It is not for nothing that this place is on the World Heritage list, this city was a very important place in the past as it was the first city of Sri Lanka, build in the 11th century. Nowadays, there isn't much more left then ruins. But those gorgeous and historical place is definitely a must see when visiting Sri Lanka!

I was very interested to visit this century's old ancient city to go up in the Sinhalese history and culture. When I was staying in Dambulla city I decided to make a day trip to this park. There are many buses going back and forth from Dambulla so it is not a big hassle to go there just for the day.

If you arrive in Polonnaruwa, I highly recommend to rent a bike since it will be a long walk, especially when the sun is out. Probably there will be people at the bus stop trying to rent out their bike. First, they asked or 600 rupees but I got it down to 250 / 1,25 euro.

I cycled to the ticket counter in the street in opposite of the ancient city. Ask where you rent the bicycle where it is to make sure you are going at the right direction. It is actually near the bus stop, around 200 meter away from the entrance of the city.

Polonnaruwa is divided in several buildings or whatever there is left of them. If you go to the right after entering the park, you arrive at the old palace of the king. I decided to keep that for the last part and I cycled to the left.

Some buildings where under maintenance to recover them a bit to keep them for the future, like the first temple, the temple of Shiva, but there are still enough historical buildings left to watch!

The Vatadage was one of the first temples I encountered after entering the park. This type of Buddhist building has some Indian influences, but is mostly one of Sri Lanka own unique architectural styles.

The Buddhist Vatadage ruin

The city was ruled by the Buddhist, the most important religion in Sri Lanka at that time, and it actually didn't change until today. Buddhism is not a just religion though, it is a way of life. A way I really like, focussing on yourself and improving your mind and soul.

One of the Buddha's the ancient city is rich of

Since the city have had it's best time some buildings only still have the stone floor and some pillars. Than you can really soo how old it is! I am wondering how this temple looked like back in the days.

nothing left but pillars, but if you look at the back, the Buddha is still there

Nothing but old stones

The city is nowadays a bit more like a park with green grass and plenty of trees. Although there are no houses in the park, there are still some inhabitants in this old town!

Some animals who call this city their home

A bit farther along the road, the temples are getting more and more impressive when I saw this big stupa, a Buddhist building as well. We use a lot of machines to build our houses, but this huge stupas with thick walls are built by hand by the Sinhalese. Very impressive isn't it?

Rankot Vihara, standing 54 meters tall

Dagaba Kiri Vihara was built over 700 years ago to honour the kings queen. This building hasn't been restored and is the best preserved one of Polonnaruwa. When the archaeologists discovered the town overgrown by jungle, Dagaba Kiri Vihara looked exactly like it looks today!

Dagaba Kiri Vihara, What means milk white

Lankatilaka, a building wit 17 meter tall walls and a giant Buddha statue at the back of the temple although he lost his head during the ages, it is still one of the more impressive buildings to see. And remember, never make a picture with your back turned to a Buddha statue and keep it respectful. Take of your shoes as well while entering a temple! ; )

Lankatilaka, the temple with the giant headless Buddha

Now itwas time to go back to the startpoint and turn to the other side, to the direction of the kings palace. But first I passed by the old audience hall. A gorgeous building with all different patterns in the walls. Every elephant on the building is standing in an other position. While the lions are greeting you while you walk up the stars.

The audience hall next to the royal palace

The elephants in the stones of the floor

Impressive walls enough in Polonnaruwa

And than, last but not least, the Royal palace of King Parakumba (1153-1186) One day it was constructed as a seven story building, but now it looks less impressive as most buildings in the park and there are now 3 visible floors left. How would it has looked liked ages ago? I guess I can't do nothing more than wonder how. That is the secret of the past and there are secrets we may never know.

The Royal palace of King Parakumba

Thank you for reading my story! I hope you enjoyed my photographs and to read my article! Would you like to go here some day as well? Let me know how you thinka about it!

Regards,
Sha