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Open the Pages of History at the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka
Published by Devender Kundaliya, Writer
Country: Sri Lanka 
The Experience
For history buffs, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is simply a treat to watch. This medieval capital of Sri Lanka is one of the few historical cities in the country that have been tastefully preserved. Featuring numerous old, historical structures including dagobas, statues, parks, etc., Polonnaruwa serves as one of the cultural and heritage centers of the country. Spending a day in Polonnaruwa is like opening a page in history, here you will see how Chola and Sinhalese kings ruled the country from their capital.
Polonnaruwa became the capital of Indian Chola kingdom in 10th century after the Chola kings attacked Anuradhapura and devastated it. In 1073 AD, Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated Cholas and made Polonnaruwa his capital. For the next 300 years, this city continued to be the royal capital, with strong encircling walls protecting it from invaders. It was during King Vijayabahu I’s rule that Buddhism revived again in the region.
Today, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa offers beautifully preserved monuments and structures for historians and tourists to explore. You can explore the ruins on a bicycle, bike or three wheeler. Bicycles and bikes are easily available for rent at a number of shops on town’s main road.
The ancient structures in the city have been divided into different groups, including Royal Palace Group, the Quadrangle, Near Quadrangle, Northern Group, Southern Group, and Rest House Group.
Royal Palace Group buildings, which include the Royal Palace, Audience Hall and Bathi-ng Pool, date back to the period of King Parakramabahu I. The Royal Palace is believed to be a magnificent 7-storey building where King Parakramabahu I used to live with his queens. The Audience Hall today features wall paintings depicting elephants and lions.
The Quadrangle area has ruins of 7 buildings that are today known as Vatadage, Atadage, Hatadage, Thuparama, Gal Pota, Latha-Mandapaya, and Satmahal Prasada. As you move towards north of Quadrangle you can see a number of structures including Shiva Devale No 1, Shiva Devale No 2, and Pabula Vihara.
The Northern Group structures are located towards the northern side of the city wall. These include Gal Vihara, Kiri Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Buddha Seema Prasad, Lotus Pond, Tivanka Image House and Lankatilaka. You can find here some of the best Buddha images created in the whole country. Gal Vihara features Buddha images carved out of granite stone.
The Southern Group structures include the odd puzzle like Potgul Vihara (library dagoba) and the 4-m high statue of Parakramabahu.
Parakarma Samudra, an artificial irrigation tank constructed by King Parakrambahu, is a prominent attraction of the ancient city. It is spread in an area of around 5900 acres. You can explore this tank using a boat available for hire at the site.
The Archaeological Museum of Polonnaruwa has a nice collection of artifacts dating back to Chola period. Different sections of the museum display items related to different themes including, the outer city, Hindu Kings, etc. Scale models of a different ancient buildings have also been displayed in the museum.
Polonnaruwa became the capital of Indian Chola kingdom in 10th century after the Chola kings attacked Anuradhapura and devastated it. In 1073 AD, Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated Cholas and made Polonnaruwa his capital. For the next 300 years, this city continued to be the royal capital, with strong encircling walls protecting it from invaders. It was during King Vijayabahu I’s rule that Buddhism revived again in the region.
Today, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa offers beautifully preserved monuments and structures for historians and tourists to explore. You can explore the ruins on a bicycle, bike or three wheeler. Bicycles and bikes are easily available for rent at a number of shops on town’s main road.
The ancient structures in the city have been divided into different groups, including Royal Palace Group, the Quadrangle, Near Quadrangle, Northern Group, Southern Group, and Rest House Group.
Royal Palace Group buildings, which include the Royal Palace, Audience Hall and Bathi-ng Pool, date back to the period of King Parakramabahu I. The Royal Palace is believed to be a magnificent 7-storey building where King Parakramabahu I used to live with his queens. The Audience Hall today features wall paintings depicting elephants and lions.
The Quadrangle area has ruins of 7 buildings that are today known as Vatadage, Atadage, Hatadage, Thuparama, Gal Pota, Latha-Mandapaya, and Satmahal Prasada. As you move towards north of Quadrangle you can see a number of structures including Shiva Devale No 1, Shiva Devale No 2, and Pabula Vihara.
The Northern Group structures are located towards the northern side of the city wall. These include Gal Vihara, Kiri Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Buddha Seema Prasad, Lotus Pond, Tivanka Image House and Lankatilaka. You can find here some of the best Buddha images created in the whole country. Gal Vihara features Buddha images carved out of granite stone.
The Southern Group structures include the odd puzzle like Potgul Vihara (library dagoba) and the 4-m high statue of Parakramabahu.
Parakarma Samudra, an artificial irrigation tank constructed by King Parakrambahu, is a prominent attraction of the ancient city. It is spread in an area of around 5900 acres. You can explore this tank using a boat available for hire at the site.
The Archaeological Museum of Polonnaruwa has a nice collection of artifacts dating back to Chola period. Different sections of the museum display items related to different themes including, the outer city, Hindu Kings, etc. Scale models of a different ancient buildings have also been displayed in the museum.
When to Go to Polonnaruwa
Odds n' Ends
Polonnaruwa lies about 215 km from Colombo and 102 km from Anuradhapura. Kandy city is located about 140 km from Polonnaruwa. The ancient city is easily accessible from Colombo through bus and railway service. However, it is better to hire a private taxi to get to this area to make the journey comfortable.
There are plenty of comfortable hotels in Polonnaruwa. It's a great stop en route to the Cultural Triangle area.
There are plenty of comfortable hotels in Polonnaruwa. It's a great stop en route to the Cultural Triangle area.
Places to Stay Nearby
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The Rock Cascade is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Polonnaruwa. All 3 rooms at the hotel are well-appointed with necessary amenities ... 1 miles away
The Siyanco Holiday Resort offers a swimming pool and a tour desk as well as a concierge, meeting rooms and a kids pool. For the ... 1 miles away
$9523 LKR+
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