Colombo Trip Overview
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka. Today, it is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a huge archaeological site (122 hectares) with perhaps Sri Lanka’s most impressive artifacts and ruins. The site houses the ruins of Sri Lanka’s largest Buddhist University called “Alahana Pirivena”. The city is an important stop for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims because of many Buddhist monuments and ruins attested to various historical incidents. In the past, the city gained influence under South Indian rulers who were ousted by the Sinhalese rebels during the eleventh century CE. The ruins of Polonnaruwa is popular for its blend of Anuradhapuran and South Indian architecture. This is because the ancient inhabitants of Polonnaruwa were a mix of Buddhist and Hindu elite. In the face of growing South Indian power, the kingdom of Polonnaruwa was short-lived and abandoned around 1300 CE.
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 13 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka. Today, it is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is a huge archaeological site (122 hectares) with perhaps Sri Lanka’s most impressive artifacts and ruins. The site houses the ruins of Sri Lanka’s largest Buddhist University called “Alahana Pirivena”. The city is an important stop for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims because of many Buddhist monuments and ruins attested to various historical incidents. In the past, the city gained influence under South Indian rulers who were ousted by the Sinhalese rebels during the eleventh century CE. The ruins of Polonnaruwa is popular for its blend of Anuradhapuran and South Indian architecture. This is because the ancient inhabitants of Polonnaruwa were a mix of Buddhist and Hindu elite. In the face of growing South Indian power, the kingdom of Polonnaruwa was short-lived and abandoned around 1300 CE.
Stop At: Weijantha Prasada, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Palace of King Parakramabahu is one of the most impressive ruins at Polonnaruwa. King Parakramabahu was the most powerful king of Polonnaruwa. He managed to win a civil war, reorganize Buddhist education, construct a huge reservoir, build a navy and sack coastal cities around the Bay of Bengal. He was a great patron of art. Most ruins at the archaeological complex were constructed with his funding in the twelfth century CE. Later kings of Polonnaruwa idolized him. His palace was originally seven storied. The lower three floors were built with brick and the upper four floors were a wooden superstructure. Today, the brick walls and vertical recesses for vertical wooden beams that supported upper floors are visible. The stone staircase leading to the upper floors remain intact. Patches of the original plaster remain along the walls in some places.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: King’s Council Chamber, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The council chamber used by the king lies east of the palace. This is the place where Polonnaruwa was designed at. It is believed that the chamber was built upon the former king’s palace. The intricate stone carvings around the chamber show friezes of elephants, lions, horses, and mythical creatures. The entrance to the chamber is a perfect specimen of a traditional Sinhalese entrance. A flight of steps flanked by intricately carved balustrades and two lion statues greet the admitted, An elaborate set of pillars inside the chamber bear evidence of a slanting wooden roof.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Kumara Pokuna, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The royal bath is a good example of ancient Polonnaruwa’s water management. Underground pipes from the nearby canal worked as an inflow through a carved stone shower while a conduit regulated by a stone slab drained out used water. A resting seat at the middle of the bath and royal changing rooms are seen not far away from the pond.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Vatadage – 39, W2W2+WGV, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
The Vatadage is one of the most beautiful buildings in Sri Lanka. It is certainly the most beautiful example of a traditional entrance in Sri Lanka. Exquisite guard stones, moonstones, balustrades, and carved stone steps adorn the two terraces leading up to the main shrine in the middle of the circular chamber. In the sacred chamber, four Buddha statues face the four cardinal directions. Behind the Buddhas is a small stupa monument where the Sacred Tooth Relic was enshrined. Remnants of the pillars that supported a wooden roof to the chamber are left around the circular inner chamber.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Gal Vihara, 440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Gal Viharaya in Sri Lanka is definitely in the ultimate Asian bucket list. The four Buddha statues of Gal Viharaya are the most beautiful stone statues in Sri Lanka. The place was originally called “Uttararama” (Northern Monastery). All Gal Viharaya statues are fine carved onto a single rock face, which create a breathtaking effect. The attention to detail by the stonemason show unsurpassed skill. The human form carved out is made realistic by robe that flows naturally, head pressing down on a pillow, under robe following the outer robe seam and universal emotion.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Nissanka Latha Madapaya is a masterpiece of Sri Lankan architecture and stone carvings. Elegantly decorated stone pillars take the shape of lotus stalks rising upwards. These pillars supported a roof of unknown shape. A latticed stone fence surrounds the pillared pavilion. An inscription nearby states that King Nissankamalla used this pavilion for royal pirith (Buddhist stanza) chanting ceremonies.
Duration: 45 minutes
