Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is one of the Cultural Triangle's real highlights. This ancient city was the capital in the 12th century and one of the most influential cities in Asia for a short time before its inhabitants were driven south by invaders from India and the city was taken by the jungle until being re-discovered in the twentieth century. Although the buildings of the ancient city lie in differing states of ruin, the layout of Polonnaruwa make this an easier place to comprehend than the vast ancient city of Anuradhapura and guests can get a real feel of how things were by walking around the site of the royal palace building, the Kings council chamber, the royal baths and the old hospital. There is also an excellent museum there, which is well worth a look around before setting off around the site. To the south of the ancient city is the sprawling new town of Polonnaruwa which has grown in recent years due to its convenient location in the centre of Sri Lanka.