Polonnaruwa: Where Stones Tell Stories

The Chola Dynasty and the Sinhalese Kingdom Dance

Picture the late 10th century: The South Indian Chola dynasty conquers Sri Lanka and chooses Polonnaruwa as their capital. Why? Well, it’s strategically better (and apparently has fewer mosquitoes—though I’m not sure the mosquitoes got the memo!). 🦟

Fast forward to 1070: The Sinhalese kingdom (under King Vijayabahu I) takes over, keeping Polonnaruwa as its capital. And that’s when things get interesting.

Parakramabahu I: The Builder King

King Parakramabahu I (1153-86) dons his architectural cape and goes wild. He builds grand structures, beautiful parks, and a colossal water tank (25 square kilometers). Imagine him striding around, saying, “More temples! More lakes! More awesomeness!” 🏛️💧

Nisanka Malla: The Overambitious King

Enter King Nisanka Malla (1187–96). He’s like the medieval version of an overeager startup founder. Determined to outdo his predecessors, he builds and builds until—oops!—the kingdom goes bankrupt. Lesson learned: Even kings need a budget. 💸

Exploring the Ancient City

Now, let’s hop on our virtual bicycles and pedal through the dusty roads of Polonnaruwa. 🚲

You’ll find temples, stupas, and ancient buildings—some standing tall, others crumbled by time. The Gal Vihara, with its majestic rock-cut Buddha statues, will leave you awestruck. 🗿

Don’t miss the Quadrangle—a sacred space surrounded by intricately carved stone walls. It’s like a medieval VIP lounge. 👑

Wilderness Whispers

As you wander, you’ll feel the weight of history. The jungle encroaches, moss blankets the stones, and birds and monkeys become your companions. 🌳🦜

It’s like Ayutthaya in Thailand, but with a Sri Lankan twist—quiet, mysterious, and slowly decaying.

Practical Tips for Time Travelers

• Wear a metaphorical explorer’s hat (and maybe some sunscreen). The heat can be intense. ☀️
• Visit early or late—the ruins glow in the soft light. Plus, fewer tourists mean more intimate moments with history. 🌅

Remember, Polonnaruwa isn’t just a city—it’s a time machine. So go forth, explore, and let the stones whisper their stories. 🗺️✨

And hey, if you find a hidden treasure or accidentally awaken an ancient spirit, drop me a postcard! 📮