Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second most ancient kingdom after Anuradhapura, exudes a timeless charm perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape. Following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD and the shifting of the capital by King Vijayabahu I, Polonnaruwa rose to prominence, becoming the capital under the reign of one of Sri Lanka’s most famous sovereigns, King Parakramabahu I. This ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka is a historical journey from Sigiriya, which saw a golden age, with flourishing agriculture, literacy, and incredible architectural and monumental irrigation works between 1070- 1232 A.D.
This ancient city is 55 kilometres from Sigiriya, an hours car journey making it a must-do day trip for couples exploring the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. The best times to visit Polonnaruwa are between January to March and July to August.
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which spans an impressive 122 hectares and extends five kilometres from north to south, is nestled next to the vast man-made Parakrama Samudra (The sea of Parakrama) reservoir, the pulse of Polonnaruwa.
The ancient city is an archaeological treasure trove adorned with temples, shrines, palaces, and ruins that tell tales of a flourishing ancient kingdom and city.
The most optimal time for us to visit is between June – August. Alternatively, January-March offers favourable conditions as well. Polonnaruwa experiences a dry period from May to September, with intermittent showers, possibly from June to August. With its rich heritage and proximity to iconic sites like Sigiriya and Dambulla and wildlife parks, this ancient kingdom promises an unforgettable experience for couples exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural heartland.
Tucked away in a serene forest clearing, Shiva Devale No.2 is the oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa. Believed to have been constructed by Chola invaders of India during the 10th century, this sacred sanctuary is one of the oldest surviving structures in Polonnaruwa.
During the Chola occupation from 1017 to 1070 CE, the landscape of Polonnaruwa was transformed by the establishment of numerous shrines dedicated to the Hindu Pantheon. As the capital of their administration, Polonnaruwa became a hub of religious fervour, with many of these shrines taking root within its hallowed grounds.
Amidst the timeless ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa lies the Pakrama Samudraya reservoir, a testament to the visionary leadership of Parakramabahu constructed during the 12th century. This revered monarch’s legacy is etched in the waters that nourish the land, marking Polonnaruwa’s and ancient Lanka’s golden age of agricultural prosperity and self-sufficiency.
Even today, engineers are fascinated by this reservoir, a monumental feat of engineering and foresight. Alongside several other reservoirs constructed under his reign, it served as the region’s lifeblood, irrigating the rice fields and sustaining the flourishing civilisation called Polonnaruwa home.
Spanning an impressive surface area of 22.6 square kilometres, the reservoir is not merely a single body of water but a network of interconnected reservoirs linked by intricate canals that weave through the landscape. Its sheer magnitude earned it the moniker “Samudhraya,” a homage to its resemblance to the ocean’s vastness.
Potgul Vihara, also called the Library Dagoba, stands as a distinctive architectural marvel in the southern region of ancient Polonnaruwa. This unique structure resembles a thick-walled, hollow dagoba, speculated to have served as a repository for sacred Buddhist texts. Its circular design resembles a gedige, with four smaller solid dagobas positioned around the central dome, creating the traditional Sinhalese quincunx arrangement. This arrangement forms a rectangle with one dagoba at each corner and one in the middle.
Commissioned by King Parakramabahu, the name “Thivanka,” meaning “three curves,” pays homage to the unique curvature of the grand Buddha image housed within.
Like many structures of its time, the Thivanka Image House was constructed predominantly with bricks. It boasts a majestic Buddha statue, rising to a towering height of 26 feet. Though now partially damaged, with the upper section lost to time, the statue still commands awe and attention.
Beyond the threshold, you’ll find yourself in a world of Buddhist storytelling and spiritual contemplation. The inner walls are adorned with exquisite frescoes depicting the Jataka Stories, illuminating the path of the Buddha’s previous lives before enlightenment. Though time has weathered much of the masonry, traces of the colourful drawings are still visible.
Explore the exotic bird life on this island in the middle of Parakrama Reservoir. Home to over 30 species of coloruful birds, including migratory varieties, this island offers a mesmerizing bird watching experience. Join a local fisherman as they take you on a village boat to enjoy the sights and sounds of the local nature. Combining the birdwatching expedition, enjoy an authentic lake fishing excursion. Learn the art of local lake fishing using traditional rods. The lake excursions are also a great way to marvel at the scenic landscape and local wildlife; you may even see elephants, monkeys, and deer that frequent the reservoir’s banks.
