Polonnaruwa is considered one of the best preserved historic cities in the world. Polonnaruwa was the country’s capital from the 11th– 13th Century. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
Polonnaruwa also boasts an impressive array of ruined palaces and courtyards, pleasure gardens and intricate networks of bathing tanks, as well as carvings and sculptures and a rich display of artistry. The city of Polonnaruwa is nevertheless a magnificently preserved city with rich archaeological monuments and natural beauty. The archaeological sites are in a compact layout, within easy distance of each other, and tours are easily arranged either on foot or more popularly explored on bicycle.
The Somawathiya Chaitya is believed to have been built long before the time of Dutugemunu enshrining the right canine Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is attributed to the reign of King Kavan Tissa – Dutugemunu’s father – who ruled Magama. Somawathiya is therefore much older than Ruwanwelisaya, Mirisawetiya Vihara or Jetavanaramaya.
The stupa is named after Princess Somawathi, the sister of King Kavantissa, and the wife of regional ruler Prince Giri Abhaya. The prince built the stupa to enshrine the right tooth relic of the Buddha, obtained from Arahat Mahinda, and named the stupa after the princess. Upon completion of the stupa and other constructions, the prince and princess handed over the temple to Arahat Mahinda and other monks.
Pasikudah has become a popular tourist destination amongst locals and foreigners alike. Pasikudah is famous for its golden bay and clear, shallow waters. The bay of Passikudah is truly scenic and is protected by a reef that runs across the bay making it one of the safest and calmest stretches of coastline in the east. It is known to have one of the longest stretches of shallow reef coastline in the world. People walk kilometers into the sea because the water is only a few inches deep and the current is relatively weak compared to the rest of Sri Lanka’s coasts.
The perfect coastal conditions of the Pasikuda allow visitors the opportunity of indulging in various water sports. it is perfect for surfing; for both beginners and advanced surfers. Canoeing is yet another way to explore the beauty of Pasikuda. Surfing, snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, waterskiing and kite surfing are some of the water sports visitors can indulge in. While both the Pasikuda bay and Kalkudah bay are surrounded by an off shore coral reef system and rich in marine life, the best way to explore these vibrant corals and life underwater is by snorkeling and scuba diving. For the more adventurous souls out there, jet skiing, wind surfing, kayaking and kite surfing are some options. There are a few wreck sites in close proximity such as the Boiler wreck, SS British Sergeant and the HMS Hermes.
Just like most of Sri Lanka’s coastal areas, the Pasikuda weather is almost always warm and sunny. However, the best months to visit this part of the island is between the months of March and October.
Minneriya National Park, which is part of the elephant corridor (that connects Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks) provides visitors with the opportunity to see elephant herds all year.
Minneriya National Park is home to the world’s largest known gathering of Asian elephants. During this period, herds of up to 350 elephants are seen at the 8,890-hectare park within a few square kilometers of the Minneriya Tank. According to some reports, there are as many as 700 elephants.
Tourists visit Minneriya National Park largely because of elephants, especially in the dry season. May to October, which is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in lieu of the world-famous Great Elephant Gathering of the Asian wild elephants.
Minneriya is a dormitory for many resident as well as migrant bird species. Flocks of 2000 little cormorants have been reported. The great white pelican, ruddy turnstone, and grey heron are the other water birds here. Among the endemic birds are Sri Lanka jungle fowl, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, brown-capped babbler, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, black-crested bulbul, and crimson-fronted barbet. The Mugger Crocodile can be seen near the tank. Many species of freshwater fish are found in the Minneriya reservoir.
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