Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and became the second capital of Sri Lanka after the fall of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Initially under the South Indian Chola dynasty, it was later reclaimed by King Vijayabahu I in 1070, marking the beginning of a prosperous Sinhalese kingdom. Its golden age occurred under King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186), who developed extensive irrigation systems, including the Parakrama Samudra, and oversaw the construction of grand palaces, temples, and stupas, making the city a hub of trade, religion, and culture.Read more