Polonnaruwa — the medieval royal city★★★
Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries and is today one of the best-preserved archaeological ensembles in South Asia — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is less visited than Sigiriya but equally impressive.
The highlight is the Gal Vihara — a group of four Buddha statues, carved directly from the granite rock. The 14-meter-long reclining Buddha, the 7-meter-high standing Buddha with arms crossed over the chest, and the two seated Buddhas are among the most beautiful sculptures of Theravada Buddhism worldwide.
Other Highlights
- Vatadage: A circular relic house with moonstones, guardian figures, and concentric terraces — architecturally unique.
- Lankatilaka: A 17-meter-high brick temple with a standing headless Buddha statue.
- Rankoth Vehera: The largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa, 55 meters high.
- Royal Palace (Parakramabahu): Once seven stories high with 1,000 rooms — today impressive ruins that hint at its former grandeur.
- Parakrama Samudra: A massive reservoir from the 12th century that supplied the city with water — a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
💡 Tipp
Rent a bicycle (500 LKR / 1.40 € per day) at the entrance and explore the vast grounds at your own pace. The area is too large for walking. Best to start at 7 AM before the heat sets in. The Gal Vihara alone is worth the visit.
