Polonnaruwa Ancient city

Polonnaruwa Ancient City – The Timeless Royal Capital of Sri Lanka

Step into Polonnaruwa, the second great ancient capital of Sri Lanka and one of the island’s most beautifully preserved historical cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa showcases the brilliance of Sri Lanka’s medieval architecture, hydraulic engineering, and Buddhist culture.

Founded in the 11th century and transformed into a golden capital by the legendary King Parakramabahu the Great, the city features magnificent palaces, massive reservoirs, sacred temples, and iconic stone carvings — all surrounded by lush forest and ancient grandeur.

✨ History & Significance

Polonnaruwa flourished under great rulers such as King Vijayabahu I, King Parakramabahu I, and King Nissanka Malla, who revived Buddhism, strengthened the kingdom, and built advanced irrigation systems that still amaze modern engineers.

The city became a major center for Buddhist learning and meditation, attracting monks from across Asia.

The famous saying of King Parakramabahu —

“Not even a drop of water should flow to the sea without being used” —

is reflected in the massive Parakrama Samudra, an inland sea that still supports local communities today.

🏛 Major Sites in Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu – A seven-storey palace with massive stone walls

Audience Hall (Council Chamber) – Decorated with lion motifs and intricate stone carvings

Sacred Quadrangle (Vatadage) – The most iconic circular shrine with Buddha statues in four directions

Thuparama Image House – Home to a large and well-preserved seated Buddha statue

Shiva Devalaya – Ancient Hindu temples from the Chola period

Rankoth Vehera – A massive stupa built in the style of Anuradhapura

Pothgul Viharaya – One of the oldest libraries in the world

Parakrama Samudra – A vast reservoir built with advanced ancient engineering

Lankathilaka Image House – Featuring a towering standing Buddha statue

Gal Vihara – The crown jewel of Polonnaruwa, showcasing four colossal Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock:

Seated Buddha

Standing Buddha

Reclining (Parinirvana) Buddha

Meditation Buddha

These masterpieces are considered some of the finest examples of Sinhalese stone sculpture and reflect the peaceful spirituality of Buddhism.

Experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s medieval kingdom, where history, spirituality, and architecture come together in unforgettable harmony.