Joanna James
One of the key UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, offers a captivating journey back in time when mighty kings ruled the land and Buddhism was flourishing. If it’s going to be your first time here, these are five attractions to explore.
Wander into Gal Vihara and you will quickly see why it’s a favourite amongst many explorers. Four Buddha statues, each carved into granite, showcase amazing craftwork that has stood the test of time. The 14-metre-long reclining Buddha is a showstopper, complete with intricate details like the gentle dip in his pillow and lotus motifs on his feet. The 7-metre standing Buddha might be even more striking, while the seated one is also captivating. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause and wonder how on earth they did all this... centuries ago!
Tucked into the heart of the Quadrangle, the Vatadage feels like a sacred circle of time. This beautifully symmetrical structure, which can be easily reached on a visit from properties like Hotel Sudu Araliya, was once built to house a relic and features two terraces as well as four Buddha statues. The northern entrance has a moonstone that’s considered the finest in all of Polonnaruwa, and while your feet might get dusty, your photo gallery is about to get legendary. Wander slowly, take in the intricacies of the guardstones, and don’t forget to look up. Sometimes, ancient charm is in the details!
Rankoth Vehera is hard to miss because it’s the tallest dagoba in Polonnaruwa, rising to 54 metres and boasting a 185-metre circumference... yes, that’s exactly as huge as it sounds! Built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla, this massive structure is a great reminder of the scale and ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineering. The brickwork and plaster exterior may look simple from afar, but there’s something majestic about standing at its base and looking up. When visiting from nearby luxury hotels in Polonnaruwa, bring a wide-angle lens if you are into photography or just stand still for a moment, and soak in the peaceful energy of this sacred place.
There’s something wonderfully poetic about Kiri Vehera. When rediscovered after centuries hidden in the jungle, its original lime plaster was still intact and gleaming, hence the name, which translates to ‘milk white’. Built by a queen of King Parakramabahu, this stupa is a sight to behold as the sun glistens on its surface. Wander around and you will spot several smaller stupas believed to be burial chambers for royals and high priests. It’s quieter here than at some of the bigger sites, which just adds to the magic, and you may feel as if the temple's been patiently waiting for your visit.
Walking into Lankatilaka Vihara feels like stepping into the remnants of something once magnificent. Towering brick walls, now roofless, soar above, one still standing at a mighty 17 metres. Once double that height, the structure housed a colossal standing Buddha (now headless but still impressive). The architecture, known as the Gedi-Ge style, showcases vaulted brickwork and delicate carvings, including a mysterious Nagini (female serpent) on a balustrade, adding to the mystique. Despite the passage of time, there's a quiet strength here as if the spirit of the place has never quite left. Listen carefully, and you may hear whispers with secrets of the past!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
