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A City of Splendor
Polonnaruwa, often dubbed the "City of Splendor," was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, in addition to the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into a golden age of Sri Lankan history. Travelers can wander amidst mystical ruins, including the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihara with its colossal rock-cut Buddha statues, and the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir—an engineering marvel that rivals the ocean in scale.
Must Visit Attractions
Gal Vihara
A group of four magnificent Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face, representing the pinnacle of Sinhalese rock carving and ancient artistry.
Parakrama Samudra
Known as the "Sea of Parakrama," this massive man-made reservoir covers 2,500 hectares and remains a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
Rankoth Vehera
The largest stupa in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest in the country, this brick-built monument mimics the colossal stupas of Anuradhapura.
Lankathilaka Viharaya
A massive image house built of brick, known for its towering walls and the remains of a colossal standing Buddha statue, showcasing architectural grandeur.
Gal Potha (Stone Book)
A massive stone slab inscription recording the genealogy and deeds of King Nissanka Malla, offering deep insights into the region's history.
Things To Do
Cycling the Ancient City
Polonnaruwa’s ruins are spread out but connected by flat roads, making cycling the best way to explore the Citadel, Quadrangle, and outlying monuments efficiently.
Visit the Archaeological Museum
Start your journey at the museum to see models of the ancient buildings as they once stood, along with well-preserved artifacts from the kingdom.
Primate Watching
Home to large troops of Toque Macaques (featured in "Monkey Kingdom"), Polonnaruwa is a haven for observing diverse primate behaviors in the wild ruins.
