Located in the North of Central Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved ancient cities on this teardrop-shaped island – Second only to the Anuradhapura in being the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is rich with grand temples, royal palaces, and breath-taking statues, making it an archaeologist’s dream. Medieval period architecture is evident at landmarks including the Royal Palace, Vatadage, and Gal Potha inscriptions in Polonnaruwa. Parakrama Samudra reservoir is a testament to ancient engineering prowess.
Whether you are pedaling amid the ruins, bird watching among historic locations, or taking a boat ride on Parakrama Samudraya, Polonnaruwa is your chance to discover the towers, carvings, and ruins left by previous rulers in this exquisitely maintained area.
Polonnaruwa is also a spiritual and mystical site. It is just pure awesome. Gal Vihara is a rock temple with four beautiful Buddha statues delicately carved into the bedrock by skilled hands during Sri Lanka’s golden age. The massive Lankathilaka Image House is a silent testament to the awe that must have been present within its confines in times long past. One of the outstanding features is a stone-carved colonnade like lotus stems, demonstrating ancient Sinhala’s architectural beauty. Polonnaruwa has more than just ruins; it also features a setting of dense forest and Parakrama Samudraya, the vast reservoir that attracts many types of birds, making this an exciting location for bird watching. Both being simple towns steeped in antiquity of the best Sri Lanka cultural triangle, a visit to Polonnaruwa offers travelers an incredibly tranquil immersion typical out here for those desirous or looking forward to having a brush with some spiritual and historical settings.
Plan with us a tailor-made journey to Polonnaruwa, an amazing time in the history of Sri Lanka, and keep memories throughout your life.
