Polonnaruwa travel guide

🗿 Top 5 Must-See Ruins 1️⃣ Gal Vihara Buddha Statues ✨Highlights: Four giant seated Buddhas carved into granite, representing meditation, wisdom, compassion, and parinirvana. 🌿Story: It is said that King Parakramabahu the Great built these statues in memory of his parents. 🌈Photography Tips: The evening light casts a slanting shadow, making the contours of the Buddha statues more three-dimensional. 2️⃣ Royal Palace Ruins ✨Highlights: Originally seven stories high, with three stories remaining. The peacock reliefs on the walls are still clear. 🌿Story: Legend has it that the underground chambers were the king's treasure rooms, which have not been fully excavated to this day. 🌈Hidden Bonus: In front of the palace is the "Parliament Hall," where the stone pillars are engraved with ancient codes of law. 3️⃣ Lotus Bath ✨Highlights: Shaped like an eight-petaled lotus, symbolizing the Buddhist view of the universe. 🌿Story: This was the royal bath used by ancient kings for purification and blessing. 🌈How to Experience: Walk around the pool three times for a blessing (locals say it's very effective!). 4️⃣ Moonstone ✨Highlights: The circular stone carving at the entrance of the ancient city, symbolizing the cycle of life and death. 🌿Story: Each circle of patterns has a specific meaning (ask a guide to unlock the interpretation). 🌈Cultural Fun Fact: Moonstones are a signature element of Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture. 5️⃣ Shiva Temple ✨Highlights: A testament to the fusion of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, with exquisitely detailed carvings. 🌿Story: Built by South Indian invaders, it later became a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. 🌈Photography Spot: Take a silhouette photo in front of the temple to enhance the sense of mystery. #Polonnaruwa#Gal Vihara Buddha Statues# Royal Palace Ruins# Lotus Bath#trip diary#travel guide@trip diary#travel guideSri lanka#Sri lanka guide#Sri lanka diary