Polonnaruwa is the second capital of Sri Lanka from the mid 11 th century until the 13 th Century. The Parakrama Samudraya built by King Prakramabahu is a living example of the irrigation systems during this era.

Potgul Viharaya, a building built completely on brick was once a library during the governing days of Polonnaruwa. It stands near the stone image of the Great King Prakramabahu, which was built in the 12 th century.

Was built by King Prakramabahu and had consisted of seven storeys. The remains of a stone stairway indicate access to the upper floors. The palace consists of all the required units of a normal palace including separate building for kitchens, storage rooms etc.

Kumara Pokuna boasts of a systematically built bath for the Royals. The water had been diverted, from underground, from the Parakrama Samudraya to fill the baths. The changing rooms stands alongside the baths and had been equipped with toilet facilities as well.

Vatadage is a Circular Relic House which was a part of a monastry, had been in existence even during the Anuradhpura kingdom. Therefore this is believed to be the oldest building in Polonnaruwa. The entrance to the Vatadage has a moonstone and two guard stones. At the centre, is a stupa with four images of Lord Buddha facing the principal directions. Though damaged, these images still

depicts the fine workmanship during this era.

Thuparama of Polonnaruwa is an image house for a massive image of the seated Lord Buddha and many limestone images of Buddha. These sculptures date back to the 7th century. It is known as one of the best preserved buildings of the Polonnaruwa era.

A Stupa house differently built Compared to Vatadage with stone pillars elegantly designed. With a small stupa inside it is believed that the house would have been used to exhibit relics of the Lord Buddha during special occasions.

Built by King Vijayabahu 1, Atadage is the first tooth relic shrine in Polonnaruwa. Guided by a stairway the sacred tooth relic is enshrined safely on the “Garba gruha”. Atadage has been guarded by South Indian tamils, and a tamil inscription stands alongside which provides a guideline to these gaurds.

A Stone book, made from Granite, a carved stone, eight meters long was built by King Nissanka Malla. The inscriptions boasts of his invasions of India written in very poetic manner

Carved from a single granite wall the gal vihara comprises of a standing and a reclining images of Lord Buddha. Delicately carved to perfection, it expresses the calmness and sublimity of Lord Buddha.