Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdom. It was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Attractions

Gal Vihara - Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that mark the high point of Sinhalese rock carving. The Gal Vihara consists of four separate images, all cut from one long slab of granite. The standing Buddha is 7m tall and is said to be the finest of the series.

Quadrangle - Quadrangle is royal palace ruins in a raised up area bounded by a wall. It’s the most concentrated collection of buildings you’ll find in the Ancient Cities - an archaeologist’s playpen.

Lankatilaka - The Lankatilaka temple was built by Parakramabahu I and later restored by Vijayabahu IV. This massive stone temple has 17m high walls, although the roof has collapsed. The cathedral-like aisle leads to a huge standing (headless) Buddha.

Rankot Vihara - The dome of Rankot Vihara consists of earth fill covered by a brick mantle and plaster. The construction clearly imitates the Anuradhapura style. Surgical instruments found in a nearby ruined 12th-century hospital are surprisingly similar to those used today.

Polonnaruwa Ruins - Once a royal capital of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms, Polonnaruwa Ruins is now an archaeological park. A delight to explore with hundreds of ancient structures - tombs and temples, statues and stupas - in a sprawling forested core, you can explore the entire site in a day.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is between May to October, when the weather is perfect for touring.