Detail of a moonstone at entrance to the Vatadage at Polonnaruwa Quadrangle, Sri Lanka

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Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 AD. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty was also used as a backdrop to filmed scenes for the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

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Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Photo credit: © Ross Robinson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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