Ancient Capital Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka's second ancient capital (the Anuradhapura kingdom moved here after an attack from Indian forces) was the seat of the island's rulers from the eighth to the thirteenth century. Today, you can visit this archeological marvel’s monuments, temples and stupas, with exquisitely preserved details like carvings and moon stone plates. The definitive highlights are the massive Buddha sculptures of Gal Vihara. These rock relief sculptures of a seated, standing and lying Buddha (each measuring some fifteen feet) have been carved directly into a face of a granite rock and the details and serene expressions of these works of art are breathtaking.

Indagare Tip: While based in the Sigiriya area, the drive to Polonnaruwa takes about 2 hours. Depending on the season, a visit can be combined with a short safari in Minneriya National Park, but the timing has to be well thought-out.