Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, flourished as the heart of the kingdom from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Recognized for its extraordinary architecture, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The origins of Polonnaruwa trace back to the 6th century BC, when a minister of King Vijaya, the progenitor of the Sinhalese race, established a settlement named “Vijitha Grama.”

 

In 933 AD, invaders from South India, known as the Cholas, captured the kingdom of Anuradhapura and moved the capital to Polonnaruwa. The city regained Sinhalese control in 1055 AD under a local king who defeated the Cholas. Polonnaruwa was designed as a rectangular fortress, surrounded by walls and equipped with royal palaces, parks, fountains, monasteries, and temples, showcasing a well-planned urban layout.

 

Despite its relatively short history, Polonnaruwa’s layout and the compact arrangement of its monuments make its history more accessible and straightforward. Both Polonnaruwa and its predecessor, Anuradhapura, are essential visits for the discerning traveler.

Statue of King ParakramabahuPolonnaruwa Ancient CityPolonnaruwaPolonnaruwa Sri LankaPolonnaruwa GalwiharayaPolonnaruwa GalwiharayaSamadi Statue Polonnaruwa

Key Highlights of Polonnaruwa

Parakrama Samudraya

Parakrama Samudraya located in Polonnaruwa was built by King Parakramabahu. It is the largest ancient man-made rainwater reservoir in Sri Lanka, having the capacity of 134 million cubic metres of water and spreading over 2500 hectares in the region.

Statue of King Parakramabahu

On the Southern side of the Parakrama Samudraya, there is a monument of a man carved in a rock holding a pile of manuscripts/ola leaves. The statue is 3.5m tall. However, there is an argument on who is represented in this monument. Some believe that this is the King Parakramabahu while others say that this is the sage Pulasti.

Royal Palace and Council Chambers

This is the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I, which according to the records has had seven stories in total. It includes an audience hall, which still has its remaining of carvings and moonstones. Then there is the famous royal bath, the Kumara Pokuna which is said to be the pleasure garden of the King.

Siva Shrines

Declaring the Indian influence of the kingdom, you can see a Hindu Temple in the city which is dedicated to the God Siva.

Thuparamaya

Thuparamaya is a Buddhist stupa located inside the city which has had a brick image house called a  Vat adage to protect the Dagoba.

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.

Gal Viharaya

Gal Viharaya is one of the most important places in Polonnaruwa. The temple has several rock carved Buddha images which has astonished the world for its skillful craftsmanship. There are four separate statues all of which are carved in the same granite. The Gal viharaya dates to the time of King Parakramabahu I. there are statues of a Seated Buddha, Standing and recumbent Buddha images. Gal Viharaya is a must of all the visitors to Polonnaruwa for its architectural as well as historical glory.

Among the other points of interest in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa are,

 

  1. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
  2. The Satmahal Prasada
  3. Kiri Vehera
  4. Lankathilake
  5. Demala Maha Seya- The Tamil Dagaba
  6. Tivanka Image House
  7. Potgul Vihara
  8. Hatadage
  9. Gal Potha. Polonnaruwa
  10. Pabulu Vehera in Polonnaruwa
  11. Siva Devale 2
  12. Ran Kot Vehera