{"id":4543,"date":"2024-05-22T15:00:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T07:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/?p=4543"},"modified":"2025-03-13T19:36:25","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T11:36:25","slug":"polonnaruwa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yuartheworld.com\/en\/polonnaruwa\/","title":{"rendered":"Sri Lanka \u25e6 Polonnaruwa | A UNESCO World Heritage Site Showcasing the Pinnacle of Buddhist Art"},"content":{"rendered":"

Polonnaruwa, once the second capital of the Sinhala Kingdom in Sri Lanka. Today, beyond its famous palace ruins, Polonnaruwa is home to numerous towering stupas, colossal Buddha statues, and intricate relief murals, making it a city where Buddhist art has reached its zenith. Exploring this city by bicycle or Tuk-Tuk allows visitors to immerse themselves in the grandeur of the ancient kingdom.<\/p>\n

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In addition to its endless array of ancient ruins, Polonnaruwa is also a bustling city. The area around the Polonnaruwa Road near the train station is lined with various shops, making it convenient to purchase everyday items or find a restaurant.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 Polonnaruwa Ancient City<\/span><\/h6>\n

Within the ancient city, one can find not only Brahmanical monuments but also the remnants of structures built by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Despite later being reduced to ruins due to invasions by the South Indian Tamil groups, the magnificent architecture and intricate carvings of the stupas have ensured that their importance was never forgotten. In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, Polonnaruwa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.<\/p>\n

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\u25e6 7 Must-See Highlights of Polonnaruwa<\/span><\/h6>\n
01\uff5cRoyal Palace of King<\/h6>\n

The palace ruins left by Parakramabahu I were once a magnificent seven-story palace. Each floor had over a hundred rooms, which led the local people to call it the \"Palace of a Thousand Rooms.\"<\/p>\n

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02\uff5cKing\u2019s Council Chamber<\/h6>\n

This ruin in front of the palace is the Council Chamber of Parakramabahu I. The chamber has three levels, each adorned with distinct decorations. The bottom level is carved with elephants in various poses, the second level features lions, and the top level has carvings of Vamana.<\/p>\n

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03\uff5cThe Vatadage<\/h6>\n

Vatadage is one of Polonnaruwa's most famous monuments. It is said that the \"Sacred Tooth Relic\" of the Buddha was once housed here before being moved to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Vatadage was built to protect the central stupa. Around the stupa, there are four Buddha statues, each facing one of the four entrances.<\/p>\n

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04\uff5cRankoth Vehera<\/h6>\n

No trip to Polonnaruwa is complete without visiting Rankoth Vehera. Built during the 12th century under the reign of Nissankamalla, Rankoth Vehera is the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest in Sri Lanka. Constructed entirely of brick, it is remarkably well-preserved compared to other structures in the area. While visiting, I encountered a group of locals sitting in front of the stupa, reverently chanting prayers. The scene was both peaceful and beautiful.<\/p>\n

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05\uff5cGal Vihara<\/h6>\n

Gal Vihara is one of the most significant works of the 12th century. Four large Buddha statues are carved into a single granite rock, making it one of Sri Lanka's most famous rock sculptures. Each statue shows a different posture, representing various stages of the Buddha's life.<\/p>\n

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The most impressive thing to me is the 14-meter-long reclining Buddha on the right, depicting the Buddha's entry into Nirvana. Notably, the pillow under the Buddha's head has subtle indentations, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship.<\/p>\n

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06\uff5c Lankatilaka Temple<\/h6>\n

Lankatilaka Temple is one of the most captivating structures in Polonnaruwa, built by Parakramabahu I. Although the roof has collapsed, walking towards the massive standing headless Buddha statue still inspires a sense of awe.<\/p>\n

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07\uff5cParakramabahu I<\/h6>\n

This statue is believed to represent Parakramabahu I, who ruled from 1153 to 1186.\nHis illustrious reign included the unification of the island's three small kingdoms, the construction of extensive irrigation systems, and the promotion of Buddhist art and culture.<\/p>\n

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Polonnaruwa Ancient City<\/strong>\r\n\r\nOpening Hours: 0700-1700\nTicket Prices:\nFull Price: 30 USD\nHalf Price: 15 USD\n(04\/2024)<\/pre>\n
\u25e6 The Video<\/span><\/h6>\n