Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in Sri Lanka with a rich history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Polonnaruwa offers a captivating journey back in time, allowing visitors to explore the architectural marvels, religious structures, and the cultural legacy of this ancient city.
- Location: Polonnaruwa is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 216 kilometers north of Colombo. It served as the second capital of the ancient Kingdom of Sri Lanka.
- Historical Significance: Polonnaruwa rose to prominence as the capital city during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. It succeeded Anuradhapura as the capital and remained a thriving center of culture, commerce and religion.
- Archaeological Ruins: The ancient city is home to extensive archaeological ruins, including royal palaces, council chambers, monasteries and stupas. The ruins showcase the architectural and engineering achievements of the Polonnaruwa period.
- The Quadrangle: The Quadrangle is a concentrated area within the archaeological site that houses some of the most significant monuments. It includes the Vatadage (Circular Relic House), Thuparama Gedige and various other structures.
- Gal Vihara: Gal Vihara is a rock temple known for its magnificent Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock. The statues include a standing Buddha, a seated Buddha and two reclining Buddha statues.
- Lotus Pond: The Lotus Pond is an ancient bathing pool with a unique design featuring concentric circles of lotus petals. It is a remarkable example of the advanced hydraulic engineering skills of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
- Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum in Polonnaruwa provides insight into the history and artifacts of the ancient city. Visitors can learn more about the cultural and religious practices of the time.
- Sacred Relic Chamber: Polonnaruwa is believed to have housed the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha during the Polonnaruwa period. The city served as a significant religious center, and remnants of religious structures can still be seen.
- Accessibility: Polonnaruwa is easily accessible by road from various parts of Sri Lanka. It is often included in the cultural triangle circuit, along with Sigiriya and Anuradhapura, making it a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring Sri Lankas ancient heritage.
- Parakrama Samudra: One of the notable features of Polonnaruwa is the massive Parakrama Samudra, an ancient reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. The reservoir not only served as a water source for the city but also as an impressive irrigation system.
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