Ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is an ancient city and the second medieval capital of Sri Lanka, located in the North Central Province, approximately 214 km northeast of Colombo. The city flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its beautifully preserved ruins of temples, palaces and giant Buddha statues. Main attractions: Gal Vihara is an ensemble of four stunning Buddha statues carved into a massive granite rock. The Royal Nissanka Malla Palace is the remains of a once majestic multi-storey royal structure. The Square Terrace (Atadage and Hattadage) is a sacred area with ancient temples to house the relic of the Tooth Relic. Lankatilaka is a massive brick temple with a giant standing figure of Buddha inside. Parakrama Samudra is a huge artificial reservoir (“Sea of ​​Parakrama”), created in the 12th century. When visiting holy places (even in the form of ruins), you need to cover your shoulders and knees, and you will have to take off your shoes. This tour starts early in the morning and runs throughout the day. Along the way we can visit the spice and herb garden.