one of the best planned archeological sites in the country, stood as the royal capitol of both the Indian and Sinhalese kingdoms for almost three centuries. The monuments are situated in a compact garden setting and it's the easier of the two ancient capitals to appreciate due to its size and placement. One can explore it by bicycle, which can be rented from several places in town.
Polonnaruwa attained what is considered to be its golden age when trade and agriculture flourished. King Parakramabahu, during his time, constructed irrigation systems far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Era which still amaze modern day engineers. Systems which to this day, supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama. A tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side, and it encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a defensive border against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace.