Greetings Subscribers & Viewers:
Let us return to Sri Lanka and another one of their World Heritage Sites – Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa, situated in the heart of Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the island's rich history, boasting a legacy of cultural, scientific, and architectural marvels. Founded in the 11th century AD by King Vijayabahu I, Polonnaruwa served as the island's capital for nearly two centuries, witnessing the zenith of Sinhalese civilization. And 10 centuries later, I still have difficulty pronouncing its name! This video also captures the first time I work solo with my GoPro/RODE mic set up, and of course I did many embarrassing things including losing my microphone! So, stay tuned for those shenanigans.
Please note that I handed over much of the time to our guide. I have mixed feelings about this. I do want to ensure that someone who lived in the place shares their history in their voice. However, I likely handed too much screen time to them. However, I did capture most of their presentation here, and I hope you appreciate the detail for your future travel consideration.
During its heyday, Polonnaruwa was a hub of innovation and scholarship. Its engineers and architects constructed remarkable reservoirs, such as the immense Parakrama Samudra, displaying advanced hydraulic engineering techniques. For those familiar with my odd obsession with water and sewage, the evidence that this civilization took to manage its water is alone worthy of further investigation. The city's layout, characterized by well-planned streets, gardens, and monumental structures like the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara, reflects sophisticated urban planning principles. It even had a dedicated hospital! The Gal Vihara, renowned for its colossal Buddha statues carved into the granite rock, remains an unparalleled testament to the island's artistic prowess. These sculptures, with their serene expressions and intricate details, exemplify the skill of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen.
Moreover, Polonnaruwa's historical significance extends beyond its borders. In 1982, the British band Duran Duran chose the ruins of Polonnaruwa as the backdrop for their iconic music video, "Save a Prayer." This exposure introduced the ancient city to a global audience, further highlighting its allure and cultural importance. With this and a couple other videos, Duran Duran sparked my imagination over 40 years ago to want to visit this remarkable site, and I am thankful for I made it here.
Today, Polonnaruwa continues to captivate visitors with its awe-inspiring relics and serene ambiance. Exploring the ruins offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's illustrious past and provides a profound appreciation for the ingenuity of its forebears. From the intricately carved temples to the sprawling archaeological sites, every corner of Polonnaruwa resonates with history and beauty. Combined with Sigiriya and Kandy, Polonnaruwa is well worth a stop on the high central plateau of this emerging tourist destination.
If you do go, make sure and stop at "Priyamali gedara." It's a vegetarian restaurant, but way more than that - everything is grown nearby and fresh and vibrant, all the cooking is done on coal and in clay pots, and you bear witness to its preparation while you eat! Eating here elevated this overall experience to a 12/10.
Have you ever been to Sri Lanka? If so, where was your favourite place? If not, where specifically would you like to go? Let us know in the comments below. #tastetheworld. ✌🏽🥂
Thanks again for watching! We appreciate the views and feedback. It is motivating to keep putting out these vids. I hope you enjoy, give it a like, occasionally participate in a discussion or leave a comment. And I do hope you subscribe and join me on this fun little journey.
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Helpful references:
UNESCO World Heritage Convention, Ancient City of Polonnaruwa: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/201/
Sri Lankan View, Polonnaruwa: https://www.srilankaview.com/polonnar...
Duran Duran, Save a Prayer (Official Video): • Duran Duran - Save A Prayer (Official...
#srilanka #polonnaruwa #worldheritagesite #srilankatourism #srilankatravel #srilankahistory #ancientcivilizations
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