Polonnaruwa, the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura, flourished during the 11th to 13th centuries as a well-planned royal city of immense cultural and historical significance. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city reflects a golden era of prosperity, urban planning, and religious harmony.

The highlight of Polonnaruwa’s legacy is Parakrama Samudraya, an enormous man-made reservoir built under the rule of King Parakramabahu the Great. Designed to ensure that "not a single drop of rain should flow to the sea without being used," it showcases Sri Lanka’s ancient engineering excellence in water management.

Scattered across the ancient city are royal palaces, audience halls, and exquisite stone carvings. The Gal Vihara rock temple, featuring four colossal Buddha statues carved into a single granite wall, stands as one of the finest examples of Sinhalese rock sculpture.

Just northeast of the main city lies Somawathiya Stupa, believed to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha. Set beside the Mahaweli River and surrounded by wildlife-rich wetlands, it adds a serene spiritual dimension to the historic landscape. Polonnaruwa is a living museum where history, nature, and faith blend seamlessly, offering visitors a deep sense of connection to Sri Lanka’s ancient past.