Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa – located at a distance of 216km from Colombo was the capital of SriLanka in medieval times. Used by the SriLankan kings as a “country residence” from the 7^th century, polonnaruwa become SriLanka’s capital in the 11^th century AD.

During its time the city was fortified with there concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred place. The city and the surrounding area were watered by a unique irrigational complex known as the sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudra).

Places to see…

Parakrama Samudra:

                                                         Parakrama Samudra is a man made tank spread over an area of 5940 acres, built by the King Parakramabahu. It is one of the most striking features of Pollonnurawa.

Royal Citadel:

                                                         The Citadel housed the place and administrative buildings of King Parakramabahu who ruled in 12^th century AD and is enclosed by huge rampart more than a meter thick. It is an impressive building with fine stone carvings. The Royal Bath is outside the rampart with a flight of steps leading to it. The beautiful bath is made of stone with a small pavilion probably used as a changing room.

Gal Vihara:

                                                         It is rock cut Buddhist shrine dating back to 12^th century AD. It contains magnificent images of Buddha carved out of stone.

Vata-Da-Ge:

                                     A circular relic chamber built enclosing a dagoba that had been a popular architectural style in ancient SriLanka.

Hatadage:

                                     A relic chamber built by King Parakramabahu I to house the sacred Tooth Relic.

Lotus Pound:                    A stone pond built in the shape of a lotus flower in eight parallel tiers probably to provide seating to the monks while bathing.