A HISTORIC JOURNEY FROM SIGIRIYA

Polonnaruwa

In the Footsteps of Kings

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom after Anuradhapura, exudes a timeless charm ideal for couples seeking a historic journey from Sigiriya. Following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD and the relocation of the capital by King Vijayabahu I, Polonnaruwa rose to prominence, eventually becoming the capital under the reign of one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned sovereigns, King Parakramabahu I. This ancient kingdom provides a historical journey from Sigiriya, which experienced a golden age characterised by flourishing agriculture, literacy, and impressive architectural and monumental irrigation projects between 1070 and 1232 A.D.

Highlights

The Royal Palace
The Sacred Quadrangle
Gal Viharaya
Parakrama Reservoir
The National Wildlife Parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla

Location and Best Times to Visit

This ancient city is 55 kilometres from Sigiriya, an hour-long car journey. It is a must-do day trip for couples exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. The best times to visit Polonnaruwa are between January and March and July and August.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, spanning an impressive 122 hectares and extending five kilometres from north to south, is nestled next to the vast man-made Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama) reservoir, the city’s pulse.

The ancient city is an archaeological treasure trove filled with temples, shrines, palaces, and ruins that narrate the stories of a prosperous ancient kingdom and city.

The optimal time to visit is June to August, but January to March also presents favourable conditions. Polonnaruwa experiences a dry season from May to September, with intermittent showers possibly occurring from June to August. With its rich heritage, proximity to iconic sites like Sigiriya and Dambulla, and wildlife parks, this ancient kingdom offers an unforgettable experience for couples exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland.

The Royal Palace of Parakrmabahu

The royal palace of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186) remains one of the tour's highlights, with the remnants of its 50-room grandeur. The regal lion sculptures and intricately carved stone elephants that guard the king’s audience hall provide a majestic ambience. The king’s swimming pool, where statues of crocodile mouths once spouted fresh water like a fountain into the pool, is an actual work of art.

Shiva Devale No.2

Tucked away in a tranquil forest clearing, Shiva Devale No.2 is the oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa. It is believed to have been constructed by Chola invaders from India during the 10th century. This sacred sanctuary is among the oldest surviving structures in Polonnaruwa.

During the Chola occupation from 1017 to 1070 CE, the landscape of Polonnaruwa transformed, and numerous shrines dedicated to the Hindu pantheon were established. As the capital of their administration, Polonnaruwa became a centre of religious fervour, and many of these shrines took root within its sacred grounds.

The Sacred Quadrangle

At the heart of Polonnaruwa lies ‘the Quadrangle,’ a sacred site where the relics of the Buddha’s tooth were once enshrined. Although the relic is now housed in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, the Quadrangle remains a testament to Polonnaruwa's historical and religious significance as the kingdom’s capital.

The Quadrangle derives its name from the quadrilateral shape created by the surrounding walls of this ancient complex. Within these walls lie religious and civil buildings constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, including the Vatadage, Hatadage, Atadage, and Satmahal Prasada.

The Vatadage

The Vatadage temple, a remarkable structure within the Quadrangle, was constructed to house the Buddha’s tooth relic, which King Parakramabahu the Great brought to Polonnaruwa. This circular tower, 18 meters in diameter, is beautifully adorned with intricate relief carvings. The exterior walls feature friezes of lions, dwarves, and lotuses, symbolising various aspects of Buddhist life.

The temple’s four entrances, each adorned with intricate carvings of lions or large moonstones, provide a grand welcome. The moonstones, which symbolise the life cycle in Buddhism, add a profound spiritual touch to the structure and enhance its allure.

Hatadage

Opposite the illustrious Vatadage stands the Hatadage temple, a testament to devotion and craftsmanship built during the reign of Nissanka Malla in the 12th century. This temple was erected as a relic house for the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic.

Originally a two-story tower, part of the Hatadage still stands, preserving its creators’ legacy. The temple, adorned with several walls and three magnificent granite Buddha statues, exudes an aura of spiritual reverence.

As you approach the entrance, you'll be greeted by intricately carved moonstones, symbolising the sacred journey of life in Buddhism.

Atadage

Dating back to the 11th century, the Atadage stands as a venerable testament to the grandeur of Polonnaruwa during the reign of the kingdom’s founder, Vijayabahu the Great. This is one of the oldest structures in this ancient city.

Constructed with meticulous care and devotion, the Atadage's enduring stone columns and majestic doorway showcase the era’s architectural prowess. Amidst the remnants of time, a solemn sculpture of the Buddha remains a silent guardian of this sacred space.

Satmahal Prasada

Constructed in the 12th century, the Satmahal Prasada stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural ingenuity of Polonnaruwa. While its exact origins remain in mystery, historians speculate that this magnificent structure likely arose during the reign of Parakramabahu the Great.

This brick marvel, which rises to six floors, resembles a step pyramid and features a square floor plan reflecting the symmetry and precision of ancient craftsmanship. Each side of the Satmahal Prasada has an entrance, inviting travellers to explore its hallowed chambers.

Gal Potha

A marvel carved from a single 25-tonne stone. This monumental book, adorned with inscriptions in Sinhalese script, serves as a timeless testament to the scholarly pursuits of ancient Sri Lanka.Witness centuries of knowledge and wisdom engraved as inscriptions.

Gal Viharaya

The Gal Vihara temple stands as a testament to devotion and artistry. Adorned with four impressive granite sculptures of Lord Buddha, it is one of Polonnaruwa's most visited and breathtaking monuments.

Among these monumental figures, one commands attention with its immense scale and tranquil beauty. Stretching 45 feet in length, the reclining Buddha emanates an aura of peace and represents the ultimate attainment of Nirvana.

The Gal Vihara emanates an atmosphere of spiritual contemplation. Two seated Buddhas, each in a posture of deep meditation, flank it. Completing this sacred quartet is the upright Buddha, arms crossed, symbolising his escape from worldly desires and attachment.

Pakrama Samudraya Reservoir

Amidst the timeless ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa lies the Pakrama Samudraya reservoir, constructed during the 12th century. This reservoir is a testament to the visionary leadership of Parakramabahu. This revered monarch's legacy is etched in the waters that nourish the land, marking Polonnaruwa's and ancient Lanka’s golden age of agricultural prosperity and self-sufficiency.

Even today, engineers remain captivated by this reservoir, a monumental feat of engineering and foresight. Along with several other reservoirs constructed during his reign, it served as the region's lifeblood, irrigating the rice fields and supporting the flourishing civilisation known as home to Polonnaruwa.

The reservoir covers an impressive 22.6 square kilometres. It is not merely a single body of water but a network of interconnected reservoirs linked by intricate canals that meander through the landscape. Its immense size has earned it the nickname "Samudhraya," a tribute to its resemblance to the ocean's vastness.

Potgul Vihara, also known as the Library Dagoba, is a unique architectural marvel in the southern region of ancient Polonnaruwa. This remarkable structure resembles a thick-walled, hollow dagoba, which is thought to have functioned as a repository for sacred Buddhist texts. Its circular design takes after a gedige, with four smaller solid dagobas placed around the central dome, creating the traditional Sinhalese quincunx arrangement. This formation forms a rectangle with one dagoba at each corner and one in the centre.

Tivanka Image House

Commissioned by King Parakramabahu, the name "Thivanka," meaning "three curves," pays homage to the unique curvature of the grand Buddha image housed within.

Like many structures of its time, the Thivanka Image House was predominantly constructed of bricks. It features a magnificent 26-foot-tall Buddha statue. Although partially damaged, with the upper section lost to time, the statue inspires awe and draws attention.

Beyond the threshold, you'll enter a realm of Buddhist storytelling and spiritual reflection. The inner walls are adorned with exquisite frescoes showcasing the Jataka Stories, shedding light on the path of the Buddha's past lives before enlightenment. Although time has eroded much of the masonry, hints of the vibrant drawings remain visible.

Lankatilaka Image House

Located on the southern grounds of Kiri Vehera, the Lankathilaka Image House stands as another testament to King Parakramabahu's reign in Polonnaruwa. Carved from a single block of stone, this monolithic structure emanates an aura of timeless beauty and spiritual reverence.

The Lankathilaka Image House, constructed entirely from bricks, features outer walls embellished with intricate designs and carvings. A 41-foot-tall Buddha statue, wholly sculpted from clay bricks, stands within its sacred confines. Although time has worn away its form, the statue remains a poignant reminder of the devotion and artistry of ancient Sri Lanka.

Rankot Viharaya

Rankoth Vehera, commonly referred to as the Golden Pinnacle Stupa proudly stands as the fourth-largest stupa in Sri Lanka, surpassed only by the magnificent Ruwanveli Seya, Jetawanarama, and Abhayagiriya in Anuradhapura. Commissioned by King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196), this monumental structure is 180 feet high and has a circumference of 185 metres, making it the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa.

Kiri Vihara

To the north of Lankathilaka Pilimage stands the impressive Kiri Vehera, constructed by Queen Subadra, a consort of King Parakramabahu. Originally known as the “Rupavathi Stupa," this magnificent monument rises to 80 feet and is an esteemed part of the Alahana Pirivena.

As the second-largest stupa in present-day Polonnaruwa, Kiri Vehera commands reverence and admiration. It is surpassed only by the majestic Rankoth Vehera, another gem of the ancient Alahana Pirivena. Despite the passage of 900 years and the forces of nature, Kiri Vehera stands as a testament to resilience, preserving its original form and splendour.

Each year, devotees lovingly repaint this perfectly preserved dagoba before the Vesak Poya, a festival in May that celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana.

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

Constructed in the 1100s under the patronage of King Nissankamalla, the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya served as a recitation house for Buddhist monks chanting sacred stanzas (pirith). Its defining feature is its remarkable open-air design, adorned with intricately crafted pillars resembling blooming lotus flowers. Despite being destroyed during the 14th-century Chola invasions, the complex still retains captivating elements that bear witness to its former grandeur.

Explore the island’s exotic birdlife in the heart of Parakrama Reservoir. Home to over 30 species of colourful birds, including migratory varieties, this island offers a captivating bird-watching experience. Join a local fisherman as he takes you on a village boat to enjoy the sights and sounds of the local nature. While combining the birdwatching expedition, savour an authentic lake fishing excursion. Learn the art of local lake fishing with traditional rods. The lake excursions also provide an excellent opportunity to marvel at the scenic landscape and local wildlife; you might even spot elephants, monkeys, and deer that frequent the reservoir’s banks.

Minneriya Wildlife Park Safari

A short 30-minute drive from the heart of Polonnaruwa leads to Minneriya National Park, offering couples a captivating wildlife experience. Renowned for its iconic 'Gathering' of elephants, this vast reserve spans 8,000 hectares and serves as a sanctuary for endemic flora and fauna. Established in the 3rd century during King Mahasen’s reign, the park's central feature, the Minneriya Tank, is a crucial resource for the diverse wildlife inhabiting this area. The park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 24 species of mammals and 160 species of birds.

Kaudulla National Park

Just under an hour’s drive from Polonnaruwa, Kaudulla National Park invites adventurous couples seeking a more intimate safari experience away from the more crowded Minneriya Park.

The ideal time to explore Kaudulla National Park is from August to December, when the elephant population increases to over 200. During the dry season in August and September, elephants migrate between Wasgamuwa National Park and Minneriya National Park, ultimately seeking refuge in the lush landscapes of Kaudulla.

Kaudulla National Park is home to an impressive array of biodiversity, including 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, nine species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies.

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Polonnaruwa

In the Footsteps of Kings

Location and Best Times to Visit

Our Favourites

The Royal Palace of Parakrmabahu

The Royal Palace of Parakrmabahu

Shiva Devale No.2

Shiva Devale No.2

The Sacred Quadrangle

The Sacred Quadrangle

The Vatadage

The Vatadage

Hatadage

Hatadage

Atadage

Atadage

Satmahal Prasada

Satmahal Prasada

Gal Potha

Gal Potha

Gal Viharaya

Gal Viharaya

Potgul Viharaya

Tivanka Image House

Tivanka Image House

Lankatilaka Image House

Lankatilaka Image House

Rankot Viharaya

Rankot Viharaya

Kiri Vihara

Kiri Vihara

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya

Kokduwa Island Bird Watching and Lake Fishing

Minneriya Wildlife Park Safari

Minneriya Wildlife Park Safari

Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park