Polonnaruwa is a city in Sri Lanka that was once the capital of the Sinhalese and Chola kingdoms. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts of a rich historical and cultural heritage, with many ancient ruins, temples, monuments, and wildlife attractions.
If you are looking for a place to explore the history, culture, and nature of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is a perfect destination for you. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed guide to the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa, along with some practical tips and recommendations.
The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu
The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu is the most impressive and dominant structure in Polonnaruwa. It was the residence and administrative center of King Parakramabahu I, who ruled from 1153 to 1186. He was one of the most powerful and influential kings of Sri Lanka, who expanded the territory, built irrigation systems, and promoted Buddhism.
The palace complex consists of several buildings, such as the Audience Hall, the Swimming Pool, the Council Chamber, and the Kumara Pokuna. The palace was originally seven stories high, but only the lower levels remain today. You can still admire the stone pillars, the lion statues, and the carvings that decorate the palace. The palace is a testament to the grandeur and glory of the ancient Sinhalese civilization.
The Sacred Quadrangle
The Sacred Quadrangle is a group of religious buildings that are enclosed by a stone wall. It is considered to be the most sacred and beautiful area in Polonnaruwa. The quadrangle contains four main buildings, which are the Vatadage, the Hatadage, the Atadage, and the Thuparama. The Vatadage is a circular relic house that encloses a small stupa, which is believed to contain a tooth relic of the Buddha.
The Vatadage is decorated with stone carvings and statues of the Buddha and Hindu gods. The Hatadage and the Atadage are similar relic houses that were built by King Nissanka Malla to enshrine the tooth relic of the Buddha. The Thuparama is a Buddhist temple that features a brick vaulted roof and a stone image of the Buddha. The quadrangle is a place of worship and reverence, where you can feel the spiritual and artistic essence of Polonnaruwa.
Gal Vihara
Gal Vihara is a group of four rock-cut Buddha statues that are carved out of a single granite rock. It is considered to be the masterpiece of Polonnaruwa art and sculpture. The statues represent different postures and expressions of the Buddha, such as the standing, the seated, the reclining, and the meditating. The standing statue is the tallest and the most imposing, measuring 7 meters in height.
The seated statue is the most serene and graceful, depicting the Buddha in the dhyana mudra, or the meditation gesture. The reclining statue is the longest and the most dramatic, measuring 14 meters in length. It depicts the Buddha in the parinirvana, or the final state of nirvana. The meditating statue is the smallest and the most mysterious, as it is partially hidden by a cave. The statues are remarkable for their realism, expression, and detail, and they are among the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that is located near Polonnaruwa. It is famous for its elephant gatherings and birdwatching opportunities. The park covers an area of 88.9 square kilometers, and it includes the Minneriya Tank, a large artificial lake that was created by King Mahasena in the 3rd century.
The tank provides water and food for the wildlife, especially during the dry season. The park is home to more than 200 elephants, as well as other animals, such as deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and leopards. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers, as it hosts more than 170 species of birds, including migratory and endemic ones. The park offers jeep safaris, where you can observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. The best time to visit the park is from August to October, when the largest elephant gatherings take place.
Tips and recommendations for visitors
Here are some practical tips and recommendations for visiting Polonnaruwa:
- The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is from January to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant.
- The best way to get to Polonnaruwa is by train or bus from Colombo, Kandy, or Anuradhapura. The journey takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic.
- The best way to explore Polonnaruwa is by bike, which you can rent from the city center or from your hotel. The bike allows you to cover more ground and to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
- The best place to stay in Polonnaruwa is near the lake, where you can find a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. The lake offers a stunning view and a relaxing ambiance, and it is also close to the main attractions of the city.
- The best thing to do in Polonnaruwa is to visit the archaeological sites, where you can learn about the history and culture of the city, and admire the architecture and art of the ancient buildings. You can also visit the archaeological museum, where you can see the excavated artifacts and sculptures from the city.
- The best thing to eat in Polonnaruwa is the local cuisine, which is influenced by the Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim cultures. You can try dishes such as rice and curry, hoppers, string hoppers, roti, kottu, and samosas. You can also enjoy fresh fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.
Polonnaruwa is a city that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers who are interested in the history, culture, and nature of Sri Lanka. It is a place where you can witness the ancient glory and the modern beauty of the country, and where you can immerse yourself in the spiritual and artistic atmosphere of the city.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and detailed guide to the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa, and that it has inspired you to plan your trip to this amazing city. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions, please feel free to share them with us.
We would love to hear from you. And if you are ready to book your trip to Polonnaruwa, you can do so by clicking on the link below. We wish you a wonderful and memorable journey to the ancient city of Sri Lanka.
