Polonnaruwa is an ancient ruined city dating back to the 3rd century and at its height in the 12th century and comprises a palace, monastery's and a quadrangle. It is part of the 'cultural triangle' in the centre of Sri Lanka. Today, it is one of 8 UNESCO world heritage sites.
We set off from out hotel at 0830 with our driver Tisa. The hotel is remote and the track down to the road is bumpy, to say the least. Below: the track from our hotel to the road, shop we passed, Buddha near a deserted market, rice fields and the main road by the lake where the bridge is single track.
Along the way, there was clearly something to see, so we stopped. First we saw a wild elephant with a black and white stork and the a water monitor
We started our tour of Polonnaruwa at the museum and the continued to the royal baths. The museum has any fine exhibits and gave us a feeling for what we would see.
The baths are close by in the same area is the council chamber and audience hall.
The council chamber. The writing on the pillar indicates where a particular councillor stood. The king sat on the lion.
The audience hall and view over the lake from the hall
We then moved on to another part of the ancient city and the palace of 1000 rooms, although only the walls remain.
Other photos of the various sites
- Pat and John on tour
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