16 x Things To Do in Polonnaruwa
Last Updated On June 18, 2023
As the second most crucial medieval capital after Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is notable for its well-preserved remains depicting Sri Lanka's ancient history, dating back to the Anuradhapura era, making it one of the most cultural places. The city established itself as an important local trade center in the aftermath of the destruction of Anuradhapura. The medieval golden age lasted from the 11th to the 13th century and was glorious and victorious, heralding the grandiosity of Sinhalese kingdoms and broad Buddhist civilization.
The splendor of that era can be found in the massive artifacts on the east shore of a vast artificial lake, the Parakrama Samudraya, a Polonnaruwa landmark erected by King Parakramabahu I during his reign during the golden age of Polonnaruwa. There are palace remains, a massive stupa, gorgeous striking statues, and an unusually designed structure that defies explanation.
A standing statue of King Parakramabahu carved out of rock stands at the lake's southern end. The sculptures at the Gal Vihara are another collection of spectacular ruins. These sculptures were carved into granite stone during the middle of the 12th century. The entire carving comprises four massive statues of Buddha in various poses.
1. Parakrama Samudraya
2. Royal Palace
The Royal Palace Set is the first group of ruins you see after entering the Ancient City's ground. This collection of structures comes from the reign of King Parakramabahu I. The King's Royal Palace is a large tower that formerly had 50 rooms supported by 30 columns and measured 31 m by 13 m. Even now, it is a magnificent structure, but imagine it being seven stories tall with three-meter-thick walls, as archaeologists allege it once was.
3. Audience Hall
4. Royal Bathing Pool
5. The Quadrangle
The Sacred Quadrangle is a small group of stunning ruins on a high platform surrounded by a wall. This is the most densely packed collection of structures in the entire Ancient City and is a must-see for any visitor.
The Vatadage, a circular relic house typical of its sort, is located in the center of the Quadrangle. The most extensive terrace is 18m in circumference and has four entrances, all bordered by huge guard stones in excellent shape.
6. Rankoth Vehera
7. Pabalu Vehera
8. Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilaka is a centuries-old Sinhalese shrine located between Kandy and Polonnaruwa. It is one of the country's most stunning ruined sites. It was created in the 11th century by King Parakrabahu and attracted archaeologists, historians, and tourists yearly.
9. Kiri Vihara (Milk-white Vihara)
10. Gal Vihara
Gal Vihara is a Buddhist rock temple in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa in northern Sri Lanka. It was first known as Uttara Rama. It has four rock statues, each depicting a distinct Buddha figure. The first describes Buddha seated on a lotus; the second is a smaller seated image; the third is a standing figure, and the last is a reclining figure.
It is believed that Parakramabahu built the monument in the 12th century. There have been various debates about the standing figure of Buddha, with historians saying that it is a figure of Ananda rather than Buddha. The Gal Vihara is the most visible of the hundred temples established by Parakramabahu in Sri Lanka.