Information
City: PolonnaruwaCountry: Sri Lanka
Continent: Asia
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, Asia
Overview
Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka, sits in the island’s North Central Province, where crumbling stone temples and weathered statues tell stories of its rich history, culture, and archaeology.After Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa rose as Sri Lanka’s second great capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site where weathered stone temples, intricate carvings, and centuries-old irrigation channels still catch the morning light.About 216 km northeast of Colombo and 122 km from Kandy, Polonnaruwa lies in Sri Lanka’s tropical dry zone, where the air can shimmer at 32°C by midday.April to October brings dry skies, while November to January sees the northeast monsoon sweep through.Flat plains stretch out, dotted with ancient reservoirs, green pockets of trees, and weathered ruins.Once the capital in the 11th century after Anuradhapura’s fall to South Indian invasions, the city thrived under King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186 CE), who built grand palaces, carved monumental statues, and perfected irrigation.Earlier, Tamil Chola rulers left their mark in stone before Sinhalese kings reclaimed the land.By the 13th century, repeated invasions and unrest pushed the capital to Dambadeniya.Today, visitors find treasures like Gal Vihara’s four serene Buddhas-one reclining 14 meters long in Parinirvana-Lankathilaka’s towering brick Buddha, and Rankoth Vehera, a 55-meter stupa.The Vatadage’s circular walls hold a central stupa flanked by seated Buddhas, while the Royal Palace ruins hint at seven soaring stories of stone and wood.Parakrama Samudraya, the king’s vast 2,500-hectare reservoir, still glitters in the sun, feeding fields through the ancient Yodha Ela canal.Other gems include the Chola-built Shiva Devale No. 2, the white dome of Kiri Vehera, Potgul Vehera’s ruined library, and the lotus-shaped Nelum Pokuna bath.Blending Sinhalese and Tamil artistry, Polonnaruwa was a hub for Buddhist scholarship and a showcase of medieval engineering.Cycle past lakes alive with herons, join a guided walk, or linger with a camera in the golden light.You can reach it in 5–6 hours from Colombo or just over an hour from Dambulla, and bikes, tuk-tuks, or private cars make exploring easy.The best months are April to October, with mornings and late afternoons offering the softest light and cooler air.Nearby, Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks draw wildlife lovers, and the Dambulla Cave Temple dazzles with painted ceilings.Preserving its ruins while welcoming visitors remains a challenge, but Polonnaruwa endures-a place where stone Buddhas, rippling tanks, and the hum of cicadas tell the story of Sri Lanka’s golden past.
Landmarks in polonnaruwa
