Echoes of the Past: Discover Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

Anuradhapura: The cradle of Sri Lankan civilization

Holy roots and unfading faith

Even upon arrival in Anuradhapura, a palpable sense of awe fills the air. The ancient city, once the capital of a Sinhalese kingdom for over a thousand years, remains a vibrant center of religious life. At its center towers the Sri Maha Bodhi – a fig tree over 2,300 years old, cultivated from a branch of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Pilgrims move silently around the base of the tree, leaving silent offerings of white lotus blossoms and jasmine. A gentle breeze blows through the ancient leaves, whispering across generations.

Nearby, the white dome of Ruwanwelisaya glimmers in the sunlight —a symbol of devotion and royal patronage. The impressive dimensions of this stupa inspire awe, while smaller dagobas such as Thuparamaya and Mirisawetiya bear the same graceful aura. Each of these structures tells the story of kings, monks, and devout communities who formed the spiritual center of the island.

Monastic life and ancient engineering

Leaving the sacred precincts, one encounters Anuradhapura's urban sophistication: At the Abhayagiri Monastery, ornate guardian figures, moonstones, and bathing pools impress with the aesthetic precision of ancient builders. A walk to the shores of Nuwara Wewa , a vast man-made reservoir, makes it appear like a natural lake. Its tranquil waters reflect not only the sky but also the ingenuity of those who once harnessed rainwater to nourish a civilization.

The tranquil rippling of water in restored canals and the gentle rustling of trees lend the city an almost meditative atmosphere. You don't just visit Anuradhapura—you absorb it.

Polonnaruwa: The Garden City of Kings

Royal visions and planned splendor

Centuries after the decline of Anuradhapura, the capital shifted east to Polonnaruwa , which flourished particularly under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. The city was carefully planned and featured clear structures: the royal palace, the council hall, and intricately carved moonstones at the entrances.

Everything seemed deliberately designed. Paths led through ceremonial spaces and into inner sanctuaries. Ornamentation and symmetrical layout created a balance between architecture and nature, exuding a calm elegance upon exploration.

Sculptural skill and spiritual silence

No visit to Polonnaruwa is complete without the Gal Vihara : four Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock. The seated Buddha, with his eyes half-closed in meditation, radiates tranquility. Beside him, standing and reclining figures complete this vision of spiritual serenity. Time seems to stand still here. The stone is cool to the touch, and even the most restless thoughts are calmed.

One lingers, not just to look.

Water for a Kingdom

A famous quote from Parakramabahu is: "Not a drop of rain should vanish into the sea without having benefited man." This principle still shapes the landscape today – in the form of the Parakrama Samudra , a reservoir that often resembles an inland sea. A walk on its dam reveals how this body of water still supports agriculture – a legacy of visionary planning and the harmony between spiritual wisdom and environmental design.

Travel information and personal impressions

Arrival

Anuradhapura is located about 200 km from Colombo, and Polonnaruwa is about another 100 km to the east. Both cities are easily accessible by train, long-distance bus, or private vehicle.

On-site exploration

The best way to explore both cities—especially Polonnaruwa—is by bike. The flat landscape and well-marked paths allow for relaxed yet intense exploration. Undank transitions allow for spontaneous breaks: to photograph stone sculptures, rest in the shade of a Bodhi tree, or simply absorb the silence of the past.

Respect in holy places

These places are not just historical sites, but active centers of worship. Keep your shoulders and knees covered and remove your shoes when entering sacred areas. Remain calm and avoid physical contact with religious figures—this is an expression of respect.

Why you should visit these places

Those who visit Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa don't just see ruins or ancient relics. They enter the vibrant stream of Sri Lankan cultural and spiritual tradition. They walk in the footsteps of royalty, meditate where monks once did, and stand before buildings created for the eye and soul.

The past isn't behind you. It's everywhere—in the trees, in the stones, and in the silence that speaks when words fall silent.