Polonnaruwa

The Medieval Capital of 10th Century. Polonnaruwa today remains among the best planned archaeological sites in the country. Due to its archeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage in 1982.

Polonnaruwa was declared  the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 by King Vijayabahu, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the nation once more under a local leader. During the time of the great King Parakramabahu who led the country between the times of 1153 – 1186 sustained such heroic scales in rice cultivation by constructing the massive irrigation network with reservoirs that look like natural in land seas. Sri Lanka became known as the Granary of the Orient. 

Some places you shouldn't miss in Polonnaruwa

  The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu -  a place of great historical importance, was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1982.

 Rankothvehera- the 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka Built by the Nissanka Malla(1187-1196) Rich in vibrant history and scenic beauty.

 The archaeological museum of Polonnaruwa- depicted scenes from 1012 A.D.

  Vatadages -  typical Buddhist structures found in Sri Lanka. These are circular, constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were built to protect stupas.

 Kirivehera - This an 80 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town.

 Nissanka Latha Mandapaya- a unique architectural structure located in Sri Lanka built  in the 20th century.

 Pothgul Viharaya - an old library and monastery  date back to the twelfth century. The name Pothgul itself means 'Bookstore'.

 Gal Vihara - a rock temple which has four rock statues, each portraying different figures of Buddha.

Parakrama Samudra (Sinhala: sea of Parkramabahu) man-made lake built in the 13th century and rehabilitated in 1950s