Polonnaruwa
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Polonnaruwa was the Island’s medieval capital (11th to 13th Century) is situated 216km from Colombo and rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. Polonnaruwa is considered one of the best preserved historic cities in the world. Declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu in 1970 by defeating the Chola invaders, who ransacked the then-capital city of Anuradhapura and set up their courts in nearby Polonnaruwa, in the late 10th Century. From ruins of royal palaces to bathing pools and ponds, temples, to the fauna and foliage of the area, this quaint historical city is ideal for a sightseeing and adventure. Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its abundance of historic remains.
Polonnaruwa has both its ancient city, an adjoining “old town” as well as a “new town” located about 6km away. The archaeological sites are in a compact layout, within easy distance of each other, and tours are easily arranged either on foot or more popularly explored on bicycle.
Polonnaruwa also boasts an impressive array of ruined palaces and courtyards, pleasure gardens and intricate networks of bathing tanks, as well as carvings and sculptures and a rich display of artistry. A site not to be missed is the largest of the man-made reservoirs. The huge Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama), larger in size than the Colombo harbour.
When the Sinhala King moved to the new capital of Polonnaruwa, the sacred Bodhi Tree could not be moved from Anuradhapura. Thus, the Sacred Tooth Relic became the repository of Sinhala Sovereignty. The “Atadage” the Temple of the Tooth Relic is the most impressive structure among the remains of Polonnaruwa. The Gal Vihara, the Stone Reliquary, with its enormous rock sculptures is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of Sinhalese art.
Polonnaruwa city is where you can see the island’s greatest historical treasures. It is still of great economic significance as a contributor to agriculture.
Polonnaruwa was flourishing self-sustained city with a superb irrigation system.