Despite the destruction caused by invaders, Polonnaruwa, an old city with some impressively well-preserved remains, is a must-visit location on an all-inclusive trip to Sri Lanka. The Sinhala king Parakramabahu the 1st built this remarkable urban community in the 12th century, making it an ancient metropolis. A civilisation at its pinnacle with a firm understanding of aesthetic sensibility and architectural design is evidenced by the astonishing harmony between its buildings and its natural surrounds. The Sinhalese Kings were devout Buddhists, unlike the Chola conquerors from South India who conducted several invasions. The enthusiasm of the invader and the resolve of the defender are evident in the silent Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries. During the Polonnaruwa period, there were strong relations between two Buddhist kingdoms, as evidenced by the monasteries that provided sanctuary to monks from Ramanna Desha (modern-day Myanmar).