Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries and what remains today is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in all of Asia. Visitors can wander among royal palaces, moonstone-flanked stairways, carved Buddha statues and vast monastic complexes that once housed thousands of monks, all set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Gal Vihara – four monumental rock-cut Buddha figures carved with artistry – is among the most moving ancient monuments.
