1. City Size and Population
Polonnaruwa is one of the cities in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, rich in historical and cultural heritage. It is a land of about 1,300 square kilometers with ancient old world charm of ruins alongside fertile agricultural lands and modern communities of vibrancy. An ancient city is now turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site occupying a much smaller, well-preserved segment, telling about the grandeur of medieval Sri Lanka.
The population of Polonnaruwa district is about 125,000 people. Most of them are Sinhalese Buddhists, but they also have Tamil and Muslim minorities-that is the very essence of Sri Lanka's rich multicultural past. Agriculture still forms the backbone of the local economy, though rice cultivation forms a very great part of it. As the irrigation systems maintained at present are mostly from medieval times of the city itself, they continue to carry out agricultural activities.
The city is highly densified around the central urban and the vicinity areas of historical places, but less populated areas are located within the villages at the periphery. The people of the town Polonnaruwa reveal extreme pride in their cultural antiquity, and rich community activities that preserve all forms of cultural and natural assets of the place exist there.
2. Temples and Religious Sites
Polonnaruwa is one of the important treasure troves of religious and architectural marvels which provide valuable insight into the spiritual and cultural life of its medieval inhabitants.
2.1 Gal Vihara
It was known as Gal Vihara, ancient rock carvings; actually, the most sacred precincts of Polonnaruwa. A Buddhist shrine had the four enormous statues of Buddha carved into a single rock face with intricate granite texture, each depicting the different poses that the Buddha lies in-seated, standing and lying on his side or reclined, respectively depicting a sequence of steps in enlight-enment or nirvana- the minute details and sanctified appearance from a creative perspective.
2.2 Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilaka Temple is one of the most beautiful structures that houses the giant, 14-meter-long statue of a Buddha. Though the roof is missing from this temple, the glory surrounding the walls of clay is full of carvings and inscriptions and does not lose its shine because it impresses with grandeur and architectural brilliance with people and scholars.
2.3 Rankoth Vehera
Rankoth Vehera is one of the tallest stupas found in Polonnaruwa, rising up to 55 meters high. This monument was raised in the reign of King Nissanka Malla. Yet it retains features of earlier periods of Anuradhapura and few exclusive architectural features. So this is also visited to experience spiritual atmosphere and its history associated with it.
2.4 Thuparama Gedige
The best-preserved structure in Polonnaruwa is Thuparama Gedige. The architectural style indeed is a very good amalgamation of Indian and Sri Lankan influences that add to the beauty of the place. The sanctum sanctorum which housed relics from the earlier times is just marvelous in carvings and sacredness.
2.5 Shiva Devalayas
This covers many Shiva Devalayas. Again, the pluralistic nature of religion is witnessed in the cities of Polonnaruwa through its many Shiva shrines. The Hindu shrines, constructed during the influence of South Indians over the city, are marvelous with stone carvings inside and a proof of this inclusive heritage.
3. Tourist attractions
Apart from the many temples in Polonnaruwa, there are plenty of other attractions that explain the historical, cultural as well as natural beauty embodied in the city.
3.1 Royal Palace Complex
Polonnaruwa has within its ancient city, the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I.
Originally it was a great palace, seven storey tall; now it can only be partially seen through gigantic walls and pillars of brick with sculptures made on stone, of their former glory. Across it are the Audience Hall and the Council Chamber teeming with carvings of lions and elephants
3.2 Parakrama Samudra
The Parakrama Samudra is the large reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. It covers 2,500 hectares of area and was a great water supply to the irrigation systems of the city and farmlands. It is also one source of water that could help people relax while observing the birds in their own environment.
3.3 Lotus Pond
The Lotus Pond is a small, exquisite bathing pool shaped in the form of a lotus flower. Its stone petals are symmetrical and demonstrate good workmanship. It was initially a place for bathings for monks; it stands for the aesthetic and functional brilliance of architects of Polonnaruwa.
3.4 Archaeological Museum
The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum, which comes under the purview of administrative control with the Department of Archaeology, presents general history that the city witnessed. On display in the museum, there are statues, inscriptions, and pottery that provide lots of context on the visitor who visits the ruins.3.5 Wildlife and Nature
Around Polonnaruwa are dense forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. There's, for example, the Minneriya National Park where every year, there's an elephant gathering, hence a place that provides great prospects of a safari view with sights of elephants, deer, and many more birds.
4. Accommodation and Transportation
There are so many choices of lodging in Polonnaruwa. All people will find his place to stay in his pocket and mouth. And so as to feel himself fully comfortable, one can make a booking for staying at Deer Park Hotel, Giritale Hotel that have equipped modern facilities along with its environment and access to historic sites. Other mid-level and budgetary ones can also surpass guest houses or boutique resorts like Siyanco Holiday Resort or Ruins Chaaya Hotel.
Road and railway links the city of easier transport to and within the district town of Polonnaruwa. It takes 5-6 hours by car or train. Tuk-tuks, bicycles, and guided tours would facilitate getting about in an ancient city sprawled at large distances.
5. City History
It was the capital of Sri Lanka in the medieval period. The city remained the political, economic, and cultural center during the medieval period. History would narrate the saga of the determination and brilliance of its rulers and people.
5.1 Transition from Anuradhapura
The place became capital when Chola dynasty occupied it during the 10th century CE. Then, they fortified the city and put up Hindu temples which are prominent even today. The Sinhalese kings who conquered the Cholas transformed Polonnaruwa as a major center of Buddhism.
5.2 King Parakramabahu I
The golden period of Polonnaruwa is supposed to be that of King Parakramabahu I, who was ruling from 1153 to 1186 CE. His bold constructions, which were the Parakrama Samudra, the big temples, and palaces, catapulted the city to the highest point in terms of its prosperity and culture. "Not even a drop of water shall flow into the ocean without serving man," he said, reflecting the tenets of sustainable development.
5.3 Decline and Rediscovery
Fame declined in later periods with invasions in the 13th century onwards and a changing the capital to Dambadeniya. The town, it seems, subsided into oblivion while their remains remained buried by heavy jungles until, its remains were unearthed by British archaeologists discovered it during the 19th century. Since its rescue efforts are made time-to-time.