The Ancient Sri Lanka City of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa stands today as one of the most important ancient cities of Sri Lanka. It served as the second capital of the country after the fall of Anuradhapura in 993. These days, tourists flock to Polonnaruwa to behold the fascinating monuments of the garden city, which was mostly created in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I. The city, which now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also holds high historic importance because it saw the rise of many civilizations including the Sinhalese, which took over during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Polonnaruwa is considered an exceptional and unique urban creation because of its unusual layout and the relationship of its buildings to the environment. The city was also once a venerated Buddhism site because it became home to the Sacred Tooth of the Lord Buddha relic. Located in the northeastern central region of Sri Lanka, the Polonnaruwa you see today is a medium-sized city. It is also an important stop on the land transport route between Batticaloa and the capital city of Colombo.

The ruins of Polonnaruwa are conveniently located in one compact complex on the eastern shore of the artificial lake called Top Wewa Lake. This walled complex follows a rectangular shape and houses a cluster of palaces, temples dagobas, and other religious structures. There are also other interesting historical buildings situated outside the old walls, just north of the complex. It is possible to visit the major buildings within the ancient site in one day. To reach the entrance of the archaeological site from you hotel, you usually only need to take a tuktuk (three-wheeled vehicle).

One of the ancient ruins you can find tucked in the complex is the Royal Citadel also known as the Palace of King Parakramabahu. This palace originally rose to seven levels and was finely decorated. Today, only its thick walls and exquisite facade remained. Another very visible city monument just beside a scenic lakeside rest house is the rock carved statue of King Parakramabahu. There have been some debates among archeologists about the identity of this 3.5 meter-tall statue as some believed it is really a representation of a sage named Pulasti, whom the city was named after.

The Potgul Vehera is another beautiful ruin that will easily captivate you. This is actually an old Library Monastery and is situated just outside the Royal Garden of Nandana Uyana. Potgul Vehera has a unique circular designed surrounded by four dagobas. The Shiva Devale and Shiva Devale 2 are two of the prominent Hindu temples you can find at Polonnaruwa's ancient complex. Other fascinating buildings you should definitely explore include the relic houses of Vatadage and Thuparama, the Nissankalata Mandapaya pavilion, the Buddha statue of Gal Viharaya and the Sacred Tooth relic temples of Hatadage and Atadage.

Aside from being an ancient city, another reason Polonnaruwa is such a huge attraction for travellers is its close proximity to several national parks. Some of the popular natural reservoirs you may consider visiting include Kawudulla, Minneriya and the ancient Bendiwewa reservoir, which is a section of the reservoir complex called Parakrama Samudra.