Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, served as Sri Lanka's second capital from 1070-1293 CE after Anuradhapura's decline. Originally established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom, it was renamed Jananathamangalam under Chola rule (993-1070 CE) before Vijayabahu I recaptured it in 1070 CE following a seven-month siege. The city reached its zenith under King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 CE), who transformed it into a magnificent garden-city with the famous declaration that 'not a drop of water falling from the heavens should go to waste.' This UNESCO site showcases the best-preserved ancient ruins in Sri Lanka, including the world-renowned Gal Vihara rock temple with four Buddha statues carved from a single granite face, extensive royal palace complexes, and the massive Parakrama Samudra reservoir system. The archaeological site demonstrates medieval Sri Lankan civilization's advanced engineering, sophisticated urban planning, and artistic achievements that supported a thriving population for over 200 years until the Kalinga Magha invasion of 1214 CE destroyed both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa metropolises.