Polonnaruwa
Part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery, Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock…
Must-see attractions in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
A short stroll north of the Royal Palace ruins, the area known as the Quadrangle is literally that – a compact group of ruins in a raised-up area bounded…
Polonnaruwa
One of the most evocative structures in Polonnaruwa, the Lankatilaka temple was built by Parakramabahu I and later restored by Vijayabahu IV. This massive…
Polonnaruwa
The 54m Rankot Vihara dagoba, the largest in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest on the island, has been ascribed to the reign of King Nissanka Malla. Like…
Polonnaruwa
For three centuries Polonnaruwa was a royal capital of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms. Today's archaeological park is a delight to explore, with…
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa's northern road ends at Tivanka Image House. Tivanka means ‘thrice bent’, and refers to the fact that the Buddha image within is in a three…
Polonnaruwa
This excellent museum has rooms dedicated to the citadel, the outer city, the monastery area (check out the model of the monks' hospital and medical…
Polonnaruwa
At the southern end of the Quadrangle, the Thuparama Gedige is the smallest gedige (hollow Buddhist temple with thick walls) in Polonnaruwa, but is also…
Polonnaruwa
In the southeast of the Quadrangle, the Vatadage (circular relic house) is typical of its kind. Its outermost terrace is 18m in diameter, and the second…
Polonnaruwa
Also known as the library dagoba, the Potgul Vihara in the far south of Polonnaruwa is an unusual structure. A thick-walled, hollow, dagoba-like building,…
Polonnaruwa
The Royal Palace constructed by Parakramabahu I was a magnificent structure measuring 31m by 13m, and is said to have had seven storeys. Today its…
Polonnaruwa
The Gal Pota (Stone Book) is a colossal stone representation of an ola book. It is nearly 9m long by 1.5m wide, and 40cm to 66cm thick. The inscription on…
Polonnaruwa
Just south of the Quadrangle, the 13th-century Hindu temple Shiva Devale No 1 displays the Indian influence that returned after Polonnaruwa’s Sinhalese…
Polonnaruwa
The busy Nissanka Malla was responsible for the Latha-Mandapaya. This unique structure consists of a latticed stone fence – a curious imitation of a…
Polonnaruwa
Construction of the dagoba Kiri Vihara is credited to Subhadra, King Parakramabahu I’s queen. Originally known as the Rupavati Chetiya, the present name…
Polonnaruwa
This pillared hall is where the King Nissanka Malla’s council would have met. Inscribed into each of the 48 columns in the chamber is the name of the…
Polonnaruwa
Shiva Devale No 2 is the oldest structure in Polonnaruwa and dates from the brief Chola period, when the Indian invaders established the city. Unlike so…
Polonnaruwa
Erected by Nissanka Malla, the Hatadage monument is said to have been built in 60 (hata) hours. It's in poor condition today, but was originally a two…
Polonnaruwa
King Parakramabahu I planned this 12th-century stupa to be the world's largest Buddhist monument, but even with the enforced assistance of Tamil prisoners…
Polonnaruwa
In the northeast corner of the Quadrangle stands the unusual ziggurat-style Satmahal Prasada, which consists of six diminishing storeys (there used to be…
Polonnaruwa
A track to the left from the northern stretch of road leads to unusual Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond), nearly 8m in diameter, which has five concentric,…
Polonnaruwa
Just outside the southeast corner of the palace grounds, the Bathing Pool (Kumara Pokuna) has a central lotus island and two of its crocodile-mouth spouts…
Polonnaruwa
Also known as the Parakramabahu Vihara, Pabula Vihara is a typical dagoba from the period of Parakramabahu I. This brick stupa is the third-largest dagoba…
Polonnaruwa
Parakramabahu I’s Audience Hall is notable for the frieze of elephants, each of which is in a different pose. There are fine lions at the top of the steps.
Polonnaruwa
A shrine for the tooth relic, the Atadage is the only surviving structure in Polonnaruwa dating from the reign of Vijayabahu I.
Polonnaruwa
This water tank next to the EKHO Lake House has a stepped entrance and is fed from the nearby Topa Wewa.
Polonnaruwa
This is where you will have your Polonnaruwa ticket checked, before entering the main site.
Polonnaruwa
Standing nearly 4m high, this statue displays an unusually lifelike human representation, in contrast to the normally idealised or stylised Buddha figures…
Polonnaruwa
Set on a natural ridge, this was the monastery’s convocation hall, where monks met fortnightly. This building features a fine mandapaya (raised platform…
Polonnaruwa
This 12th-century memorial slab records the oath taken by the Velaikkara royal guards to protect the Buddha tooth relic after an earlier rebellion was…
Polonnaruwa
This minor monastery consisted of a stupa, relic house, image house, refectory and dispensary.
Polonnaruwa
This minor ruined Hindu temple is one of many Indian-influenced temples in Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa
This minor Hindu temple is one of Polonnaruwa's many Indian-influenced temples.
Polonnaruwa
The ruins of Nissanka Malla’s palace have almost been reclaimed by the earth.
Polonnaruwa
This minor ruin is one of Polonnaruwa's many Indian-influenced Hindu temples.
Polonnaruwa
This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.
Polonnaruwa
This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.
