Polonnaruwa is the second of the ancient of kingdoms in Sri Lanka, after the first capital of Anuradhapura which was abandoned in 1070 when it was ransacked by the Chola invaders from South India, Polonnaruwa was first declared the alternative capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders to reunite the country.

 While this victory and shifting of Kingdoms to Polonnaruwa is important, it is the later reign of his grandson King Parakramabahu I that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, when trade and agriculture flourished under his patronage. He was adamant that not one drop of rainwater was to be returned to the ocean wasted, without being used develop the land. Hence, irrigation systems far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed in Polonnaruwa during Parakramabahu's reign. These systems to this day supply the water necessary cultivation during the scorching dry season.

 The greatest of these ancient man made systems is the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama. This is a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean. It is so wide that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side. The tank encircles encircles the main city like a ribbon providing both a defensive border against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.

 Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, remains one of the best planned archeologicalrelic sites in the country.

 Within a rectangle of city walls stand palace buildings and clusters of dozens of dagobas, temples and various other religious buildings.
Places to see in Polonnaruwa are the Gal Viharaya rock temple, Watadage, majestic King's Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa's great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of Polonnaruwa memorable sights.  Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area

 Near the ruins of the ancient city, there is a small town with several hotels for tourists, including the Polonnaruwa Guest House run by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation. The Queen stayed here during her visit to Ceylon in 1954 as part of her Commonwealth Tour.  In the footsteps of Her Majesty, the directors of our UK office  re-visited Polonnaruwa on 8 February 2009 and stayed at Polonnaruwa Rest House in the appropriately named Queen’s Suite. This suite with its private verandah overlooking the waters of the tank is the ideal location from which to take in the sunset over cocktails. Please see our picture, with our Union Jack, commemorating Her Majesty’s visit in 1954