Polonnaruwa

 Polonnaruwa is an ancient City with some very well preserved ruins despite the damage inflicted by invaders, is a must visit place in the itinerary of an all inclusive tour of Sri Lanka. This metropolis of antiquity was created in the 12th century by the Sinhala monarch Parakramabahu the 1st, and is an astonishing urban settlement. The striking harmony between its buildings and its natural surroundings attest to a civilization at its zenith with a sure grasp of aesthetic sensitivity and architectural design.

The Chola invaders from South India who launched successive invasions practiced Brahmanism, whilst the Sinhalese Kings were devoted Buddhists. The Hindu shrines and Buddhist monasteries that stand in silence emanates the zealotry of the invader and the determination of the defender.

Monasteries that sheltered monks from Ramanna Desha (present day Myanmar) testifies to the close ties that existed between two Buddhist kingdoms during the Polonnaruwa period. The conquering Cholas constructed monuments to their religion Brahmanism, and temples to Shiva where fine bronze statues were found which can now be seen in the National Museum, Colombo – a place if you are interested in antiquity while on your Sri Lanka Holiday.