Polonnaruwa Kingdom

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Polonnaruwa Kingdom, Ancient City and History

Polonnaruwa Today

Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in Sri Lanka that served as the capital of the country during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom from the 11th to the 13th century. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

Polonnaruwa is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The land area of Polonnaruwa is approximately 3,293 square kilometers (1,271 square miles). It encompasses both urban and rural areas, including the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and surrounding villages. Polonnaruwa shares its borders with several districts in Sri Lanka. To the north, it is bordered by Anuradhapura District, and to the east, it is bordered by Batticaloa District. To the south, it is bordered by Ampara District, and to the west, it is bordered by Matale District.

Being 216 kMs from Colombo and 70 kMs from Dambulla the most common way to reach Polonnaruwa is to come to Habarana along A6 Road (Colombo-Trincomalee) or from A9 Road (Kandy-Jaffna) to Dambulla and then to Habarana along A6 road. Then from Habarana, turning off along A11 Road [Maradankadawala-Tikkandimadu] and to proceed about 45 kMs to come to Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The region has distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by the northeast and southwest monsoons. The wet season typically occurs from October to January, with heavy rainfall. The dry season usually lasts from May to September, characterized by hot and dry weather. The average annual rainfall in Polonnaruwa is around 1,000-1,200 millimeters (39-47 inches).

Situated in the northern plains of Sri Lanka, the region is relatively flat and features a mix of agricultural lands, reservoirs, and forests. The famous Parakrama Samudra, an ancient reservoir built during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, is one of the prominent geographic features in the area. The region's landscape is also dotted with small lakes, tanks, and paddy fields. Polonnaruwa's geographic location and climate have historically made it favorable for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, which has played a significant role in the region's economy and cultural heritage.

As of April 2024, the Tourist Ticket price for Polonnaruwa Cultural Triangle tour is US$ 30 for adults and US$ 15 for Children according to Central Cultural Fund Ticketing Web Page https://www.ccf.gov.lk/tickets/
[Saarc Country Tourist ticket prices are not mentioned there but practice is 50% of the Tourist Ticket price. Entrance fee is Free to Local population. Normallly Children are concidered to be between age of 6-12 years. Children under the age of 6 years are normally free. This information needs to be verified.]

Ancient Polonnaruwa Kingdom

Polonnaruwa was established as the capital city of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom in the 11th century, succeeding Anuradhapura as the political and economic center of Sri Lanka.The kingdom was ruled by several successive kings who constructed a royal complex consisting of palaces, audience halls, and other administrative buildings. The most notable structure in this complex is the Royal Palace, which was a grand structure with multiple stories.

Polonnaruwa was a center of Buddhist culture and featured numerous religious monuments. The most iconic among them is the Gal Vihara, a rock temple that houses four magnificent Buddha statues carved out of granite.One of the remarkable engineering achievements of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom was the construction of the Parakrama Samudra, a massive reservoir covering an area of about 6,000 acres. It served as a reliable source of water for agriculture and irrigation.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka was home to several famous kings who played significant roles in shaping its history and cultural heritage.

Vijayabahu I (1055-1110 AD) is considered one of the most important kings of Polonnaruwa. He successfully liberated the country from Chola rule and established the Polonnaruwa Kingdom as an independent monarchy. He is credited with laying the foundation for the kingdom's prosperity and revival of Buddhism.

Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 AD) is known as the greatest king of Polonnaruwa. He expanded the kingdom's territory and undertook extensive irrigation projects, including the construction of massive reservoirs like the Parakrama Samudra. Parakramabahu I also patronized arts, literature, and Buddhism, leaving a lasting impact on Polonnaruwa's cultural and architectural achievements.

Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 AD) was a powerful and ambitious ruler who further enhanced the architectural and cultural landscape of Polonnaruwa. He commissioned the construction of notable structures, including the Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, an ornate pavilion. Nissanka Malla also patronized literature and the arts, leaving behind a legacy of artistic and architectural excellence.

These kings, among others, played pivotal roles in the political, religious, and cultural spheres of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Their contributions left lasting legacies that are evident in the impressive ruins and historical sites found in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa today.

Statue of Parakramabahu I

Art and Architecture of Polonnaruwa

The intricate carvings and majestic structures of Polonnaruwa evoke a sense of awe and wonder, transporting us to a world of ancient grandeur. As you trace your fingers along the meticulously chiseled details, you can't help but be mesmerized by the artistic prowess and devotion that went into creating these masterpieces. From the serene beauty of the Gal Viharaya to the imposing grandeur of the Rankot Vihara, each monument tells a story, inviting us to contemplate the passage of time and the profound cultural legacy that Polonnaruwa holds. It is a place where history becomes tangible, where the echoes of the past resonate with the present, reminding us of our connection to the magnificent tapestry of human civilization.

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Polonnaruwa History

Polonnaruwa's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation in the area as early as the 4th century BCE. It was initially a small village and gained prominence as a regional capital during the reign of King Vijayabahu I in the 11th century CE.

Polonnaruwa rose to prominence as the capital of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, established by King Vijayabahu I. He successfully repelled the invading Chola forces from South India and established Polonnaruwa as an independent kingdom in the late 11th century CE.

The kingdom reached its zenith of power and prosperity during the reign of King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 CE) which is called the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. He undertook extensive irrigation projects, including the construction of the massive Parakrama Samudra reservoir, which transformed the region into a fertile agricultural hub. Parakramabahu I also patronized Buddhism, leading to a revival of the religion and the construction of grand religious monuments.

Polonnaruwa faced several invasions and struggles for power, particularly from the Chola dynasty in South India. Despite successfully repelling initial invasions, the kingdom eventually succumbed to the Cholas in the late 12th century CE. After the Chola rule, Polonnaruwa fell into a period of decline and witnessed a shift in the political center to the south of Sri Lanka.

Conquest by Kalinga Magha and End of the Kingdom was in the 13th century CE. Polonnaruwa faced further challenges when it was conquered by Kalinga Magha, an Indian invader. The city was devastated, and the Polonnaruwa Kingdom came to an end, marking the decline of the ancient city as a political and cultural center.

Despite its decline, Polonnaruwa's historical and cultural significance endured. The ancient city's ruins were rediscovered and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, attracting visitors and researchers interested in exploring its architectural marvels and cultural heritage.

"Polonnaruwa invites us to step back in time and marvel at the splendor of a bygone era. As you walk amidst the ancient ruins, you can almost feel the weight of history, as if the stones themselves are whispering tales of triumph and conquest. The remnants of grand palaces, intricately carved temples, and sprawling monastic complexes paint a vivid picture of a civilization that once flourished here. Polonnaruwa beckons you to immerse yourself in its rich heritage, to stand in awe of its architectural wonders, and to pay homage to the greatness that once defined this remarkable city."

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Buddha Statue at Gal Vihara

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Statue at #1 Shiva Kovil (Devalaya)

Polonnaruwa Ruins

Polonnaruwa is renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, boasting numerous famous sites that attract visitors from around the world. Here are some of the notable historical and cultural sites in Polonnaruwa: The ancient city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. It encompasses the ruins of the royal palace, temples, monasteries, and other structures that showcase the grandeur of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.

Gal Vihara is a rock temple known for its magnificent Buddhist sculptures. The highlight of Gal Vihara is the set of four statues carved out of a single granite rock, including the standing Buddha statue, the reclining Buddha statue, and the two seated Buddha statues.

Parakrama Samudra, also called the Sea of Parakrama, it is a massive reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. Spanning an area of about 2,500 hectares, it was an impressive feat of ancient engineering and served as a vital irrigation system for the region.

Rankot Vehera is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa, standing at a height of approximately 55 meters (180 feet). It is a well-preserved structure and an important religious site for Buddhists.

Lankatilaka Vihara temple showcases exquisite architectural craftsmanship. The towering brick walls, intricately carved pillars, and the colossal standing Buddha statue within the temple are some of its notable features.

Thuparama Gedige is a unique structure that reflects a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. Thuparama Gedige is believed to have served as a shrine for both religions during the Polonnaruwa period.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, commissioned by King Nissanka Malla, is an ornate pavilion with intricately carved stone pillars. It is an impressive example of the architectural brilliance of the time depicting trees and plants.

Vatadage is a circular relic house built to enshrine a sacred object. The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a well-preserved structure adorned with elaborate stone carvings and surrounded by stone guardstones and moonstones.

"Polonnaruwa, the ancient city of kings, whispers its tales of grandeur through its silent ruins. As you wander amidst the weathered stones and crumbling structures, you can't help but be transported back in time, imagining the bustling streets, the majestic palaces, and the vibrant life that once thrived within these hallowed grounds. Each step you take unveils a chapter of history, revealing the enduring legacy of a civilization that shaped the very fabric of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage." ”