Polonnaruwa takes you into the era of Sri Lanka’s medieval kings, when the city became a flourishing royal capital filled with temples, palaces, gardens and sophisticated irrigation systems. Today, its archaeological remains provide an impressive picture of the engineering, craftsmanship and religious life of this remarkable period. Among the highlights are the Royal Palace complex, Sacred Quadrangle, Vatadage and Gal Vihara, where four magnificent Buddha figures have been carved directly into a granite rock face. The compact nature of the ancient city also makes it enjoyable to explore by bicycle or on foot, passing through peaceful ruins surrounded by greenery and wildlife.
