Polonnaruwa

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.

Attractions of Polonnaruwa

Stories, tips, and guides

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