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Northern Sinhala Kingdom
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 The Northern Sinhala Kingdom has a detailed history and is quite complex. It encompassed the main seats of power on the Island for nearly two thousand years and during its various stages of rule it entertained many kings. It was also seen as a prize to be had by conquering rulers coming from the shores of India. There are numerous archaeological sites scattered throughout what was once the boundaries of the ancient kingdom. Places such as Mihintale and Dambulla are important from a buddhist perspective but the crown jewels of archaeology can be found in the ruins of the Northern Kingdom's two major cities of Anuradhapura and its later capital of Polonnaruwa after Anuradhapura's abandonment from invasion in 993. 
Sigiriya, impressive in its own way, was a rock fortress palace built atop and around the base of the rock face and only became the capital for a short period of time during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495) who had usurped the throne from his brother Moggallana after murdering his father King Dhatusena by walling him up alive with mud. After Kassapa's death - it is said he fell on his own sword after he thought his army abandoned him - Sigiriya became a monastery complex and remained that way till it was abandoned around the 14th century. Later it was used as a military outpost for the Kingdom of Kandy.
Architectural styles and design throughout, show many similarities between the two main cities and one can see both the continuation from the old styles of Anuradhapura's craftsmanship to newer styles that were introduced later at Polonnaruwa. The beautiful moonstone doorsteps are one such example. Placed at the entrance to every prominent building they are considered to be auspicious markers for crossing over and relate to the transcending of material desires. They add a lovely touch of beautification to what were beautifully thought out and well designed cities. 
One of the hallmarks of Sinhala architectural design and ingenuity were the construction of small and massive artificial tanks or "lakes" in and around these beautiful cities as well as in other places virtually all over the island. These were "green" cities with many beautiful gardens and public parks and today if you visit Polonnaruwa, you will find yourself walking long distances to get to various places. The Nelum Pokuna or "lotus pond" is quite a distance from the entrance but it is well worth the effort to see. Shaped like a lotus flower, it is a worthy construction feat in itself because of its near perfect eight petalled shape. Now lying empty of water it was once used as a bathing place by the monks of the Jetavana Vihara, and which was said to have been built for them by King Parakramabahu the Great. 
Panographies of World Heritage sites in the Northern Sinhala KingdomCome on a world heritage tour to Lanka and explore the wonderful sites of the Northern Sinhala Kingdom with 360 degree panoramic views that you control. Click below on the places you wish to visit. 
Polonnaruwa
Anuradhapura
Sigiriya
Dambulla CavesSources: Nelum Pokuna Scenic Sri Lanka Wikipedia - Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa Memoirs of Sun Wukong Tang 
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