Joanna James
Having served as the nation's capital during its golden era, Polonnaruwa remains a focal point in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Home to a number of impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the ruins of Polonnaruwa hark back to one of the island's richest kingdoms and its eventual demise. Whether one is heading to this ancient city for a day tour or an extended getaway, here's how to uncover the former capital's finest landmarks and main points of interest.
As one of the driest and warmest cities in the Cultural Triangle, it is essential for tourists to visit Polonnaruwa during the right period. Those who intend to explore the many palaces, temples and iconic stone reliefs occupying the ancient metropolis must ensure that their travel dates fall between December and March. This is arguably the best time to head to the heart of Sri Lanka as the monsoon season from May to October makes sightseeing activities nearly impossible. Timing one's excursions during a trip to Polonnaruwa is equally important as most highlights are difficult to explore between midday and the early afternoon. This is why seasoned travellers set out early in the morning and then once again in the late afternoon to enjoy the sights under cooler and less crowded conditions.
Most heritage sites in Polonnaruwa are located across a vast expanse unlike neighbouring Anuradhapura, where most temples, monasteries and palaces are within easy walking distance of one another. The best alternative to hiring a bicycle for the day is hopping on a tuk-tuk to travel from one iconic temple to another. Although Polonnaruwa is served by public and private buses, most points of interest are located too far from local bus stops to make it a convenient mode of transportation. Tourists can also enlist the services of a single tuk-tuk for half a day or a full day and get around with ease and comfort, provided that the vehicle is metered.
The first point of interest tourists should visit on a trip to Polonnaruwa is the Dalada Maluwa. Also called the Sacred Quadrangle, it is one of the best places to visit in Polonnaruwa. Composed of ten mammoth ancient structures, the main highlights of this ancient quadrangle are its Vatadage and the Thuparama Temple. The Hetadage and Atadage are equally impressive although architecture buffs may prefer the Sathmahal Prasadaya for its scope and height.
The next stopover for those exploring the city with Ceylon Tours and other tour local operators is the Polonnaruwa Museum. As a relatively new point of interest, the institution showcases some of the finest archaeological finds unearthed from Polonnaruwa. After a museum tour, visitors can head over to the palace of King Parakramabahu I. While the castle's thousand rooms have not survived, the seven-storey structure remains an impressive example of ancient architecture.
The Gal Viharaya in Sri Lanka features three massive sculptures of Lord Buddha in different poses. These statues, carved from rock, are a popular site for Buddhist pilgrims and were even featured in a music video by Duran Duran in the 1980s.
Although the head of the 55-foot-tall Buddha statue of Lankatilaka Viharaya is not visible today, this towering sculpture remains one of the most imposing works of art from the Polonnaruwa era.
Complete with its own bathing pool and 8 granite columns, the palace compound of King Nissanka Malla may not be as imposing as that of King Parakramabahu I. The 2-storey structure is a must-visit highlight in Polonnaruwa, however, due to the King’s Council Chambers which features rock inscriptions with the names of monarch's chief ministers.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
