Polonnaruwa (218 km from Colombo) became established as the capital in the 11th century when Anuradhapura was abandoned due to foreign invasion.    .

A dominant feature of the city is a vast irrigation lake of 5940 acres named Parakrama Samudra.  

The palace complex of King Parakrama Bahu is a medieval stronghold of moats, walls, guard houses, bathing ponds thick-walled multi-storeyed castle.  

The Sacred Quadrangle is a complex of twelve striking monuments :  The Vatadage, The Thurupama, The Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, The Atadage, The Hetadage, Gal Potha, The Satmahal Prasada, two Hindu Shrines known as the Siva Devale, The Alahanana Pirivena a 12th century monastic university, the Lankatilleke Shrine, The Gal Vihare which is one of Sri Lanka’s most unforgettable monuments – a group of three colossal Buddha images in seated, standing and reclining poses is carved with fluid grace and almost live expression on a huge rock face.

The Archaeological Museum located by the side of the Parakrama Samudra presents original artefacts found in Polonnaruwa and also replicas and artistic impressions of the ancient monuments.