Polonnaruwa served as Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital from the 11th to 13th centuries after Anuradhapura. Located in the North Central Province, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases remarkable ruins that tell the story of a once-thriving kingdom.
Rise to Power
After Anuradhapura fell to South Indian invaders, King Vijayabahu I established Polonnaruwa as the new capital in 1070 CE. However, the city reached its golden age under King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186), who transformed it into a magnificent urban center.
Major Attractions
Gal Vihara (Stone Temple)
Gal Vihara features four massive Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock. The most famous is the 14-meter reclining Buddha depicting the moment of entering Nirvana. These statues show the exceptional craftsmanship of ancient sculptors with their perfect proportions and serene expressions.
Parakrama Samudra
King Parakramabahu famously declared, “Not even a drop of water should flow into the ocean without serving people.” The Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) proves his commitment to this idea. This massive artificial reservoir spans over 5,940 acres and supported irrigation for the entire kingdom. The engineering skills needed to build such a massive water system in the 12th century remain impressive today.
Royal Palace
The ruins of King Parakramabahu’s seven-story palace still stand, though only parts of the first three floors remain. Archaeological evidence suggests it contained over 1,000 rooms, showcasing the grandeur of medieval Sri Lankan architecture.
Sacred Quadrangle
This compact area contains Polonnaruwa’s most important religious monuments, including:
- Vatadage: A circular relic house with four entrances and carved moonstones
- Hatadage: Built to house the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha
- Gal Pota (Stone Book): A massive 9-meter granite slab with inscriptions
- Satmahal Prasada: A unique seven-story pyramid-like structure
Daily Life in Medieval Polonnaruwa
Archaeological evidence shows Polonnaruwa was a well-planned city with urban zones for royalty, religious institutions, and commoners. Advanced drainage systems, public baths, and hospitals reveal a sophisticated understanding of urban planning and public health.
The kingdom maintained trade relationships with distant lands including China, Myanmar, and Middle Eastern countries. Pottery fragments from these regions found in Polonnaruwa confirm these connections.
Decline
By the late 13th century, Polonnaruwa began to decline due to foreign invasions and political instability. The capital eventually shifted to areas further south, and the once-mighty city was abandoned to the jungle until being rediscovered during the British colonial era.
Visiting Today
Today, tourists can explore the archaeological park by foot, bicycle or vehicle. The site includes a museum displaying artifacts and explaining the city’s history. Most structures remain remarkably intact despite centuries of abandonment, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into medieval Sri Lanka’s advanced civilization.
The ruins of Polonnaruwa stand as a testament to the engineering and artistic achievements of Sri Lanka’s ancestors, showcasing why this ancient capital remains one of the country’s most important historical treasures.