Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is a historic city with exceptionally well-preserved ruins despite the destruction caused by invaders, and it is a must-see stop on any Sri Lanka all-inclusive travel itinerary. The Sinhala king Parakramabahu I built this remarkable urban community in the 12th century, making it an ancient metropolis. A civilization at its pinnacle with a firm understanding of aesthetic sensitivity and architectural design is evidenced by the astonishing harmony between its buildings and its natural surroundings.

The Sinhalese Kings were devout Buddhists, unlike the Chola conquerors from south India, who conducted numerous invasions. The zeal of the invader and the resolve of the defender are evident in the silent Hindu shrines and Buddhist monasteries. During the Polonnaruwa period, there were strong relations between the two Buddhist kingdoms, as evidenced by the monasteries that provided shelter to monks from Ramanna Desha (modern-day Myanmar).

If you are interested in history during your Sri Lanka vacation, the conquering Cholas built monuments to their faith, Brahmanism, and temples to Shiva, where exquisite bronze statues were later discovered and are now on display at the National Museum in Colombo. The sacred Bodhi Tree could not be transported from Anuradhapura when the Sinhala King relocated to the new city of Polonnaruwa.

As a result, the Sacred Tooth Relic was transformed into the seat of Sinhala sovereignty. Among the Polonnaruwa ruins, the "Atadage," or Temple of the Tooth Relic, is the most spectacular building. One of the pinnacles of Sinhalese art is without a doubt the Gal Vihara, or Stone Reliquary, with its huge rock sculptures. The island's most significant historical landmarks are located in Polonnaruwa city.

The contribution it makes to agriculture is still very important economically. King Parakramabahu the First constructed the massive reservoir known as the Parakrama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama) (1153–1186 AD). The huge body of water, which is surrounded by a retaining wall that is 14 km long and 12 m high, dominates the entire citadel of Polonnaruwa and its surroundings. The artificial reservoir has a surface area of 15 square kilometers.