Polonnaruwa, the Medieval Capital

Polonnaruwa became the capital after Anuradhapura was sacked in 993. It was first established by the Chola conquerors, and then by Sinhalese kings after Vijayabahu I restored local rule in the late 11th century.

The city reached its peak under Parakramabahu I (reigned 1153–1186). The Culavamsa credits him with the saying that not even a little water that comes from rain should flow into the ocean without being made useful to man.

The Gal Vihara contains four Buddha images carved from a single granite rock face — seated, standing and a recumbent figure about 14 metres long — considered masterpieces of Sinhalese sculpture.

The circular Vatadage of the Sacred Quadrangle, with its guard stones and moonstones, shows the refined ornamental architecture of the period.

Parakrama Samudra — the ‘Sea of Parakrama’ — is a large reservoir formed by connecting older tanks. It continues to supply water for agriculture around Polonnaruwa today.

UNESCO describes Polonnaruwa as containing the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas as well as the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.