwa Entrance Fee

Tickets to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa are priced at approx 4500 LKR (USD 25) for foreigners. SAARC citizens usually need to pay half (be ready to produce your passport to confirm your SAARC identity). Sri Lankan citizens pay considerably lower. You will find both tickets and maps right at the entrance of the archaeological museum.

We felt the fee was a little too high compared to the fees that we have paid for other UNESCO Heritage Sites around the world. In fact, entrance tickets to most attractions in Sri Lanka are on the higher side of what you would normally expect. But if you are really interested in Sri Lankan culture and history and the spread of Buddhism in the subcontinent, you should definitely visit this place.

Best Time to Visit Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

Opening hours: 7 am – 5:30 pm

When planning for your trip to Sri Lanka, be aware that the country is extremely hot round the year. And that is because of its location close to the equator.

That being said, winter (November – February) is the best time to visit this ancient city. Temperatures are bearable and humidity is not too high. During the day, try to get here as early as possible in the morning. Or try to stay until later in the afternoon. There will be fewer tourist buses during this time.

Key Consideration

I thought the museum was at a disadvantageous location in the archaeological park. It was right at the entrance which means I had to finish it first before checking out the ruins. Ideally, I would have wanted to enjoy the cool museum it in the afternoon when the heat was unbearable.

Alternately, you can come here around noon, spend the hottest time inside the museum, and then head out to the ruins. However, in that case, you will not see a lot. Since the tickets are valid only for one day, I would advise against doing this.

Hotels in Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

It is easy to find good accommodation at decent prices literally anywhere in Sri Lanka. In Polonnaruwa, you can stay at guest houses for as low as $10. And of course, you can enjoy luxury for as little at $100. Plus, you can stay literally anywhere inside the Sri Lankan Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla , and Anuradhapura) and do an easy day trip to Polonnaruwa.

We stayed in Dambulla for a couple of days. I wasn’t very impressed with the place I stayed in, so I won’t recommend it here . But, if I had to stay in Polonnaruwa, these were my top choices.

Luxury Accommodation in Polonnaruwa

Ekho Lake House : Overlooking the mighty Parakrama Samudra, Ekho Lake House is one of the best places to get pampered in Sri Lanka. They are known best for their hospitality and stunning lake views. And of course, for their infinity pool that overlooks Parakrama Samudra. Click here to book your stay at Ekho Lake House in Polonnaruwa.

Budget Accommodation in Polonnaruwa

Summer Village Resort: This village resort in Polonnaruwa is one of the highest rated properties in the area. It is located pretty close to the ancient city and has guests swooning over its food and hospitality. The host is extremely friendly and helpful. And all this at a really attractive price! Reserve you stay at Summer Village Resort.

Sun Guest House: Attractively priced, Sun Guest House in Polonnaruwa has the cleanest rooms, a friendly host, and amazing breakfast. It is at a walking distance from the ruins. Click here to book your rooms at Sun Guest House, Polonnaruwa.

Planning a beach getaway after Polonnaruwa? Check out our incredible list of beautiful beaches and attractive beach resorts across Sri Lanka .

Getting around Polonnaruwa

The best way to explore Polonnaruwa is on a bicycle. You can hire a bicycle near the bus stop in town and explore the ancient city at your own pace. You can also walk but that can be exhausting in all the Sri Lankan heat.

If you are not staying in Polonnaruwa (like we did – we were staying in Dambulla ) and are a group of 3-4, it is not very expensive to hire a car or book a guided tour for your trip. There are tonnes of tour options available from both Colombo and Kandy . Plus, there is plenty of parking within the archaeological park. Plus, it is much cooler to travel in a car. And you can do a lot without getting exhausted.

Recommended guided tours

• Guided tour to Polonnaruwa from Kandy
• Guided tour to Polonnaruwa from Colombo Usually these guided tours come with an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and an AC car. They may not include a local guide for the ruins. You will still have to hire one in front of the museum. We paid USD 16 for ours (Feb 2020).

Where to eat in Polonnaruwa?

I would highly recommend the place where we had lunch in Polonnaruwa in a traditional Sri Lankan setting. The restaurant was called Gami Gedara (a traditional Sri Lankan restaurant). It was located in the middle of sprawling green paddy fields and the views were absolutely great.

The food was amazing. It was a typical Sri Lankan buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The best part was that a sample vegetable was kept near every buffet item to avoid confusion. And Sri Lankan food is extremely vegan-friendly.

Recommended: Must-try food and foodie experiences in Sri Lanka

Helpful Tips for Visiting Polonnaruwa

• Try to get here early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds and the heat.
• Get your hat, sunscreen, umbrellas, and lots of water.
• Wear socks if possible. There are so many places where you will have to remove your shoes in order to get a closer view of the temples. Ideal to have your socks on cause the rocks and sand are going to be hot.
• Wearing shoes is also hassle though. I had to take them off and wear them back again at so many points, so that took up some time. You could wear sandals to avoid the trouble.
• Many tourists love to do a day trip to Polonnaruwa from Colombo . Ideal if you are short on time. But if you are history/culture lover, I strongly encourage you to spend 1-2 days in Polonnaruwa.
• If you have kids with you and are wondering if they will be bored, let me tell you that is a lot of local wildlife here to keep them entertained. Butterflies, monitor lizards, monkeys, birds, and peacocks abound!

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9 thoughts on “ Exploring The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka ”

Wonderful. In India it is worth visiting Bodh Gaya and Ratnagiri to compare the three contemporary cultures.

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Polonnaruwa

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 3 Get around
• 9.1 Mid-range
• 10 Stay safe

Polonnaruwa is a city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka .

Understand [ edit ]

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century CE and maintained its status until the 13th century. In 1982 the ancient city of Polonnaruwa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List . What's nice about Polonnaruwa is that the ruins are in one compact area so you can visit them quite easily. Just one three wheeler ride from where you're staying to the entrance and you can walk about them all day long. If you don't have a lot of time and have to make a choice, the ruins at Polonnaruwa are much better presented and more interesting than the often repetitious ruins of Anuradhapura . There are only so many stupas you can see before you have "seen them all".

Get in [ edit ]

Polonnaruwa is 216 km or 134 miles from Colombo and 66 km east of Dambulla . To travel there, there are several options.

By plane [ edit ]

7.955889 80.728111 2 Sigiriya Airport ( GIU  IATA ). More choices: ( updated May 2015 )

• FitsAir from Colombo-Ratmalana ( RML  IATA ),
• Millennium Airlines from Colombo-Ratmalana ,
• Cinnamon Air from Colombo-Bandaranaike , Batticaloa , Trincomalee

By car [ edit ]

Car is the easiest. Any taxi service (+94 11 2556 556 or +94 11 2818 818 are two numbers of cab companies you can call) will charge you around LKR 30 per km (approx LKR 13,000 roundtrip) (as of mid 2007). Make sure you ask for a Nissan Sunny or Toyota Corolla or you might be sent a less comfortable car. The advantage is that you will sit in air conditioned luxury all the way to Polonnaruwa and the road is quite nice with plenty of greenery along the way. The old, massive trees tend to shade into the road once you leave the urban areas, creating a canopy effect. Trip is five to six hours inclusive of breaks for food and shopping (although shopping along the way is just overpriced and not recommended).

By train [ edit ]

Train travel is quite cheap: you'll that find the three wheeler ride to the train station costs about as much. You get on the train to Trincomalee at Colombo Fort station, connect in Gal Oya and you're in Polonnaruwa. The train leaves at 6.15 am and will take a good part of a day there is no air conditioning but the windows can open. No train runs to/from Anuradhapura.

• 7.9301 81.0334 3 Polonnaruwa railway station . ( updated Nov 2021 )

By bus [ edit ]

From Colombo - Buses also leave from Colombo Fort but from a slightly different location. Take the intercity to Polonnaruwa. With luck and blessings from whatever deity you subscribe to, you should arrive in Polonnaruwa in six to eight hours.

From Anuradhapura - Direct bus from the Anuradhapura bus station in New Town runs throughout the day and the distance from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa is some 100 km and the bus trip will take three hours.

From Kandy - The 150 km bus trip takes 4,5 hours. Makes a stop in Dambulla (a bit less than 2 hours from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa).

The Polonnaruwa Bus Station is situated 4 km to the east of the main attractions, so if your hotel is around there ask to be dropped somewhere closer (Clock Tower for example).

• 7.9296 81.0328 4 Polonnaruwa Bus Stand . ( updated Nov 2021 )

Get around [ edit ]

Bicycles are the best way to get around. Most guest houses will rent out bikes. All the sights in the old town are located next to each other so you can cover all of them easily using a bicycle in one day.

See [ edit ]

Just north of present-day Polonnaruwa town, 140km (90 miles) north of Kandy , are the ruins of ancient Polonnaruwa, which date from the late 10th century, when the Chola kings of southern India invaded Sri Lanka and conquered Anuradhapura .

• 7.9263 80.9949 1 King Parakramabahu I Statue . A massive rock-cut statue of a Buddhist king, Parakrama Bahu. ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9245 80.9945 2 Potgul Vehera . Ruins of a monastery built by King Parakramabahu the great (1153-1186 A.D.). Its original name is unknown. According to a stone inscription found at the site, it has been renovated by a consort of King Parakramabahu. The peculiar feature of the monastery is the circular brick structure located in the lower terrace. ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9424 81.0007 3 The Royal Palace . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.942708 81.001658 4 Royal Court . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.942166 81.002506 5 Kumara Pokuna . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.942633 80.998858 6 King Nissanka Malla's Palace . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947126 81.000913 7 Thuparamaya . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.946297 81.00117 8 Shiva Dewalaya Temple ( Siva Devale ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947423 81.001288 9 Vatadage . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947881 81.001061 10 Atadage . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947561 81.001449 11 Gal Pota ( Stone Book ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.947602 81.00095 12 Nissanka Latha Mandapaya . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.95821 81.0034 13 Rankoth Vehera . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.962927 81.003356 14 Lankatilaka Gedige ( The Glory of Sri Lanka ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9633 81.0036 15 Kiri Vihara ( The White Monastery ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.965509 81.005222 16 Gal Vihara or Gal Viharaya (Temple) ( ගල් විහාරය ), Nissankamallapura ( 5.5 km N form centre ). ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.9699 81.0054 17 Demala Mahaseya (Stupa) . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.974817 81.003924 18 Lotus Pound . ( updated May 2015 )
• 7.978642 81.006081 19 Thivanka Image House . ( updated May 2015 )
• Alahana Pirivena Complex - Buddhist temples
• Topa Wewa Lake and the Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama)

The 1-day entrance fee is 25 USD (March 2018). Unfortunately, the round trip tickets for the cultural triangle (50 USD) are no longer available. South Asian nationals receive substantial discounts of USD 15 on entrance fees, Therefore, if you have a South Asian passport, make sure to carry it with you on your visits.

Do [ edit ]

In this area, you can find plenty of wildlife reserves. Try to find a guide and visit places like Minneriya National Park , Kawudulla

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ].

Avoid eating from places where they sell the food in open markets. Do not go to places that need to have touts on the streets out and where you cannot see inside the restaurant from the street.

• 7.940306 81.000203 1 Gama ( south of the ruins and museum ). Local joint offering a tasty veg curry buffet for 350 rupees. Rp350 . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ].

There are plenty of budget hotels and guest houses to stay at in the new town. Prices start at Rs 1,500 to 2,000 per person for a night.

Mid-range [ edit ]

• The Village Polonnaruwa , Parakrama Lake Road, Potugal Mawatha ( 1 km South ), ☏ +94 27 459 9299 , [email protected] . From 45 $. .  
• Lagassa Lodge , #95 Circular Rd. ( Go down the clock tower for a block and turn left, place will be on the right after the first road ), ☏ +94 773 579248 , +94 764 155855 , +94 770 117432 . 24hrs . Good value, as the rooms were built in 2017 and are very clean, bathroom is huge, owner is nice and the food is excellent as well. LKR 2000 . ( updated Oct 2021 )
• Hotel Seruwa , ☏ +94 27 2222 2411 . Also run by CHC but cheaper and the location is pretty nice as well. Rooms are relatively new but check the room before you check into it.  
• Polonnaruwa Resthouse , ☏ +94 27 222 2299 . Run by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. Nice location on the Parakrama Samudra. Rooms are relatively new but ask to see the room first. From USD 55 . ( updated Oct 2021 )
• 7.99408 80.91663 1 The Royal Lotus Hotel , Giritale ( 12 km NW ), ☏ +94 272246316 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Modern living conditions in a tropical setting and nestled alongside the Giritale Tank. $65-130 .  
• 7.951716 80.988216 2 Pharo Lake ( Thidas Arana Lake ), No 42 Deewara Mawatha , ☏ +94 272 226 464 . At the end of a peninsula about 4 km from the ruins (an easy cycle), this resort has sweeping views over the lake, where elephants often roam. Also good staff and restaurant. $80 for lake view room . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Don't even think of sleeping on the grass, due to the risk that you will get a bite from a venomous snake or insect.

Connect [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• Dambulla located 67 km west of Polonnaruwa
• Batticaloa located on east cost of Sri Lanka
• Knuckles Mountain Range

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Polonnaruwa - Sri Lanka

• DESTINATIONS
• POLONNARUWA

POLONNARUWA 224 KM (139 Miles) From Colombo

Polonnaruwa is the Island's 2nd largest kingdom. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty and serenity was captured in the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The Lankathilaka temple and a colossal statue of the Buddha made from stone is located here.

Ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is the 2nd largest city in north central province. But it is known as one of the cleaner and more beautiful cities in the country. The greeny environment houses amazing ancient constructions, Parakrama Samudraya (a huge lake built in 1200 A.C) and above all nice hospitable people. Scientific observation has been made about its climate changes it has been noted that the temperature of the later part in the year drops significantly low. Nevertheless leaving the country without even stepping on to the fertile land would be a huge waste, make sure that Polonnaruwa is a part in the itinerary.

Religious Significance of Polonnaruwa

Buddhist pilgrimages are organised among people to visit ancient ruins of temples, stupas and even hindu temples. Rankot Vihara, the largest stupa in the city is about 180 ft high. Lankathilaka Gedige, buil during the rule of Parakramabahu, however the roof of it is missing but still is worth a visit to view the temple's magnificence. Kiri Vihara another stupa redicovered during the 19th century, it was surrounded by the dense forest and thereby wasn't known to man for long periods of time. Shiva Dewale, a hindu temple that was built during the 13th century, is also one of the famous attractions in Polonnaruwa.

POLONNARUWA Information and Google Map

• Province: North Central
• District: Polonnaruwa
• Popular for: Ancient ruins
• Weather: 31 °C
• Type: Culture
• Population : 359,000
• Area: 3,293 km²

POLONNARUWA Best Hotels / Accommodations

On entering to hotels in Polonnaruwa, you’ll feel an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel being in your own home with a tasteful blending of the essence. Hotels in Polonnaruwa cater according to your preference and you’ll love being here.

Deer Park Hotel Polonnaruwa

The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa

Hotel Sudu Araliya Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa - youtube video's.

Have you ever dreamed of being in the perfect place for emotions? You’ll get amazed about Polonnaruwa and its beauty once you start watching these videos. You’ll also feel like capturing the exact scene lively as you come across these spectacular videos.

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Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s spectacular second ancient city, and the ruins from this golden age vividly reflect some of the most well-preserved architectural treasures of the time. Dating back to the tenth century, the ruins incorporate palaces, monasteries, Buddhist and Hindu temples, dagobas and many beautiful statues, and sit beneath shady trees near the Parakrama Samudra Tank. The compact site can easily be visited in a day, and the best way to see all the sights is to hire a bicycle and gently peddle between the ruins.

History of Polonnaruwa

In 993, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first glorious capital, became overrun by South Indian Chola invaders who moved the capital south to Polonnaruwa. Establishing a presence here for over 70 years, the Cholas were finally ousted by Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I in 1073 who went on to retain Polonnaruwa as his capital. Successive kings, notably Parakramabahu I and Nissankamalla, greatly expanded and beautified the city, which remained a royal capital for just over 200 years before South Indians invaders returned. Polonnaruwa eventually fell into ruin as the capital was moved south to a safer location close to present-day Colombo.

Where is Polonnaruwa?

Polonnaruwa is located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka within Sri Lanka’s history-rich Cultural Triangle. It is two-hours’ drive from Anuradhapura and 230-kilometres from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. The ruins may be visited when travelling to the east coast or as an east coast day trip as Polonnaruwa is just over an hour’s drive from the beach resort of Passikuda.

Why visit Polonnaruwa?

Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s best attractions and provides an inspirational snapshot into Medieval Sri Lanka. The ruins of this archaeological park are easily accessible and cover an area of about four kilometres from north to south. Originally enclosed within three sets of concentric walls, Polonnaruwa was protected to the west by the vast Parakrama Samudra Tank, a man-made reservoir that provided water, irrigation and cooling breezes.

What are the highlights of Polonnaruwa?

•At the heart of the site is the Royal Palace, a 31-metre-long mansion, believed to have once stood over seven stories high, along with ruins of a Council Chamber, an Audience Hall (beautified with carved elephants) and the Royal Baths. •The sacred Quadrangle is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest attractions. This is the most concentrated area of ruins at Polonnaruwa, and at its heart lies The Vatadage, a circular relic house with an impressive 18-metre diameter and breathtaking sculptural detailing including four beautifully preserved stone Buddhas. •The city also houses the ruins of some impressive dagobas – including the red brick Rankot Vihara (55-metres-high), the Menik Vihara, the Pabalu Vehera, and the lime-plastered Kiri Vihara, originally built for one of Parakramabahu’s wives. •The impressive cathedral-like Lankatilaka shrine (the walls soar to an incredible 17 metres) sits within the Alahana Pirivena (former royal cremation grounds), and is home to a huge headless Buddha carved out of the towering end wall. •To the north of the site lie the serene statues of Gal Vihara. The four Buddhas defy the years as they are still in incredible condition. Carved out of one slab of granite, the natural marbling of the stone winds its way through the graceful carvings. •The Shiva Devale Number 1 is the oldest building on the site, which, having been constructed from brick, is almost entirely complete. Dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva, it is one of a handful of Pandyan-era Hindu shrines in Polonnaruwa.

Is there wildlife at Polonnaruwa?

Yes, as you travel around the site you will likely see many of Polonnaruwa’s primates. These include the grey langur, the purple-faced leaf monkey (shy, and often seen in the trees) and the curious, more dominant macaques. Polonnaruwa’s monkey population was famously eulogized in Disney’s Monkey Kingdom movie, and you can observe their offspring as you explore the ruins. This is the best place to see Sri Lanka’s three diurnal primates in the wild.

Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa?

Many visitors to Sri Lanka have time to visit just one of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, yet the difficulty can lie in choosing which one to see. The two sites are, unhelpfully, hard to compare as they have their own distinct attractions. Where Polonnaruwa is more compact, which suits those poor on time, Anuradhapura’s ruins are spread over a wide area, and are deserving of a few days to really see everything. Polonnaruwa’s sites are better preserved, and the artistry of Gal Vihara and the Quadrangle undeniably impressive, although the sheer scale of Anuradhapura’s ruins is truly extraordinary (and mean you can often escape the coach parties). There is also a certain vibrancy to Anuradhapura, brought alive by its proximity to the pilgrimage site of Mihintale.

Quick guide to Polonnaruwa

• Do I need to buy tickets? Yes. Buy your tickets at the Museum before you enter the precinct.

• Where can I hire bicycles? There are bicycle hire places in/around Polonnaruwa and at the entrance to the site. Your hotel will be able to organise this for you.

• What are the opening hours? The site is open from 7am to 5.30pm, however to do the site justice you’ll want to arrive by mid-morning latest.

• How long does it take to tour the whole site? Plan on a whole day though you can see the highlights in just a few hours by tuk tuk or vehicle.

• Can I take photographs? Yes. However, never photograph a person with their back to a Buddha statue.

• What should I wear to visit Polonnaruwa? There is a modest dress code for visiting temples in Sri Lanka. Knees and shoulders must be covered. It’s very humid so if you do wear shorts, pack a sarong for when you enter the temples. Be prepared also to remove your shoes if entering a temple site.

• When’s the best time of day to visit Polonnaruwa? To avoid the heat, start exploring as soon as the ticket office opens.

What’s the best time of year to visit Polonnaruwa?

Polonnaruwa can be visited throughout the year.

What else is there to see in/around Polonnaruwa?

If you’re visiting Polonnaruwa, don’t miss this: •Polonnaruwa is close to a number of national parks, most notably the Minneriya National Park. This modest reserve, centred around a vast tank, is home to a wide slice of wildlife though is notable for its annual gathering of elephants. Between August and September, hundreds of elephants can be seen feeding on the lush banks of the tank. Vast herds of elephants also roam into neighbouring Kaudulla National Park.

essay my favourite personality for class 6

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• New Way To Sinhala language skills development

Let’s protect the trees – Grade 6

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Temple of the tooth – grade 8.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is known as the Dalada Maligawa. The present Dalada Maligawa is located in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It is recorded in the history that the Tooth Relic was hidden inside the hair of Hemamala and brought to Sri Lanka from India. The sacred Tooth Relic was brought to Anuradhapura, then to the capital city of Polonnaruwa and finally to the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

This Essay has 200 words

Total number of words to be = 200 Total Marks =14

Sinhala essay :- Sri dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth)- Grade 8

Shirantha Perera

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