Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Visit the second-oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka, which served as the country’s capital from 1017 to 1235 A.D., and learn about its once-thriving empire. Time travel to the Polonnaruwa Golden Age during the rule of King Parakramabahu the Great (1153A.C-1186A.C).

The enormous Parakrama Samudra (The Sea of Parakrama), which covers 2500 hectares of land and continues to supply water for irrigation to the surrounding areas, is thought to be one of the greatest irrigation feats in history. See the remnants of some of history’s greatest achievements.

Spend some time exploring the ruins of historic stupas, shrines, palaces, structures, monasteries, tanks, and parks, each of which tells a unique tale of a glorious past. The Statue of King Parakramabahu I, the Potgul Vehera – a unique monastery, the Lotus Pond with its eight-petal lotus shape built on four tiers, the Rankot Vihara – the 55m high stupa, the largest in Polonnaruwa, Galvehera – three large Buddha statues carved on the face of a rock, and the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I are among the must-see attractions.