Polonnaruwa Population
106,000 Distance from Colombo
216 km Climate
The island’s medieval capital rose to fame after Anuradhapura’s decline. The largest of its many reservoirs, the Parakrama Samudra, is larger than the Colombo harbour.
Attractions: Remains of the King’s council chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, the Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House (which is lavished with moonstones, guard stones, and a sculptured railing), Kiri Vehera, and Gal Vihare.
Gal Vihare
Ratnapura Population
109,000 Distance from Colombo
101 km Climate
Sri Lanka’s City of Gems’ and the centre of its gemming industry. Gems include sapphire, ruby, cat’s eye, alexandrite, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and zircon. Visits to gem mines can be arranged through travel agents. Gem collections can be seen at the National Museum, Ratnapura, and a number of private museums.
Gem Mine
Sigiriya Population
442,427 Distance from Colombo
169 km Climate
This rock fortress was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare, was the site of the old palace – the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO-sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya’s 5th century Water Gardens to its former glory.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress