The 11th to the 13th century ancient capital Polonnaruwa offers so many ancient ruins and history to the discerning tourists. It was the ruling capital for circa two centuries ruled by not more than dozen rulers. Due to the more recent history, the ruins are better preserved. The Noth Eastern shores of Polonnaruwa rests in a massive lake known as the Parakrama Samudra which was built by King Parakrama Bahu 1. There is a massive irrigation system emanating from this lake which fed the rice crops and the food plantation of the region during the bygone era. It was the life blood of the region then. Today it is still the life blood providing much needed water to the rice crops and other farmland vegetation and crops in the Polonnaruwa and surrounding region.
Come on holiday and there is so much to see, enjoy and make you wonder how far thinking and clever the ancient kings of Sri Lanka had been. You will marvel the ancient architecture and will wonder how the tonnes of solid rock and stone were put in place to build the magnificent structures without the luxury of modern day heavy equipment and machinery. Today there are many Polonnaruwa hotels and boutique accommodation available in Polonnaruwa, Giritale or boutique holiday resorts in Wasgamuwa where you can stay to explore this historic region.
Below are must see attractions during your holiday in Polonnaruwa.
- The Quadrangle: Polonnaruwa’s centre piece the “Terrace of the Tooth Relic”. 12 magnificent buildings stand on the platform in the heart of the ancient city. Two centuries ago, the structure would have been at least 12 stories high.
- Vatadage – The circular ancient monument easily the oldest monument in Polonnaruwa.
- Hatadage - Opposite the Vatadage is this Temple of the Tooth built by either King Parakkrama Bahu 1 or Nissanka Mala in the 12th Century.
- The GalPota – known as the stone book. The most grandiose stone inscriptions made on this 8 metre length and 4.5 meter wide stone slab.
- Thuparama – not to be missed ancient building possibly the best preserved in Polonnaruwa.
- The places of worship such as Lankathilaka, Kiri Vehara, Gal Vihara, Somawatie Chaitiya.
- The 12th century Lotus Bath – This is a unique stone bath built in tiers of eight petal roses. Absolutely fascinating!
From the North Central province you could also head down south towards the south coast beaches for you to round up your holiday by the south coast beaches in Sri Lanka. There are a few Sri Lanka Resorts featured here if planning to stay a few days in Galle Sri Lanka.
