The 10 Best Historical Landmarks and Sights of Polonnaruwa - Step back in time to ancient Sri Lanka!

Visit the Archeological Museum of Polonnaruwa situated beside the ticket office to the ancient city. Before venturing in any further, take some time to drop by here first. Inside the museum, you will find model structures of the archaeological sites and their detailed descriptions. It will help you to gain an understanding of the significance of the places you visit. 

What remains of King Maha Parakramabhahu's palace (1153 to 1186 CE) is impressive. He is one of the most celebrated kings in the annals of Sri Lankan history for having reunified the island from invading forces of South India. This huge building once housed around seven storeys, with 50 rooms. The palace structure was held in place by 30 massive pillars. Due to the ravages of time, only a few are left standing. The gaps that supported the beams of the floors are still observable.

Translated to 'stone temple' from Sinhalese, Gal Viharaya has four Buddha statues portraying the Lord Buddha in standing, meditative and reclining stance. The work was commissioned during the reign of King Maha Parakramabahu. These sculptures were crafted out of a sole block of granite stone. The reclining sculpture depicts the Parinibbana of the Lord Buddha and is 14 metres in length. Its artist had beautifully conveyed the serenity, compassion and equanimity of the Lord  Buddha. Gal Viharaya is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa especially for those who are interested in Buddhism and art.

Standing at 33m, Rankoth Viharaya is the biggest brick-laden stupa of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom and the 4th largest in Sri Lanka. Its name means 'stupa with the golden pinnacle' and was built under King Nissanka Malla during 1187- 1196 CE. Jungles envelop the stupa, with old ruins of monasteries and inscriptions found within its vicinity. 

Constructed by King Parakramabahu, the monolithic statue of the Lord Buddha stands at 17m. The Image House is built from clay brick, while a missing roof protected the statue from the elements. Two massive brick columns lead one along a narrow corridor to witness this magnificent statue.

Called the Vatadage in Sinhalese, it is a masterpiece in ancient Sinhalese art and architecture. The circular shrine has four sculptures of the Lord Buddha at each of its four entrances and in the middle. You will encounter some of the finest specimens of the Kingdom's art here! If you are looking for places to stay around the city, the likes of Hotel Sudu Araliya are among the options available. 

The ancient kings were master irrigators, and reservoirs are one of their greatest legacies to the island. Built by King Parakramabhau, this man-made construction initially had five massive reservoirs bound together. Each tank was dammed to prevent overflow to the main reservoir. It's hard to believe what you encounter is only a fraction of what it was. Go on a boat ride here and the reservoir's large waves might make you wonder whether you are in the middle of the ocean after all!

This impressive tank was built by King Mahasena, who ruled Anuradhapura (276-303). This tank and Parakrama Samudraya sparked the height of Sri Lanka's hydraulic technology. The reservoir extends for 4670 acres with a robust dam 13 metres in height. Its dam stretches at a distance of 2 km and contains over 20 billion gallons of water! On the King's passing, he was deified as Minneriya Deviyo. This temple lies on the dam and is revered to this day. If you are lucky, you might witness herds of elephants bathing and playing alongside its banks.

Only half an hour from Polonnaruwa, bordering the Angammedilla Canal at its south, is Angammedilla National Park. It is one of the newer additions to the island's extensive list of National Parks. The site was initially meant to shield the catchment regions of Parakrama Samudraya, Minneriya and Girithale tanks. A range of diverse endemic animals like elephants, sambar deer, sloth bears, Sri Lankan leopards, water buffaloes, and giant squirrels live here.

Step back in time to an ancient library and monastic complex! It is believed to be the oldest library in Sri Lanka and was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu. It was later remodelled under the guidance of his Queen, Chandrawathie. The layout is on a square foundation with many circular structures for the storage of books. The structure is completely made out of bricks, including its roof, which has come undone. 
At the four intersections of the building, there are four small brick stupas. The living quarters of the monks who lived within the monastery complex are visible although a very small portion of what was once a massive structure.