Panduwasnuwara Ancient City

Panduwasnuwara: The Forgotten Citadel

**Panduwasnuwara** was the temporary capital of the Kingdom of Parakramabahu the Great during the 12th century. This sprawling archaeological site covers over 20 hectares and contains the ruins of a fortified Royal Palace, complete with its own moat and ramparts. Unlike Polonnaruwa, Panduwasnuwara offers a more intimate and less crowded look at the architectural sophistication of the medieval era. It served as a strategic point for the king while he prepared to unify the entire island under one umbrella.

The Legend of Unmada Chitra and the Ektemge

One of the most intriguing features of the site is the circular foundation of what is believed to be the 'Ektemge' or a one-pillar tower. According to legend, Princess Unmada Chitra was imprisoned here because of a prophecy that her son (Pandukabhaya) would kill his uncles to claim the throne. The ruins of the palace itself show a sophisticated floor plan similar to the palaces in Polonnaruwa, with rooms oriented to capture the cross-breezes and thick walls for insulation.

Sacred Footsteps and Archaeological Treasures

The site also features several beautifully preserved stupas, ancient bathing pools, and the remains of a 'Pabbata Vihara' (temple on a hill). The local museum on-site houses artifacts discovered during various excavations, including rare coins, pottery, and jewelry that prove the kingdom's trade links with foreign nations. HBS Tours recommends walking through the 'Victory Stupa' area, which offers a sense of the royal grandeur that once permeated this quiet Kurunegala town.

Traveler Activities: Echoes of a Kingdom

• Explore the Royal Citadel: Walk through the foundations of the 12th-century palace, observing the strategic layout and the remnants of the double-moat system.
• Uncover the Legend: Visit the circular foundation of the 'Ektemge' and imagine the life of Princess Unmada Chitra in her legendary tower.
• Visit the Museum: Spend an hour at the Panduwasnuwara Archaeological Museum to see the coins, pottery, and personal items recovered from the site.
• Spiritual Reflection: Visit the nearby Panduwasnuwara Raja Maha Viharaya, a living temple that bridges the gap between ancient history and modern devotion.