POLONNARUWA
Polonnaruwa was established as the capital in the 11th century when Anuradhapura was abandoned due to foreign invasion. You’ll discover a vibrant array of Polonnaruwa attractions, both manmade and natural, and equally as splendid. A dominant feature of the city is a vast irrigation lake of 5,940 acres named Parakrama Samudra. The palace complex of King Parakrama Bahu is a medieval stronghold of moats, walls, guard houses, bathing ponds thick-walled multi-storeyed castle. Amongst the many riveting places to see in Polonnaruwa, explore the Sacred Quadrangle, which is a complex of twelve striking monuments: the Vatadage, the Thurupama, the Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, the Atadage, the Hetadage, and the Gal Potha., It also includes the Satmahal Prasada, two Hindu Shrines known as the Siva Devale, the Alahanana Pirivena, a 12th century monastic university, and the Lankatilleke Shrine. Lastly, the Gal Vihare bears special mention as it, is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive monuments – a group of three colossal Buddha images in seated, standing and reclining poses carved with fluid grace and life-like expressions on a huge rock face. The Archaeological Museum located by the side of the Parakrama Samudra showcases original artefacts found in Polonnaruwa and also features replicas and artistic impressions of the ancient monuments. (located 240 km from Colombo)