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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Constructed under the reign of King Mahaparakram Bahu between the years 1153 to 1186, the striking Royal Palace stands as the emblem of grandeur in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu is a place of great historical importance, the reason why it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1982.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Gal Vihara is a rock temple of Buddha which is in the north of Sri Lanka in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa. It was initially known as Uttara Rama. It has four rock statues, each portraying different figures of Buddha. The first one is where Buddha is seated on a lotus; the second one is also a seated figure but smaller in size; the third one is a standing figure, and the last one is a reclining figure.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

The circular building of Dalada Maluwa, also known as Terrace of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is a beautiful work of art and architecture of the 12th century. Dalada Maluwa was built by King Parakrambahu the great (1164-1196AD), it was later enhanced and decorated by King Nissankamalla (1198-1206). It was the intended house for the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha; however, presently, the Tooth Relic is deposited in Kandy Tooth Relic Temple.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Located near the entrance of the Ancient City, The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. From intricately carved stone sculptures to delicate pottery fragments, the artifacts on display offer a glimpse into the daily lives, religious beliefs, and artistic achievements of the people who inhabited the city centuries ago.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Located 25km from Polonnaruwa, Minneriya National Park is a popular day trip or 1 day destination. The park is best known for its large population of Asian elephants, which congregate in impressive numbers during the dry season (from June to September). In addition to elephants, Minneriya National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, water buffalo, sloth bears, leopards, and a rich variety of bird species.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

This magnificent stupa is situated in Polonnaruwa and is the 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka. Built by the Nissanka Malla(1187-1196) it is one of the most sought after tourist attractions, i.e. 'dagobas' of the country. Rich in vibrant history and scenic beauty, this place must be on your to-visit list if you come to Sri Lanka.The stupa of Rankoth Vehera is in the centre of a large square terrace. There are four entrances to the yard with four cardinal points.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Kiri Vihara is a dagoba or stupa in Kataragama region in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka. This an 80 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town. Kiri Vihara was constructed in the 11th century AD, by King Parakramabahu's queen, Queen Subhadra. Its original name was Rupavathi Chaitya. Later the name was changed to Kiri Vihara, which means 'white stupa', which is because of its limewashed coating.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure located in Sri Lanka. This architectural marvel is one of it's kind for many reasons. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure located in Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa district in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. This architectural marvel is one of it's kind for many reasons. King Nissanka Latha built Nissanka Latha Mandapaya in the 20th century. The purpose of this construction was to recite and hear Buddhist scriptures. Mandapa is a word used for sheltered pillars. In the 20th century, mandapas were built inside houses and used for recitals during after death ceremonies, which is how the structure got its name.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a well-preserved Vatadage in the famous Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of the ancient city of ruins, Polonnaruwa. Vatadages are typical Buddhist structures found in Sri Lanka. These are circular, constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were built to protect stupas. Currently, there are ten Vatadages in Sri Lanka, and the most popular one is Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Lankatilaka is an ancient Sinhalese temple located in between Kandy and Polonnaruwa. It is one of the most magnificent ruined sites of the country. It was built by King Parakrabahu in the 11th century and attracted archaeologists, historians and tourists all around the year.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Parakrama Samudra is a water reservoir which consists of five different lakes namely Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks. It is also known as King Parakrama's Sea and is in Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. Topa Wewa is the oldest reservoir here which was built around 386 AD. The middle section has Eramudu Wewa and below you have Dubutula Wewa. The lakes here are separated by a smaller dam to reduce the pressure.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

About half an hour away from the historical city of Polonnaruwa, bordered by the Angammedilla Canal in the south, lies Angammedilla National Park. A relatively more recent addition to Sri Lanka’s long list of protected areas, Angammedilla National Park is a habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park was initially designated to protect the catchment areas of the Parakrama Samudra, a shallow reservoir in Polonnaruwa, and the Minneriya and Girithale irrigation tanks.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Pothgul Viharaya is an old library and monastery in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. The ruins of this ancient library date back to the twelfth century. The name Pothgul itself means 'Bookstore'.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Manampitiya Bridge is the second longest bridge in Sri Lanka. Before the Kinniya Bridge was declared open in 2009, it was the longest bridge in Sri Lanka. The bridge has a length of 302 metres. It comprises two decks, an early-twentieth-century steel bridge and newly built bridge.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Giritale Wewa or Giritale Tank is a reservoir in Giritale and Minneriya. Giritale Tank was one of the deepest tanks in Sri Lanka during the rule of ancient capital Polonnaruwa.

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Places To Visit in Polonnaruwa

Sigiriya or the Lion Rock is an ancient fort located in the Matale District in central Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is in the Matale District of Central Sri Lanka and lies between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane at the height of 370 metres. It consists of a citadel and has ruins of palaces, the Lion Gate, gardens, moats, the Mirror Wall, and many beautiful frescoes (paintings made in wet plaster on walls). The place got its name from the Lion claws, carved at the entrance of the Lion Gate. You can reach the Sigiriya Fortress either by bus or by train, from the main towns of Dambulla or Habarane.