The sacred city of Polonnaruwa
The city of Polonnaruwa was founded as the capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th Century AD after the fall of Anuradhapura to South Indian invaders. The ancient capital was governed by many Sri Lankan Kings, the most prominent of whom was King Parakrambahu I who’s reign was considered as the golden age of Polonnnaruwa when trade and agriculture flourished. Within the ruins of the city walls stand the remains of palace buildings, temples, shrines and other religious buildings which reflect the grandeur of this ancient city.
One of the most impressive sites of Pollonnaruwa is the Parakrama Samudraya (meaning Sea of Parakrama in Sinhala), the largest man-made rainwater reservoir built by King Parakramabahu. Covering a land area of 2,500 hectares and having a capacity of 134 million cubic meters of water, this great reservoir still supports the agriculture industry in Pollonnaruwa.
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