Description

Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka's second ancient capital, flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries AD. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of this magnificent royal city include the Gal Vihara ? four magnificent rock-cut Buddha statues carved from a single granite face ? the royal palace complex of King Parakramabahu the Great, the Vatadage circular relic shrine, and the breathtaking Rankoth Vehera stupa. The Archaeological Museum provides rich context, while cycling through the ancient city is the best way to explore its scattered monuments. The nearby Parakrama Samudra reservoir is a feat of ancient hydraulic engineering.