Polonnaruwa – Ancient City Ruins and Monuments

Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is another ancient city that holds great historical and cultural significance. It served as the second capital of ancient Sri Lanka and is renowned for its well-preserved archaeological sites. Here are some of the specialties of Polonnaruwa:

1. Ancient Capital: Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century CE, succeeding Anuradhapura. It was during this period that the city reached its peak of grandeur and prosperity.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Polonnaruwa has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional archaeological and historical value. The site contains an array of well-preserved ruins and monuments.
3. Gal Vihara: One of the most iconic and revered sites in Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a group of four colossal Buddha statues carved into a granite rock face. The statues, including a standing, seated, and reclining Buddha, are considered masterpieces of ancient Sri Lankan art.
4. Parakrama Samudra: Polonnaruwa is home to the Parakrama Samudra, an ancient man-made reservoir constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. This vast reservoir and its intricate network of irrigation canals highlight the impressive hydraulic engineering skills of the time.
5. Ancient Monuments: The city is dotted with impressive ancient monuments, including the Rankot Vihara, Lankatilaka Temple, Kiri Vihara, and many others, which showcase the architectural and artistic achievements of the ancient Sri Lankans.
6. Statue of King Parakramabahu I: A standing statue of King Parakramabahu I, one of the great rulers of Sri Lanka’s history, is located in Polonnaruwa. The statue is a testimony to his contributions to the city’s development during his reign.
7. Religious Sites: Polonnaruwa is home to numerous religious sites, including Hindu temples, such as the Siva Devale No. 2, indicating the city’s religious diversity during ancient times.
8. Bicycle-Friendly City: Exploring Polonnaruwa is made convenient by its bicycle-friendly atmosphere. Tourists often rent bicycles to visit the various archaeological sites scattered throughout the city.

Visiting Polonnaruwa offers a captivating journey back in time to the height of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization. The well-preserved ruins, the majestic Buddha statues, and the advanced engineering feats all combine to make Polonnaruwa a remarkable and significant historical destination in Sri Lanka.