WORLD BEST TRAVEL

This medieval capital replaced the earlier capital Anuradhapura after it’s destruction in 993 BC. The City of the Land was first used as a country residence before becoming a capital, and is largely known for it’s monumental ruins and it’s amazing garden city.

The irrigation system of Polonnaruwa – a man-made Lake Parakrama – spreads over an impressive 2400 ha (5940 acres) of land.

The King Parkramabahu I, the responsible one for building the irrigation system, had his Royal Citadel built too, along with a palace and other buildings. The impressive building is marked with elaborate stone carvings, and outside the walls there is the Royal Bath, made of stone.

The Buddhist shrines have a number of huge standing and reclining Buddha statues, and were housing the king Parakrambahu’s treasures.

WHERE IS IT
216km (134mi) from Colombo.

WHAT TO SEE
See the magnificent Brahmanic monuments and an amazing garden city.