Colombo Trip Overview
The ancient city of Polnnauruwa is was the second largest Capital of Sri Lanka. Three centuries-long, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa served as the capital for both the Chola and Sinhalese Kingdoms. Polnanaruwa remain as one of the best archaeological relic sites up to this date. Declared as a UNESCO world heritage site it stands as a testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers. A well-mixed brew of impressive shrines, picturesque temples, and elegant Buddha statues is that which makes the ancient city of Polonnaruwa a highlight in every Sri Lanka Itinerary.
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
The ancient city of Polnnauruwa is was the second largest Capital of Sri Lanka. Three centuries-long, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa served as the capital for both the Chola and Sinhalese Kingdoms. Polnanaruwa remain as one of the best archaeological relic sites up to this date. Declared as a UNESCO world heritage site it stands as a testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers. A well-mixed brew of impressive shrines, picturesque temples, and elegant Buddha statues is that which makes the ancient city of Polonnaruwa a highlight in every Sri Lanka Itinerary.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Sacred City, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The Polonnaruwa Vatadge is an ancient structure which has two stone platforms decorated with elaborate stone carvings. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is known to be the best preserved “vatadage” of Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I or King Nissankamalla of the Polonnaruwa era. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage has four Buddha statues facing each of the four entrances to the structure. Being a UNESCO world heritage site the city of Polonnaruwa Vatadage one of the most venerated buildings in the country.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Samudra Parakrama, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Parakrama Samudraya is the most calm and peaceful place that you will visit during this tour. Parakrama samudra is a shallow reservoir which was said to be built by King Parakramabahu. What you see today as the Parakrama Samudraya is only a part of his original creation of the reservoir.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gal Vihara, 440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
While the medieval capital gets all the attention this site is worthy of it’s own story. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. An eclectic collection of Buddha’s and some ancient paintings in a protected alcove make this a very interesting visit. The rock carvings are extremely well done & the site has an eerie feeling to it, very respectful & quiet! It is the rock temple with 4 massive sculptures of Buddha figure at the granite rock – 2 Buddha statues with seated position; 1 standing Buddha statue; and 1 Reclining Buddha statue.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Vejayanta Pasada,King parakramabahu, W2V2+282, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Vijeyantha Pasada or the Royal Palace of Polnnaruwa was built by King Parakremabahu in the 11th Century. This magnificent ruin is said to be a seven-floors building with thousands of chambers. Today there are only few walls left. The name is that of the Palace of God Sakra and the adoption here indicates that there may have been a need at the time to secure the concept that the King and god were equal. There is evidence that this place may have been destroyed by fire.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lankathilaka Image House, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
The name of this image house translates to ‘the ornament of Lanka’. Another breathtaking structure built by King Parakramabahu I with massive standing Buddha statue more than 14 meter height .Only the torso of the formerly 41’/13m standing Buddha has survived. The reddish orange color of the bricks catches your eye. Its interior reminds you a bit of a Western European cathedral. The complex is built in the typical ‘Gedige’ style, which is inspired by Indian architecture reminiscent of that of the Ellora Caves in India. Besides the statue of Lord Buddha there are other features such as the guard stone imagesat the entrance and the stairway leading to the statue is adorned in intricate features.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kiri Vehera, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Gleaming white, its name means ‘milk white temple’. It was built by Karakramabahu to honour Subadra, his wife and queen. It has been minimally restored. It still has its original lime plaster. It soars 95’/29m in height with a hefty circumference of 280’/85m. Its original name was Rupavathi Stupa and derives its present name from the fact that the lime plaster of the dome is better preserved than most other stupas in Polonnaruwa. This is an impressive sight, the second highest stupa on site at 24.5m height.
Duration: 1 hour
