Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, which became the capital of Sri Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura, was to witness the Sinhalese Buddhist civilization reaching still greater heights. The Golden Age of Polonnaruwa dawned when King Parakramabahu I ascended the throne. His vision, to use every single drop of water that fell from the skies, resulted in the creation of remarkable irrigation systems that baffle people even today. Paddy cultivation was a challenge in the dry zone, but the visionary king certainly made the impossible possible. The vast ‘Parakrama Samudra’ was one of the greatest feats achieved during this time and the reservoir still glistens like a sea of hope in the heart of Polonnaruwa. The ruins of the Royal Palace is one of the main attractions. It is said that the palace used to be seven stories high. The Gal Viharaya has magnificent Buddha statues that have been carved from granite with much precision. The Vatadage which is situated in the quadrangle is said to have been the home to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, Rankoth Vehera, and Hatadage are some of the most prominent sites that can be explored on foot or by cycle. Polonnaruwa is considered a city with great cultural value as well as religious value. Polonnaruwa One of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.