Polonnaruwa; Your Escapade to a Refuge of Spirituality

You come across certain places which have a mental and spiritual influence, places which let your aesthetic sense unleash like never before. It has to do with nature, the environment to evolve incongruence for such influences to take effect. To dwell in strong thought requires isolation and silence, leading us to that small measure of peace that our inner selves seek for blissed-out relaxation.

Such a quest will lead you to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka, a city which has survived generations of civilizations and has historical traces of each of them embedded within its preserved landmarks. The historical significance of Polonnaruwa can be recognized by the fact that it was instituted as the Capital city during the reign of the sovereign king Parakramabahu I in 993. While the city housed the royal residence of the ruling monarchy, it enjoyed administrative attention of the government of that time, which is why it reserves unusual pristine beauty among global archaeological sites. Revered as the ‘City of Gardens’ by notable historians, you will indeed find it hard to disagree with them after observing the sites today. Hence don’t waste any more of your time and book cheap flights to Sri Lanka.

The entrance of the city starts with the ‘King council Chamber’, consisting of stone pillars which would have supported a courtyard as indicated by a boundary of bricks outlining the entire perimeter. In the centre of the courtyard is the symbolic stone lion statue, signifying the Sinhalese traditions of power which were consequently taken over by the conquering Chola civilizations. Located behind the king’s chamber is the Royal Palace, whose site is left with towering walls at the rear of the palace as well as small divisions attached with stairs, indicating quarters and larger rooms respectively.

The road beside the palace will further lead you downhill to a set of stairs at the base of which awaits a surprise whose mere sight leaves most visitors spellbound; the bathing pool is easily by far the most intact structure across the historical city. What’s more, the pool is filled with water within two successive layers of stone, designed to seat bathers while they would dry themselves in the sun. The surrounding environment of this landmark takes you in a state of tranquillity; palm trees lining the stairs and corners with tropical forestry surrounding all four sides. All remaining landmarks are to the left of the Royal Palace.

The first one to cross, the quadrangle, is based on an enlarged statue of Buddha confined within the space of circular walls, highlighting its importance as a place of worship. Same is the case with Lankatilaka, an enormous brick structure which requires visitors to take off their shoes and hats under religious custom. Perhaps the most stimulating of all may be the Kiri Vihara, a set of Brahamic monuments under the thick shade of elderly trees alongside the green, mossed walls. The scene itself welcomes you to take a stroll amidst the cool breeze, sit in meditation, lost in deep thoughts while absorbing the unique aura of Sinhalese art. With the largest 175 meter-high dome-shaped stupa, Rankot Vihara stands out to be the most dominating of the lot.

The Gal Vihara depicts all the wisdom which identifies Buddhism worldwide through the subtlety of the giant rock sculptures of Buddha, in front of which worshippers are observed praying while seated on flat rocks and sand. The corner of the heritage site is marked by an intricately designed Lotus pond, which, as the name suggests, has layer upon layer of an expanding pattern of lotus flower staying consistent throughout its stonework.

As far as your stay at Polonnaruwa is concerned, we have the very best suggestion to be availed as your suitable option. The Deer Park Hotel is located in the nearby town of Giritale and provides fully furnished individual cottages with multiple sizes and variants in accordance with the requirement of a number of people staying together. Featuring a snack bar and two restaurants for fine and continental dining respectively, it justifies the 5-star ranking it has accomplished internationally. Additional amenities include a private spa, Jungle Safari as well as Hot Air Ballooning services, making your stay all the more memorable.