Polonnaruwa 

Let’s travel back to the ancient era of Polonnaruwa, where you can explore its impressive ruins and get a glimpse of its grand past. These ruins are a testament to the magnificent history of that time.
As we begin our exploration, we come across the Royal Palace, a remarkable architectural wonder that was once the home of the Sinhalese kings. It amazes visitors with its detailed stone carvings and well-preserved remains, showcasing the palace’s splendor.
Moving forward, we reach the Gal Vihara, where you’ll find four enormous Buddha statues skillfully carved into a granite rock face. These statues are true masterpieces of ancient Sri Lankan art, capturing attention with their precise craftsmanship and beauty. Continuing on, we discover the Quadrangle, a sacred area that houses important structures such as the Vatadage, a circular relic house, and the Rankot Vihara, a majestic stupa that dominates the landscape.
As we venture deeper into the ancient city, we come across the renowned Lankathilaka Temple, famous for its impressive architectural style. This towering temple, adorned with intricate carvings, reflects the exceptional skills of the artisans of that era. Moving ahead, we reach the Kiri Vihara, a large white stupa that radiates elegance and tranquility.
Polonnaruwa offers more than just ancient ruins. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum, which displays a vast collection of artifacts and relics, providing insights into the city’s glorious past. For nature lovers, a thrilling wildlife safari awaits in the nearby Minneriya National Park, where you can witness the awe-inspiring annual elephant migration known as “The Gathering.”

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was the residence of the Sinhalese kings during the Polonnaruwa period. Though now in ruins, its architectural layout reveals the grandeur and sophistication of the ancient kingdom.

Gal Vihara

Gal Vihara is a rock temple known for its magnificent Buddha statues carved into granite. The four statues include a standing Buddha, a seated Buddha, and two reclining Buddhas, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and artistic finesse.

Thuparama Image House

The Thuparama Image House is a compact shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha. It houses a well-preserved stone Buddha statue and intricately designed guard stones at its entrance.

Sathmahal Prasada

Sathmahal Prasada, also known as the Seven-storey building, is a unique structure with seven diminishing levels. It is believed to have served as a monastery or a library during ancient times.

Ruins in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Quadrangle

The Quadrangle is a sacred area housing several important structures. Vatadage is a circular relic house with beautiful stone carvings, while Rankot Vihara is a massive stupa that stands as a prominent landmark.

Lankathilaka Temple

This temple is an exquisite example of ancient Sinhalese architecture. It features a towering brick-built structure adorned with intricate carvings, providing a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the time.

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

The Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is an ornamental structure featuring a moonstone at its entrance. The moonstone is a beautifully carved semi-circular stone slab showcasing intricate patterns and motifs.

Alahana Pirivena

Alahana Pirivena was a monastic complex that served as a center for Buddhist education and monastic activities. The complex consists of numerous buildings and structures that once housed monks and students.
To conclude, Polonnaruwa stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich historical heritage. Its strategic location, historical significance, and awe-inspiring ancient ruins make it a destination worth exploring. Transitioning from the past to the present, Polonnaruwa seamlessly blends history with modern-day attractions, providing visitors with a captivating journey through time.