To get to Polonnaruwa only took 2 buses costing a total of 10 ZAR per person. On the second bus we, however, had to stand for almost an hour before a seat went open. We checked in at Dilshan Guest House at 12:00 and then immediately set out on exploring the historical city of Polonnaruwa that stretches over 3km. We rented bicycles as one can easily end up ‘walking’ 12km between the sites. There are so many sights to see with millions of bricks still visible, but mostly just as walls not even 60cm high. The more impressive sights includes the bhuddas carved from solid rock, the giant stupa, the Vatadage and the cathedral like Lankatilaka with the giant headless statue.
Caro looking at a Mausoleum next to the Palace Complex of King Nishshanka Malla.Remains of a summer house out in the water.Chamber House of NishshankamallaA White Throated Kingfisher, a new one for us.Caro looking at the king`s Audience Hall, with beautiful stone carved elephants.Lion on the steps leading to the audience hallWhat's left of the Royal Palace. The King`s Royal Palace was a massive structure, measuring 31 m by 13 m, once including 50 rooms supported by 30 columns.Here one can see how massive these walls are compared to Caro.The Vatadage, a circular relic house typical of its kind. The outermost terrace is an impressive 18m in diameter and has four entrances all flanked by large guard stones in beautiful condition.The Satmahal Prasada (Seven story palace) as seen from inside the Vatadage.The Satmahal PrasadaPabalu Vehera, the third largest dagaba (stupa) in the area.Shiva Devale No. 2, even though it is the oldest building in the area it is also the best preserved.Rankot Vihara, the giant Stupa of 54m in height.Gal Vihara is a group of four beautiful Buddhas in perfect condition, cut from one long slab of granite.The standing Buddha is 7m tall and the reclining one 14m longDagaba Kiri Vihara, meaning milk white. Apparently it was found in its white condition after archaeologists cleared the overgrown jungle.Lankatilaka, the 17m high walls of the cathedral like building with the headless statue.
