hotels in polonnaruw

ABOUT POLONNARUWA

Polonnaruwa is the second of the ancient of kingdoms in Sri Lanka, after the first capital of Anuradhapura which was abandoned in 1070 when it was ransacked by the Chola invaders from South India, Polonnaruwa was first declared the alternative capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders to reunite the country.

The greatest of these ancient man made systems is the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama. This is a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean. It is so wide that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side. The tank encircles encircles the main city like a ribbon providing both a defensive border against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.

Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, remains one of the best planned archeologicalrelic sites in the country.

Within a rectangle of city walls stand palace buildings and clusters of dozens of dagobas, temples and various other religious buildings. Places to see in Polonnaruwa are the Gal Viharaya rock temple, Watadage, majestic King's Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa's great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of Polonnaruwa memorable sights. Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area

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