Polonnaruwa – The Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka

Step into the golden age of Sri Lanka’s medieval history at Polonnaruwa, the island’s second royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries, this ancient city stands as a testament to the vision of great kings who transformed Polonnaruwa into a hub of art, architecture, and advanced irrigation systems.

As you explore the well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, monasteries, and sacred stupas, you’ll discover the ingenuity of a civilization that thrived nearly a thousand years ago. Among its most iconic landmarks is the Gal Vihara, a rock temple where four colossal Buddha statues—serene, reclining, and meditative—are carved with astonishing detail, considered masterpieces of Sinhalese stone craftsmanship.

Wander through the majestic remains of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I, once a magnificent structure of seven stories, and admire the grand Vatadage, a circular relic house designed with exquisite stone carvings. The heart of Polonnaruwa is framed by the legendary Parakrama Samudraya, a vast man-made reservoir built to showcase the kingdom’s mastery in water management, still sustaining the region today.

Polonnaruwa is more than an archaeological site—it is a living journey into Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, Buddhist traditions, and medieval artistry. Visitors experience a blend of history, spirituality, and authenticity, where ancient stories echo through ruins surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.

For travelers seeking heritage tours, cultural exploration, and luxury experiences in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa offers an enchanting chapter of the island’s timeless past, making it an unmissable destination in the Cultural Triangle.

What to See in Polonnaruwa – Sri Lanka’s Medieval Capital

The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating destinations, showcasing the brilliance of the island’s medieval kings. For travelers exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, here are the must-see highlights:

• Gal Vihara – A rock temple featuring four colossal Buddha statues, including a reclining, standing, and seated Buddha. This is one of the finest masterpieces of Sri Lankan stone carvings and Buddhist art.


• Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I – Once a magnificent 7-story structure with over a thousand rooms, now impressive ruins that highlight the royal heritage of Polonnaruwa.


• Vatadage (Circular Relic House) – A beautifully preserved circular shrine with intricate carvings, built to protect sacred relics—an iconic example of Sri Lankan temple architecture.


• Rankoth Vehera – A massive stupa built in the 12th century, symbolizing the city’s spiritual devotion, and one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Polonnaruwa.


• Parakrama Samudraya – The great man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu, showcasing the advanced hydraulic engineering of ancient Sri Lanka. A must-see for cultural and historical tours.


• Shiva Devales – Ancient Hindu shrines that reflect the multi-religious heritage of Polonnaruwa’s cultural history.


• Lankatilaka Image House – A massive brick temple housing a towering standing Buddha statue, highlighting the Buddhist architecture of Polonnaruwa.


• Nissanka Latha Mandapaya – A unique pavilion with stone columns carved in the shape of lotus stems, representing the artistic innovation of the kingdom.