Summary
Exploring the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is remarkable in its vastness and historical significance. It has proven challenging to encapsulate all our experiences and photos into a single article.
Following our exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city of Anuradhapura, I was uncertain about what to anticipate from Polonnaruwa; however, I was genuinely captivated by its overall grandeur!
I must admit, had it not been for our meticulously researched itinerary, I may have overlooked Polonnaruwa entirely. It was not a destination I had encountered before deciding to visit Sri Lanka, but it quickly became a highlight after I learned about it.
Polonnaruwa is not only extensive but also incredibly well-preserved and steeped in antiquity.
Moreover, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it served as the second major capital of Sri Lanka following the gradual decline of Anuradhapura.
Preparations for the Visit
Our day commenced with breakfast beside the pool before our scheduled journey with our driver, which took us on a relatively brief drive to Polonnaruwa.
Before departing, we recalled the lesson learned from our first day in Sri Lanka, which emphasized the importance of modest attire at temples. Consequently, we paused at a nearby city to acquire sarongs and loose trousers suitable for our visit.
There was no way I would endure the discomfort of wearing skinny jeans for a second consecutive day.
As it turns out, securing these garments was more complex than anticipated. We encountered several shops offering suitable attire, albeit at exorbitant prices, as indicated by our driver.
My pride in negotiation compelled us to strive for more favorable terms instead of succumbing to inflated costs.
Some establishments offered solely the fabric, allowing us to take it to a tailor for crafting garments, which was not what we had envisioned.
Subsequently, we continued our shopping journey, which, for me, turned into an opportunity to explore the city at leisure, albeit in considerable heat. The climate was surprisingly intense; we previously thought the Maldives were sweltering when we visited merely days earlier, but the heat in Sri Lanka is something else entirely!
Exploration of the City
Notable Sights
Visiting the Temples
Upon arriving at the ancient city, we were welcomed by a sizeable monitor lizard. Initially, I found its appearance somewhat unsettling, but observing that others remained unperturbed reassured me to maintain a safe distance without undue concern.
Conclusion
After visiting the Royal Palace and the accompanying museum, we were given a glimpse into the historical architecture that Polonnaruwa once displayed, further enriching our understanding of Sri Lankan heritage.
It is a place that showcases extraordinary remnants of history and architectural prowess, making it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.
