
The birth of Polonnaruwa
The history Polonnaruwa goes as far as 6th century BC when a minister of the king Vijaya (From whom the Sinhalese race was born) established a town called “Vijitha Grama” on the area now called Kaduruwela. This is also the place for the famous “Battle of Vijithapura” between the Great King Dutugamunu (161-131 BC) and the Tamil invader Elara in his effort to re-unite the country under one Sinhalese King. This area was gradually developed as an influential agricultural town with large irrigation tanks and complex waterways built by various kings who ruled from Anuradhapura.
The selection of Polonnaruwa as the capital was not random choice by the invaders but a strategic choice. Polonnaruwa was developed to be the next kingdom by the Sri Lankan kings from the fifth century BC itself and even during the Anuradhapura era some kings chose this area to rule from whenever the Anuradhapura was under siege.`
Anuradhapura was first kingdom in Sri Lanka and lasted for over 15 centuries from the 4th century BC. The last king of Anuradhapura was the king Mahinda V who was captured by Chola Invaders from South India in 993 and took him prisoner and was taken to India. Later he died in India itself. The Chola Invaders destroyed everything in Anuradhapura and took their ruling capital to Polonnaruwa in 1017 which they called “Jananathapuram”. During this period most of the Sinhalese in these areas migrated to the south to escape the cruelties of this Tamil ruler. After the death of King Mahinda in 1029 in India, the Sinhalese started a definite revolution stating from the South. This revolt was headed by the youngest son of King Mahinda who died unexpectedly. Ten years later a prince by the name of Keerthi made the final attack on Polonnaruwa in 1070 and defeated the “Soli” king who reigned the area for almost 75 years. He held his consecration in Anuradhapura as king Vijayabahu (see The Royal palace of King Vijayabahu I in Anuradhapura) and made his ruling capital Polonnaruwa.
Map of Polonnaruwa
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa
The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
Though : Central Highway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :226 km Travel time : 4.45 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance from Colombo : 145 km Travel time : 3.0 hours Driving Directions : see on google maps |
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
Though : Maradankadawala – Habarana Distance from colombo : 105 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map | Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance from colombo :100 km Travel time : 1.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map |
Places of Interest in Polonnaruwa ( view in alphabetical order )
- Parakrama Samudraya (The Ocean of the King Parakrama)
- Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple) Statue – Statue of King Parakramabahu
- Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple)
- Deepa Uyana
- Unidentified structure at the Nissanga Malla’s court
- Nissanga Malla’s Audience Hall (Raja Sabha Mandapaya)
- Palace of King Nissanga Malla
- Weijantha Palace (Palace of King Parakramabahu)
- Royal Court of king Parakramabahu
- Royal Pond of King Parakramabahu
- Shiva Kovil (number 1)
- Dalada Maluwa
- Vatadagê (The Stupa-house)
- Image of Boddhisathwa
- Thuparama Image House
- Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
- Oth-pilimaya
- Atadage
- Hetadage
- Gal-potha (Stone Book)
- Sathmahal Pasada (Seven storied building)
- Pabalu Vehera
- Shiva Kovil (number 2)
- Vishnu Kovil (number 2)
- Shiva Kovil (number 3) And Gansh Kovil
- Eastern Entrance to the Inner City
- Menik Vehera
- Shiva Kovil (number 4)
- Rankoth Vehera
- Gopala Pabbatha
- Alahana Privena
- Badda Sema Malakaya
- Kuda Gal Viharaya (Small Rock Temple)
- Lankathilaka Image House
- Kiri Vehera
- Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple)
- Damila Maha Seya (Stupa of Tamils)
- Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond)
- Thivanka Image House
- Vishnu Devala (number 4) – Naipena Viharaya
- Shiva Devala (number 5)
- Sandakada Pahana – Moonstone
- Korawakgala – Balustrades of Bhuddhist Buildings
- Mura Gala ( Guard Stone)
- Makara Torana
Other Historical Sites around Polonnaruwa
- Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharaya
- Namal Pokuna Viharaya
- Medirigiriya Vatadage (Medirigiriya Stupa House)
- Somavathiya (Somavathi Chethiya)
- Pulligoda Galge frescos
Other Sites in and Around Polonnaruwa
A chronological list of rulers in Polonnaruwa [For a full list click here]
“Chola” Invaders | South Indian invaders | 1017-1070 |
Vijayabahu I | 1070-1110 | |
Jayabahu I | Younger brother of Vijayabahu I | 1110-1111 |
Wickramabahu I | Son of Vijayabahu I | 1111-1132 |
Gajabahu II | 1132-1159 | |
Parakramabahu I | The father of Parakramabahu , Manabharana was the son of Mitta, who was the sister of Vijayabahu I The mother of Parakramabahu was Rathnavali who was a daughter of Vijayabahu | 1153-1186 |
Vijayabahu II | Son of Parakramabahu’s sister | 1186-1187 |
Nissanka Malla | Came from Kalinga kingdom in India | 1187-1196 |
Wickramabahu II | Son of Nissanka Malla | 1196 |
Choda Ganga | A nephew of Nissanka Malla | 1196-1197 |
Queen Leelavathi | Wife of Parakramabahu I | 1197-1200 |
Sahasa Malla | A relation of Nissanka Malla who came from Kalinga kingdom in India | 1200-1202 |
Queen Kalyanavathi | Second wife of Nissanka Malla | 1202-1208 |
Dharmashoka | Was made the king at the age of three months | 1208-1209 |
Anikanga Mahadipada | Ruled the country for 17 days | 1209 |
Queen Leelavathi (restored) | 1209-1210 | |
Lokeshwara | Invader from Kalinga kingdom in India | 1210-1211 |
Queen Leelavathi (restored) | 1211-1212 | |
Parakramabahu Pandu | Invader from pandya kingdom in India | 1212-1215 |
Magha | Invader from Kalinga kingdom in India | 1215-1236 |