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Deepa Uyana located near the current rest house by the Parakrama Samudraya in Polonnaruwa is one the many parks built by Parakramabahu (1153-1186) and Nissankamalla (1187-1196). Anciently it was referred to as the Dipuyyana in Pali meaning an Island Garden.
The Chulavamsa mentions some of the constructions that graced this beautiful Island garden .The Dhavalaghara was a white house made entirely of stucco, the Vidyamandapa was a pavilion built to illustrate the various branches of science, the Dolamandapa was a swing pavilion , the Kridamandapa was a sports pavilion, the Mayuramandapa was the peacock Pavilion, the Sanimandapa was the Pavilion of Saturn, and it was made out of Ivory, Adasamandapa was a Mirror Pavilion, . Srngaravimana of four storeys adorned with pictures. Anantapushkarani was pond of stone whose layers resembled the coils of the serpent king Ananta and Citrapuskarani or the picture pond adorned with pictures.
On the eastern edge of the the vast Parakrama Samudraya lies the remains of two summer palaces believed to be built by Parakramabahu I on two small islets which are connected to mainland during dry seasons. One lies very close Deepa Uyana, the other 500 meters inwards adjoining another edge of the reservoir is a larger summer palace.
The Summer Palace near Deepa Uyana is built on a stone platform to keep the building above the water level. The platform is walled using blocks of stone, also acting as a Ralawanawa to reduce water damage to the platform. Generally this platform is halfway submerged in water. However during prolonged dry periods, the water levels recedes and sometimes connects to the mainland. The foundation of palace and rock pillars of the building can be seen even today even after 850+ years.
Also See
Map of Summer Palace in Deepa Uyana ( Island Garden)
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Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.
| Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
| Through : Central Highway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :230 km Travel Time : 4.45 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance : 140 km Travel Time : 3.5 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 : 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance : 97 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |