How to Make the Most of Your Time in Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka is a nation that has recently gained a lot of popularity as an amazing tourist destination. With its gorgeous landscapes, tropical weather, delicious food and many iconic landmarks, there is much to experience on the island. If you are someone looking to enjoy the historical side of the country, you can’t go wrong in a place like Polonnaruwa. Once the flourishing capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to amaze travellers with its grandeur and calmness. From ancient temples to amazing carvings of stone, the city is like a museum that shows off some of the island’s historical and spiritual sides. For modern explorers, experiencing Polonnaruwa is more than just simply sightseeing. Exploring Polonnaruwa, a deeper dive into history, religion, as well as the natural beauty that surrounds this city.

Starting Your Adventure in Polonnaruwa

Arriving in Polonnaruwa, you are greeted by a calm and ancient atmosphere. Many travellers choose to base themselves at well-known accommodations such as Hotel Sudu Araliya, which offers comfort along with easy access to the archaeological sites. From here, the best way to begin your exploration is by renting a bicycle or hiring a tuk-tuk. While there are many more ways of getting up and about, a tuk-tuk or bicycle offers much more to travellers in terms of manageability and the speed of travel. The ancient city is spread over a large area, and cycling between ruins allows you to get a better lay of the land.

Temples and Spirituality Explored

Polonnaruwa’s temples are more than mere architectural wonders. They are places that carry centuries of devotion. Gal Vihara, for example, is the crowning jewel of Polonnaruwa, so to speak. Carved into a single granite rock face, its four colossal Buddha statues represent different postures, including seated, standing, and reclining. Another place to check out is the Lankatilaka Temple, which is famous for its huge brick walls and a giant headless Buddha statue. These sacred sites are all important stops when exploring the many places to visit in Polonnaruwa.

The Majesty of the Royal Palace and Quadrangle

A great place to visit next would be the Royal Palace complex. Built by King Parakramabahu the first, the palace was once a seven-storey marvel, though today the remains are but a shell of its original grandeur. Nearby lies the Quadrangle, a compact yet must-visit group of monuments at the very heart of the ancient city. The Vatadage, a circular relic house with its four seated Buddhas facing each cardinal direction, remains one of the most photographed sites in Polonnaruwa.

Water, Reservoirs, and Ingenious Engineering

One cannot speak of Polonnaruwa without acknowledging the genius of its hydraulic systems. King Parakramabahu, the first of his name, famously declared that “not even a drop of rainwater should flow into the sea without serving man.” His vision gave rise to reservoirs across Sri Lanka that still stand today. Parakrama Samudra, the sea of Parakrama, an enormous man-made lake, remains one of the most impressive feats of engineering in Sri Lanka’s history. Enjoying a quiet picnic by the shores of Parakrama Samudra at sunset can be quite magical and beautiful at the same time.

Nature and Wildlife Around the Ruins

While the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa are without a doubt the main attraction of the area, the surrounding environment definitely adds to the beauty of the city as well. The ancient city lies within a green landscape where birdlife flourishes. Monkeys often accompany travellers through the ruins, providing both amusement and a reminder that nature and history coexist here. Those with more time can explore the Minneriya National Park, which is quite close to the area.