 Polonnaruwa is the 2nd kingdom of Sri Lanka dating back to the 11th Century AD. Polonnaruwa replaced Anuradhapura as the capital city of Sri Lanka due to the invasion from the South India. The Polonnaruwa kingdom was originally built by King Vijayabhu the First. However Vijayabahu the Second defeated the South Indians and became the King of Sri Lanka later. The King Parakramabahu the Great & King Nisshankamalla developed the Polonnaruwa with cultural and irrigational innovations.The important historical places in Polonnaruwa are Gal Vihara Complex, Laknathilaka Vihara, and the Parakrama Samudraya.
The largest man-made reservoir, the Parakrama Samudraya, was built during King Parakramabahu’s reign and it is larger than the Colombo harbour. In the complex of Gal Vihare, there are imposing Buddha sculptures in granite which is one of the most evocative pieces of sculpture in the world. Unique style of brick work architecture is also seen at Lankathilake Viharaya. The other interesting places are the ruins of the King’s Council Chamber, the Royal Pavilion, Kiri Vehera, Watadage, Thuparamaya, and Lotus Pond etc... All these places show the height of stone craft and artistry of this period.
Other than the historical ruins, there are few places of interest in and around Polonnaruwa. The Dimbulagala Temple where there are hundreds of caves cut into the rock with Brahmi inscriptions over their drip ledges. The Stupa is on top of the rock and visitors can explore most of these caves on their way to the Stupa. Alahana Pirivena, a monastic complex said to have been established by King Parakramabahu also could be visited during your visit to Polonnaruwa.
The Minneriya National Park, Kaudulla National Park, Flood Plains, Wasgamuwa and Gal Oya National Parks are accessible from Polonnaruwa and another interesting place which is called Manampitya where both the railway and road tracks fall in the same narrow bridge. |
