Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
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.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/201
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa comprises the remains of the second capital of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa succeeded Anuradhapura as capital of the island now called Sri Lanka at the end of the 10th century. The Indian Chola Dynasty ruled the island at that moment, but after they were driven out Polonnaruva remained the capital. The city had its cultural heyday under the leadership of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century: the buildings, parks and the large tank date from this period.
Polonnaruva fell to the Hindu Tamils in the 13th century, and became deserted. The capital then shifted eastwards to Kandy.
There are several groups of monuments left: highlights are the Royal Palace of Parakramabahu and Gal Vihara, a group of very large Buddha-statues.
http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/polonnaruva.html
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