To reach the historic city of Polonnaruwa, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by early morning, you will be driven there in an air-conditioned vehicle. You will discover why Polonnaruwa is one of the most stunning old cities and why it has so much to offer archaeologists, history buffs, and people who just want to learn more about Sri Lanka. Learn more about Sri Lankan culture and life style. While on tour, make sure to sample some of the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine; we have a unique palate. Take a break, enjoy some seasonal fruits, and revitalize yourself. Rest as much as you need to, and our experts will take you directly where you need to go. After a memorable day, you'll return to your lodging. After a memorable day, you'll return to your accommodations.
• Operator will reconfirm your pick-up time in advance • Arrive at the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your selected pick up time
Early Morning Pack your Breakfast and Visit to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.
After the few hours of journey stop for break and start the journey towards Kurunegala
The impressive Royal Palace, located in Sri Lanka's historic city of Polonnaruwa, was built between 1153 and 1186 during the reign of King Mahaparakram Bahu. Due to its significant historical significance, UNESCO designated the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
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. It was built by King Parakrambahu the great (1164-1196AD), it was later enhanced and decorated by King Nissankamalla (1198-1206).
This lovely Stupa House (Vatadage) was constructed before Nissanga Malla's (1187–1196) reign, but he carried out significant renovations on it. Thus, what you see today was probably created by him. (combined with Dalada Maluva)
Atadage Dalada Maligaya is the house of the tooth relic of Buddha built by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This building is built on 54 stone pillars. The tooth relic has been kept on the second floor probably made out of wood. (combined with Dalada Maluva)
Rankoth Vehera is the 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was built by the Nissanka Malla(1187-1196) it is one of the most sought after tourist attractions, i.e. 'dagobas' of the country.
Gal Vihara is a rock temple of Buddha which is in the north of Sri Lanka. It is located in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa. It has four rock statues, each portraying different figures of Buddha. The third one is a standing figure, and the fourth is a reclining figure.
Parakrama Samudra is a water reservoir which consists of five different lakes namely Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks. Parakrama Samudra is a water reservoir which consists of five different lakes. It is also known as King Parakrama's Sea and is in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Topa Wewa is the oldest reservoir here which was built around 386 AD.
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. It was thought to be a Buddhist library complex where Buddhist writings were studied. Now it is nothing but a demolished historic site.
It is in outstanding condition and is the third-largest dagaba of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It is unknown where the Pabalu Vehera stupa got its unusual shape. A concubine of the great Parakramabahu the Great erected it ( 1153-1186 AD). Currently, this stupa is referred to as "Pabalu," amount of glass beads were discovered. Recently, invading parties and treasure hunters demolished the stupa's top and middle sections.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is located in Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa district in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The purpose of this construction was to recite and hear Buddhist scriptures. The granite pillars are 8.5 feet tall and surprisingly curved at three places. The middle of the platform is a small stupa, which is also made of stone. The top of the pillars has a carving of a blooming lotus, while the test of the columns denotes the structure of a stem.
The Nelum pokuna or the Lotus bath is a small stone bath of completely unique design, built in tiers of eight petalled lotuses. The jewel of the architecture lies hidden along the lonely road to the northern city, well away from the bus loads of pilgrims and tourists.
The Buddha statue at the Thivanka Pilimage is about 8 meters in height but today the part of the statue above the head has been destroyed. The inside walls of the buildings has been decorated with frescoes showing the Jataka Stories (prior births of Buddha before enlightenment). As most other structures of this era, this is too built with bricks including the statue.The Buddha statue at the Thivanka Pilimage is about 8 meters in height but today the part of the statue above the head has been destroyed.
The Shiva Devale No. 2 is thought to be the oldest structure in Polonnaruwa because it was constructed during the South Indian Chola era, when the city was founded by Indian invaders. It had been constructed entirely of stone, in contrast to many of the structures in the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa. This is why the building is still in a similar shape to how it was when it was built hundreds of years ago. Keep an eye out for the statue of Nandi, the bull, Lord Shiva's mount.
The Kiri Vehera of Polonnaruwa is said to have been built by a queen of king Parakramabahu (1153-1186). The original name of this has been "Rupavathi Stupa" and this too is a part of Alahana Privena. Its cylindrical surfaces are divided in to eight parts with pilasters between the pilasters are figures of deities with hands in the attitude of adoration. According to Paranavithana, the stupa had 16 reliefs telamons supporting the pseudo-entablature which was badly weathered. The two identical stupas south to the Lankathilaka is thought to be built upon remains of a king and a queen.
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