Discover the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, a Cultural Treasure in Central Sri Lanka.
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second capital, replacing Anuradhapura, which was destroyed in 993. The ruins are spread over a large area of about 4km from north to south, making them ideal for exploring on a bicycle. It is also Sri Lanka’s second-largest city in the north-central province where UNESCO has named Polonnaruwa a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site.
A great reservoir/tank named after King Parakramabahu, and a museum are both within easy reach. The ancient city is in remarkable condition and is a fascinating cultural site to visit with ruins of a palace, a massive dagoba, stunning statues, and a striking building, such unusual architecture that still keep historians baffled. The sculptures at Gal Vihara, which were cut into granite stone in the middle of the 12th century, are among the most impressive ruins.
King Parakramabahu is credited with the construction of many of the physical ruins that can still be witnessed today. During his reign, the kingdom thrived and prospered under a visionary leader. Therefore the period of rule is considered the golden age. Kings’ Royal Palace, Audience Hall encircled by stone elephant sculptures, and the Bathing Pool are all examples of the superior engineering capabilities of their time.
A visit to Polonnaruwa Museum is a great way to begin your exploration of the ancient city. The museum’s informative display provides a wealth of information about the city’s numerous ruins and restored irrigation system that includes man-made rainwater reservoirs and canals to distribute water to the agricultural district of Polonnaruwa.
Aside from the ruins of Polonnaruwa, it is also the home to a significant monkey population which was featured in the Disney documentary ‘Monkey Kingdom’. Three of Sri Lanka’s diurnal primates can be observed up close in Polonnaruwa: the grey langur, purple-faced leaf monkey and toque macaque, whose rivalry provides an intriguing side story.
