World Heritage City Polonnaruwa

Location

Polonnaruwa, with all of its ancient magnificence and cultural allure, is located 135 miles / 216 kilometres north of Colombo, 63 miles / 101 kilometres from Anuradhapura, 42 miles / 67 kilometres from Sigirya in the north central province and 88 miles / 140 kilometres from Kandy.

History

Polonnaruwa was founded by the Cholas of South India, in the year of 1017 AD. The Cholas captured power from the ruling king of Anuradhapura and established the capital in Polonnaruwa. The beginning of the 11th century marked the downfall of the great Anuradhapura City and the proud kingdom of nearly 14 centuries, fell prey to the grasping hands of the Chola group from South India.

Used from the 2nd century BC as a strategic location during political trouble and unrest in the country, Polonnaruwa was the natural choice to establish a different kingdom. Defending the northern boundaries of ancient Ceylon was easier from Polonnaruwa.

Due to the Indian influence, the city of Polonnaruwa gradually became a cosmic Hindu city, with a large number of Hindu shrines, lakes and moats established around the city. This however, was in harmony with the buildings erected by the Buddhist community, as a symbol of unity among the religions.

Polonnaruwa was liberated from the Chola government by King Vijayabahu the First, who ruled for 55 years after re-capturing the city. The most famous King Parakramabahu the First was the king who ruled Polonnaruwa and the country from 1153 AD to 1186 AD, building several of the wondrous lakes and sites, which are very much a part of daily life up to the present day. Highly rated and renowned as a great Sinhalese king, as the reigning ruler of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, he built the ocean-like reservoir known as Parakrama Samudraya (the Ocean of Parakrama), Sath Mahal Prasadaya, also known as Vijayantha Prasada, which was his royal palace, Galvihara and many other incredible religious and official sites. His feats as a ruler extended as far as South India and Cambodia.

After King Parakramabahu the First, the next ruler of worth to the heritage of Sri Lanka, was King Nissanka Malla, who also created several reservoirs for the use of the farming community and many royal sites.

Attractions

The visitors to Polonnaruwa will be awe-stricken by the structures that have survived the millennia as well as by the graceful ruins of the sites that did not survive the centuries and yet have left enough for the generations to realise the immensity of the bygone kingdom. The Parakrama Samudraya, Sath Mahal Prasadaya, the Royal Council Chamber, Galvihara, Girithale Tank and other attractions are among these wondrous sites.

Directions

From Colombo

Travel along route A1 to Warakapola and take route A6 north to Dambulla. From Dambulla, follow the A9 route and turn right to A6 from Habarana, then turn right again on to route A11, which leads to Polonnaruwa.

From Anuradhapura

Follow A11 east to Maradankadawala and at the junction take route A11 to Polonnaruwa.

From Kurunegala

Follow route A6 till Habarana and then turn right on to route A11 to arrive in Polonnaruwa.

From Kandy

Take route A9 north to Dambulla and turn to A6 east to Habarana. Then turn right on to route A11 and travel to Polonnaruwa.

Getting there

Private cars, tour coach, public train and public bus transportation is available for the tourists travelling to Polonnaruwa. Public bus transportation provides the cheapest transport mode in Sri Lanka.

Other Activities

Some travellers may not be so enthusiastic about visiting the ancient ruins and heritage sites in Polonnaruwa, and for such travellers, the city offers cycling, hiking and bird watching in the area. Giant water reservoirs and shady rural roads are abundant in Polonnaruwa, providing a cool and comfortable weather during the evenings, which are the best times to go for walks and hikes along these trails. The lakes are frequented by the various birds of the area, allowing bird watching as a pastime for the tourists.

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