Polonnaruwa City of Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka's spectacular second ancient capital and a highly concentrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the island's golden age of medieval civilization.

Here are the key highlights:

Medieval Capital: It succeeded Anuradhapura as the royal capital in the 11th century and flourished particularly under King Parakramabahu I (12th century), who transformed it into a fabulous garden city.

Archaeological Park: The ruins are exceptionally well preserved and more compact than those of Anuradhapura, making them easy to explore, often by bicycle. The site vividly displays the era's architectural and artistic brilliance, featuring palaces, monasteries, and temples.

Gal Vihara: Famous for its four magnificent rock cut statues of the Buddha carved into a single large slab of granite, including the iconic reclining figure.

The Quadrangle (Dalada Maluwa): A small, elevated area housing the most densely packed and finest group of ruins, including the beautiful circular relic house (Vatadage).

Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama): A massive ancient reservoir (tank) built by King Parakramabahu, which showcases the era's sophisticated hydraulic engineering and is still in use today.

Polonnaruwa offers a profound glimpse into a powerful and artistic medieval kingdom, set against a backdrop of lush nature.