Those who have traveled to Anuradhapura, do not miss Polonnaruwa because Polonnaruwa too is a historically and archaeologically valuable place in Sri Lanka. It has served as a military post during the ancient period. Being one of the ancient kingdoms, Polonnaruwa has a rich heritage of religious places, ruined palaces and many other traveler attractions. Several of them are Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Statue of Parakramabahu 1, Parakrama Samudraya, Pothgul Viharaya, Gal Viharaya, Rankoth Vehera, Hatadage and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya. This list is not exhaustive because there are plenty of religious and historical places where you can visit in Polonnaruwa. This territory is home to large reservoirs also. Polonnaruwa is located in a relatively dry zone and the major livelihood of dwellers of this area is farming. Vishmi Travels invites all the travelers who visit North Central Province to come and see the majestic beauty of Polonnaruwa.
Places to visit in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa Vatadage
If you visit this place, you can witness a cluster of archaeological features at one place. The history says that this was built either by King Parakramabahu 1 or King Nissankamalla. There are four stupas on a stone platform and Vatadage is a brick wall that surrounds these stupas. This brick wall protects the stupas from outside natural effects. The brick wall and the other stone elements contain beautiful stone carvings. And also, sandakada pahana, a significant archaeological creation in Sri Lanka, can also be seen here.
Statue of Parakramabahu 1
Before stating the details about the statue, travelers must have an idea about King Parakramabahu. He is one of the great kings who ruled Sri Lanka. Further, he contributed immensely to the irrigation system. He had a policy to get the maximum use of water even without discarding a drop of rain water. Because of his well-planned administration, his reign became prosperous with a legacy of large reservoirs. Parakrama Samudaraya is the most significant reservoir among others. The statue depicts the majestic King Parakramabahu holding an object on his palms. Some are with the view that the statue carries a book made of palm leaves and some are with the view that it is a yoke of kingship. The statue is located closer to Pothgul Viharaya and Parakrama Samudraya.
Parakrama Samudraya
This is a huge reservoir. Because of the enormity of this people say that this is secondary only to the magnanimous ocean. Even though this was built centuries ago, this feeds thousands of hectares of agriculture. The breeze coming from the reservoir and the scenery of rippling water must be experienced during your voyage to Sri Lanka.
Pothgul Viharaya
It is assumed that this place had been used as a library by ancient monks. It is built in four floors and the third floor has nine buildings where it is assumed that the monks resided. The building is in ruins today. But, you can see traces of incredible construction knowledge and technology even in the ruins.
Gal Viharaya
This is a stone temple where four statues of Lord Buddha have been carved in rock. That is why the temple is called Gal (stone) Viharaya. This too is said to have been built by King Parakramabahu 1. The types of statues thus carved are two seated statues, one standing and one reclining statue. This temple is formerly known as Uttaramaya. What will mesmerize you here is the patience of the creators of these statues to carve the statues sharply with sacred features that should be there in a Buddha statue.
Rankoth Vehera
According to history, this was built by King Nissankamalla. This stupa bears a similarity to Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. This stupa has been built entirely in bricks.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
This is made by King Nissankamalla. The architecture used in this construction cannot be found anywhere in the country. It mainly consists of pillars with an elevated stone platform. It is said that this place had been used to chant pirith by monks.
Hatadage
This is also a construction by king Nissankamalla. Now in ruins, this had been built to keep relics of Lord Buddha in the twelfth century. Here also, you will be able to behold statues carved in granite rocks. Hata means sixty and dage means relics. Accordingly, there have been sixty relics of Lord Buddha.
Apart from this historicity, the travelers won’t find any shortage of luxurious villas and hotels in this hinterland to spend an amazing vacation. Since it is free from commercial city disturbances, you can enjoy a tranquil holiday in Polonnaruwa.
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