Polonnaruwa became established as Sri Lanka's capital in the 11th Century AD. A well-planned medieval city enclosed by walls, (ruins of around 5 km. still remain), Polonnaruwa was adorned by places shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa monuments date mainly from the 11th and 12th centuries, (when it was Sri Lanka's capital), mainly the work of three of its great kings Vijayabahu, Parakkramabahu and Nissankamalla. A dominant feature of the city, a vast irrigation lake of 5940 acres (still in use), is aptly named Parakkrama Samudra or the 'Sea of Parakkrama' celebrating its royal builder. A colossal rock sculpture of the same period, throughout to be of the great king, stands near the reservoir.
The Palace of Parakkrama Bahu is a fascinating medieval stronghold, well-defended with moats, walls, guard-houses, a stout medieval castle adorned with bathing ponds, and terraces. Rampant lions, elegant friezes and moonstones embellish the Royal Council chamber close by, a majestic pavilion of carved granite columns. The sacred Quadrangle is a complex of twelve impressive monuments-among them the Vatadage, Thuparama, Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, Atadage, Sathmahal Prasada, Hatadage and Gal Potha, with striking architecture, sculpture and inscriptions. Two Hindu shines (Shiva Devale) are a testimony of South Indian influence during this period.
The Alahana Pirivena, a 12th century monastic site, is an extensive complex of well-designed image and chapter houses, monastic dwellings, hospitals, bathing ponds, terraces and platforms. A UNESCO World Heritage site, excavations and restoration are uncovering some of the mysteries of this site, but much remains to be discovered.
One of Sri Lanka's most unforgettable monuments, the Gal Vihare is a group of three colossal seated, standing and reclining Buddha images, carved almost in the round on a huge rock face with superb fluidity; they have almost living expressions of serenity and compassion.
Other memorable sights in Polonnaruwa include the Thivanka Image House with its delicate medieval paintings, the huge Rankot and Kirivehera Dagabas and the lotus Bath, a flower-shaped medieval stone bating pond, cut in five concentric layers. Remains at the towering Lankatilleke shine include 55-ft. high walls, intricate carvings and a gigantic headless Buddha image.