Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s wonderfully maintained historic capital and one of the country’s most important cultural sites. Old dagobas, lovely gardens, big buildings, and beautiful monuments may be seen throughout the city. For about 300 years, it served as the royal capital of both the Chola and Sinhalese empires. In the 11th century AD, the city was designated as the capital. It was at this period that Anuradhapura endured heinous assaults from Indian kings. Thousands of people found a home within the city’s secure surrounding walls during its heyday. The only occupants today are monkeys and birds, yet the magnificence of the historic metropolis can still be seen.
This magnificent civilisation continues to provide enough for tourists to gain a sense of its previous glory. Much of the site is still unexplored, and there are many surprises hidden beneath the surface.
Polonnaruwa is home to a plethora of magnificent monuments. Parakarma Samudra is one of the city’s most notable attractions. It was built by King Parakramabahu as an artificial irrigation tank. Near the Parakarma Samudra lies the Archaeological Museum. Chola bronzes are among the many intriguing artefacts on show. The Royal Palace Group consists of three structures dating from Parakramabahu I’s reign: the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, and Bathing Pool.
Quadrangle is a well-known location near Royal Place. Quadrangle Group consists of seven beautiful structures. There are a lot of interesting places to see around Quadrangle. Pabulu Vihara, Shiva Devale No 1 and Shiva Devale No 2 are among them. The remains of Gal Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Buddha Seema Pasada, Lankatilaka, Kiri Vihara, Lotus pond, and Tivanka Image House may be found to the north of the city wall. Potgul Vihara and the monument are the two primary features of the Southern Group.
Polonnaruwa lies 65 miles (105 km) southeast of Anuradhapura and 135 miles (217 km) northeast of Colombo. On Batticaloa Road, near Kaduruwela, are the main bus and train stations in Polonnaruwa. Bicycles are the best mode of transportation for going around the city’s landmarks.
Polonnaruwa Tourist Attractions/ Things to Do
Parakarma Samudra
Parakarma Samudra is one of Polonnaruwa’s most notable attractions. It was built by King Parakramabahu as an artificial irrigation tank. It has a total area of 6,005 acres. It has a number of routes for collecting water from various locations in order to fill irrigation canals and tanks. To get a sense of the planning and design that went into this place, rent a boat and go exploring.
Archaeological Museum
Near the Parakarma Samudra lies the Archaeological Museum. Chola bronzes are among the noteworthy things on show at the museum. Within the museum, there are several rooms, each with its own theme. The fort, the monastery, and the Hindu community are all exhibited in some of these rooms. Many architectural models show the grandeur of their structures when they were at their peak.
Royal Palace Group
The Royal Palace Group consists of three structures dating from Parakramabahu I’s reign: the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, and Bathing Pool. The Royal Palace remains a formidable building. The middle hall is surrounded by massive masonry walls. This magnificent hall is nestled among the ruins of dozens of chambers. The palace is said to have had seven floors in the past, but there are no evidence of them today.
Quadrangle
Quadrangle is a well-known location near Royal Place. Vatadage, Thuparamaya, Lata Mandapaya (Flower-Scroll Hall), Atadage (House of Eight Relics), Hatadage, Gal Potha (Book of Stone), and Sathmahal Pasada are the seven majestic buildings that make up Quadrangle (Seven-story Edifice). King Nissanka Malla and King Vijaybahu constructed some of these structures. However, the origins of certain structures are unknown.
Attractions close to Quadrangle
There are a lot of interesting places to see around Quadrangle. Pabulu Vihara, Shiva Devale No 1 and Shiva Devale No 2 are among them. Pabulu Vihara is a brick-built dagoba. It is said to have been built by Queen Rupavati. The Shiva Devale No. 1 Hindu temple, built in the 13th century, has a buckled dome, but the masonry is still visible. The Shiva Devale No. 2 is the town’s oldest structure, dating back to the Chola dynasty.
Northern Sites
The remains of Gal Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Buddha Seema Pasada, Lankatilaka, Kiri Vihara, Lotus pond, and Tivanka Image House may be found to the north of the city wall. A Buddhist shrine carved out of rocks is known as Gal Vihara. The Alahana Pirivena group’s highest building, Buddha Seema Pasada, has a lofty platform with outstanding supports. The masonry on the walls of the Lankatilaka picture home is amazing. Other sights are likewise spectacular and worth seeing.
The Southern Group
Potgul Vihara (Southern Monastery) and the statue are the principal features of the Southern Group. Potgul Vihara is a fun site for people who enjoy solving puzzles and issues. A group of dagobas surrounds a building on a platform. In the past, the location was said to have used as a lecture hall for monks. The Statue of Parakramabahu is located near Potgul Vihara. It’s a gigantic rock sculpture that took a lot of talent to make.
