Overview
For two centuries Polonnaruwa was the island’s royal capital, and its compact ruins are among the easiest and most rewarding to explore. Shaded paths link the royal palace, council chamber and the Sacred Quadrangle, where the circular Vatadage shelters four seated Buddhas.
The highlight is Gal Vihara: four great Buddha figures carved from a single granite face, including a standing image and a reclining Buddha of quiet perfection. We explore by bicycle with a guide, then finish beside the vast Parakrama Samudra reservoir at sunset.
