Polonnaruwa lies 216 km northeast of Colombo, 140kms northeast of Kandy and 104kms southeast of Anuradhapura. It is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms. Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader. The reign of King Parakramabahu in the 12th century AD is known as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. During his time trade and agriculture flourished and Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient.
Some of the must-visit places in Polonnaruwa are;
- Somawathie Viharaya
- Moonstones
- The majestic King's Council Chamber
- The Lotus Bath
- The Lanka Thilaka Viharaya
- The Gal Viharaya (rock temple)
- The statue of one of Polonnaruwa's great kings, Parakramabahu
- Parakrama Samudraya
