Polonnaruwa was the medieval Capital of Sri Lanka. In AD 993 the Cholas looted the burnt Anuradhapura and used Polonnaruwa as their military base for 77 years, resulting in an interesting blend of South Indian Hindu culture and Sinhalese Buddhist art and architecture.

King Vijayabahu 1, who defeated the Cholas in 1073, devoted his long reign to irrigation development. Civil war followed his death and in 1161 King Parakramabahu captured Polonnaruwa and assumed control of the whole Island.

Important Places in Polonnaruwa

• Parakrama Samudra
• Pothgul Vihara
• The Quadrangle (Dalada Maluwa, Vatadage, Thuparamaya, Atadage,  Hatadage, Gal Pottha, Sathmal Pasada)
• Pabulu Vihara
• Menik Viharaya
• Rankot Viharaya
• Kiri Vihara
• Gal Vihara
• Demala Maha Seya

More Places