Polonnaruwa: The Second Capital of Sri Lanka

After the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa rose to prominence as the second capital of Sri Lanka, flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries. Though its golden age was shorter, it was no less glorious, representing a high point of Sinhalese civilization. Today, wandering through its remarkably well-preserved ruins—designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is like stepping back into an ancient world of palaces, monasteries, and breathtaking temples.

Unlike many ancient cities, Polonnaruwa’s ruins remain strikingly intact. Intricate stone carvings, towering Buddha statues, and the remnants of royal complexes showcase the artistry and engineering brilliance of the era. Highlights include:

• The Royal Palace – Once a towering structure said to rise seven stories high, the palace is now a monumental shell. Its thick walls and the holes that once supported wooden floors give a glimpse into its former grandeur.

• The Audience Hall (Rajya Sabha Mandapaya) – A beautifully designed platform, decorated with a frieze of elephants, each carved with unique expressions. Stone lions guard the stairway, adding to its majestic feel.

• Vatadage (Circular Relic House) – The crown jewel of the quadrangle. This exquisitely carved circular shrine features a central seated Buddha, approached through four entrances, each adorned with moonstones and guardstones unique to Sri Lankan architecture.

• Thuparama Image House – Known for its incredibly thick walls and vaulted roof, this structure shelters a striking seated Buddha statue that has endured through the centuries.

• Hatadage & Atadage – Once sacred shrines that housed the revered Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Hatadage is especially admired for its intricately carved stone columns.

• Gal Vihara (The Rock Temple) – An absolute masterpiece of ancient sculpture. Four colossal Buddha statues are carved from a single granite cliff: a meditating seated Buddha, a smaller seated figure within an artificial cave, a towering 7-meter standing Buddha with a hauntingly sorrowful expression, and a 14-meter reclining Buddha symbolizing his passing into Parinirvana. The artistry is sublime.

• Lankatilaka Image House – A vast, roofless shrine where soaring walls enclose a massive, headless Buddha statue, creating an awe-inspiring and atmospheric setting.

• Kiri Vihara (The White Stupa) – A beautifully preserved, serene dagoba still covered in its original white plaster, standing gracefully amidst the trees.

• Pothgul Vihara – Believed to be an ancient library monastery, this unusual structure resembles a Hindu temple and offers a quiet, less-frequented site for reflection.

• Parakrama Samudra (“The Sea of Parakrama”) – Beyond the ruins, this immense man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I reflects the advanced hydraulic engineering of ancient Sri Lanka. Spanning over 2,500 hectares, it still irrigates fields today. Watching the sunset over its vast waters is an unforgettable experience.

Polonnaruwa blends history, spirituality, and engineering brilliance into one extraordinary journey. Whether marveling at colossal Buddhas, wandering through ancient palaces, or admiring the ingenuity of ancient irrigation systems, this ancient city captures the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s past like few other places.