Polonnaruwa: Your Short travel Guide to Ancient City in Sri Lanka

Although the ancient city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa comes second to Anuradhapura when it comes to historical significance. Most of the people visit Sri Lanka, to visit its serene beaches and tea plantation unaware about many cities that are enriched with historical value.

Polonnaruwa is one of the cities that served as the island`s capital from the 11^th to 13^th century. After the army of Tamil Cholas invaded and looted the city of Anuradhapura, the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa for the next 77 years. One can encounter a lot of interesting historical facts when in Sri Lanka. Apply for your Sri Lanka ETA visa online, to visit the country.

The new city had a mix of south Indian Hindu and Sinhalese Buddhist cultures since its inception. Later on the valiant king Vijayabahu I defeated the Cholas and drove them out of the island in 1073. He retained the city as his capital. In 1161, Parakramabahu I captured the city and assumed control of the whole island.  The city has number of must-visit places that will surely capture your attention:

1.       Polonnaruwa Museum- Most of the ruins of the city is well protected and guarded within a specially fenced off archaeological site. The museum is worth a visit as it displays the golden days of the ancient capital and some fine exhibits including a number of superb Chola bronzes recovered from the site. Apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa in time and dig more into the Sinhalese past.

2.       The Quadrangle- The terrace of the tooth relic which is also known as the Quadrangle, is located in the center of the ancient city. The place was the sacred precinct and epicenter of ancient Polonnaruwa, home to most important cluster of religious shrines. The quadrangle is highlighted with a circular shrine which is immaculately decorated with its outer walls adorned with friezes of lions, dwarfs and lotuses at each of the four entrances.

3.       The Lankatilaka- The huge Lankatilaka is impressive with its 17m high walls. Although the roof is completely destroyed, the structure still has a cathedral-like feeling about it, and the aisle leads to a huge standing headless Buddha.  A section of the walls outside is adorned with finely carved reliefs of flamboyant multi-story houses topped with domes. 

4.       Gal Vihara- The Temple is home to four magnificent Buddha statues carved out of a one slab of granite by unknown artists. The highlight of the temple is the reclining statue of Lord Buddha which is 46ft long depicting the state of nirvana.

So book your tourist Visa to Sri Lanka easily by filling up the application online. For further assistance kindly visit our website www.sri-lankaeta.com .