History of Polonnaruwa

When the armies of the Tamil Cholas invaded and looted Anuradhapura in AD 993, Polonnaruwa became the country’s capital and remained so for 77 years. From its outlook, Polonnaruwa has a cosmopolitan mix of cultures – Indian Hindu and Sinhalese Buddhist.

In 1073, King Vijayabahu drove the Cholas away but kept Polonnaruwa as his capital city. For the next forty years, bloody civil war continued and King Vijayabahou dies in 1161. King Parakramabahu then captured Polonnaruwa, assuming he uithen controlled the entire island nation. He was known as the last great king of Sri Lanka as a result of the series of building works and expansion in Polonnaruwa. In 1293, Sri Lanka was taken over by the armed forces of South India, abandoning Polonnaruwa to the jungle.

Strategic importance

Known as a camp city, Polonaruwa was a safe hideout for armies, thereby giving it the name ‘Kandavuru Nuvara’. The city stretched for several kilometers along the east of the majestic reservoir – Parakrama Samudra, and was protected by 6kms of durable encircling walls.

Religious Significance of Polonnaruwa

Groups of Buddhist pilgrims visit Polonnaruwa for its ruins, temples, stupas and Hindu Kovils.
Rankot Vihara – largest stupa in the city at 180 ft high.
Lankathilaka Gedige – built during Parakramabahu’s reign.
Kiri Vihara – was surrounded by forests; rediscovered in the 19th century.
Shiva Devale – Hindu Temple built in the 13th century.

Places you will visit

• Gal Vihara
  The Lankathilaka
  Museums / Polonnaruwa
• Not to miss in this tour
• Carved walls of the Quadrangle
• Recovered Chola bronzes at the Polonnaruwa museum

Things you will do

• Explore the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa (by foot or bicycle)
• Undertake religious blessings at the Ancient Gal Viharaya
• Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry meal at the famous Piyumali House
• Catamaran ride in Parakrama Samudra