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Parakramabahu I, also known as Parakramabahu the Great, was a king of Sri Lanka who reigned from 1153 to 1186 CE from the kingdom of Polonnaruwa. He is considered one of the greatest rulers in Sri Lankan history, known for his military conquests, religious piety, and cultural patronage.
Parakrama Samudraya, the massive reservoir built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) is surrounded by a large amount of ancient ruins of this ancient kingdom, some well known and others lesser known to the general public.
The name “Parakrama Samudraya” translates to “Sea of Parakrama” in English, reflecting the grandeur and vastness of the reservoir. Parakrama Samudraya originally consisted of five large reservoirs separated by smaller dams to reduce the pressure on the main dam. Many smaller tanks has been built around the main tank to feed these primary tanks and to take in excess water.
On the eastern edge of the this vast reservoir are 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 the palace complex of king Nissanga Malla. The other, 500 meters inwards adjoining another edge of the reservoir is a larger summer palace.
This Summer Palace is built on a platform built in 3 levels. Generally this structure is submerged upto the 2nd level of the platform. However during prolonged dry periods, the water levels recedes and sometimes connects to the mainland. There are remains of some of the walls and steps of this palace in addition to the base platform even after 850+ years.
In 2011 a fire broke up at the historic Seetha Maligawa in Parakrama Samudraya in Polonnaruwa and destroyed most of this building. It was suspected the fire was caused by a group of visitors or fisherman in the area.
Also See
Map of Summer Palace of Parakramabahu the Great
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
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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 |