Polonnaruwa
135 miles from Colombo and southeast of Anuradhapura is Polonnaruwa which was the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka, and the ancient city is today one of the most beautiful centres of this island's cultural heritage. When early in the 11th century AD Anuradhapura suffered one of the worst of its many Indian invasions, Polonnaruwa became the next of rule.
Today's remaining monuments, however, belong almost exclusively the reigns of two kings. The city in its day was fortified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred place
The city itself, as well as the surrounding plain was watered by a unique irrigational complex known as the Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudra) so vast was its scale. A great number of beautiful monuments are gathered in the natural reserve which surrounds the ruins.
In its prime, the city, inside its 3½ miles of strong encircling walls, housed hundreds of thousands of people, where today monkeys and birds are the only inhabitants. But the glories of mediaeval Polonnaruwa have not been lost to the world, and enough remains from this magnificent civilisation for the visitors to get a glimpse of its former grandeur. Today most of the site is unexcavated, and still guards its mysteries.
Polonnaruwa, second medieval capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura was ruined, is the best preserved town of the country. It has ancient dagobas, nice parks, moonstones, colossal structures and elegant statues. Polonnaruwa of today remains among the best planned archaeological sites in the country. It testimonies the creativity of the first rulers of the island. The town has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Treasures of Polonnaruwa
Sea of Parakrama is the dominating structure in the town. It is a massive 12th century man-made reservoir, so vast that it is impossible to view the other bank of the tank while standing on one. Few visitworthy sites of Polonnaruwa are King's Council Chamber, Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) and Lotus Bath. Idol of Parakrambahu, one of the great kings of Polonnaruwa is an impressive structure. The town also hosts Brahmanic structures built by the Cholas. Monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-town made by King Parakrambahu I bathe the visitors in the glory of the ancient times. Demala Mahaseya is the largest but unfinished stupa in Polonnaruwa. Lotus Bath are seven ponds in the form of blossoming lotus. Rankot Vehera is the largest finished dagoba.
Natural Attractions
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is located 3km off the fishing hamlet of Pottuvil. The site is known for long beach stretches and a wide lagoon where numerous bird species live. It was a popular surfer's destination before deteriorating law and order made the place unsafe for traveling.
Gal Oya National Park
Taken shape in 1954, Gal Oya National Park is 260 sq km of scrub and open countryside around an artificial reservoir. Vegetaion in the park comprises both evergreen jungles and grasslands. The reservoir has been named Senanayake Samudra (Senanayake Sea), after first post-independence prime minister of Sri Lanka. About 30 species of beasts are found here including leopard, sloth bear, elephant, wild boar, water buffalo, various species of deer, common langur and endemic toque macaque. About 150 species of birds also reside in this park.
Lahugala National Park
Lahugala has been declared a national park with the aim of providing a safe corridor to the elephants moving between Yala and Gal Oya national parks. Particularly in the dry season the tiny park has number of elephants who come there attracted by the abundance of reservoirs and grazing ground.
History
Polonnaruwa was established as the capital of Sri Lanka in 11th century AD replacing Anuradhapura. Continuous invasions from South India had forced the kings of Sri Lanka to do so. Polonnaruwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka from 11 AD to 13 AD. Prominent monarchs of this period are King Vijayabahu I, King Maha Parakramabau I and King Nissankamalla.
Distance & Directions from Other Towns
Colombo 216 Km
Kandy 140 Km
Anuradhapura 104 Km