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Polonnaruwa
Famous destinations in Polonnaruwa
Gal Viharaya
Gal Vihara is a historic Buddhist temple complex located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, renowned for its impressive rock-carved statues of the Buddha. The site features a large reclining Buddha, symbolizing the Buddha’s final moments, as well as standing and seated Buddha statues in various poses. These sculptures were created during the 12th century under the reign of King Parakramabahu I. The statues are carved into a granite rock face, showcasing the exceptional artistry and skill of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. Gal Vihara is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a major attraction for those exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The Polonnaruwa Watadage The Polonnaruwa Watadage is an ancient circular structure and one of the most significant architectural features in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 12th century, it is believed to have been built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. The Watadage, meaning "circular relic house," was designed to house a relic of the Buddha, though the exact relic it contained remains uncertain. The structure is renowned for its intricate design, with a stone platform surrounded by a circular railing and four standing Buddha statues positioned at the cardinal points. The Watadage reflects the high level of craftsmanship and engineering of ancient Sri Lankan architecture, making it a major historical and cultural landmark.
Parakrama Samudra
Parakrama Samudra is a vast reservoir in Sri Lanka, located near the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It was constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, showcasing remarkable engineering skills. The reservoir covers an area of approximately 2,500 acres and was originally created to store water for irrigation purposes. Known for its massive scale, it was one of the largest artificial lakes in the ancient world. The Parakrama Samudra played a significant role in the agricultural prosperity of Sri Lanka during the medieval period, and its sophisticated water management system still fascinates historians and engineers today. Lankatilaka Temple Lankatilaka Temple is a prominent ancient Buddhist temple located in the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site in Sri Lanka. Built in the 14th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu II, it is one of the most significant and impressive structures in the Polonnaruwa era. The temple is renowned for its grand architecture, featuring towering walls and intricate stone carvings. The central shrine originally housed a large image of the Buddha, though the statue is no longer present. The temple's design showcases a mix of Sinhalese and Indian architectural influences, with large Buddha statues and fine details that reflect the advanced craftsmanship of that period. The Lankathilaka Pilimage stands as a testament to the religious and cultural heritage of ancient Sri Lanka. Rankoth Viharaya Rankoth Viharaya is an important Buddhist temple located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century. The temple is famous for its large stupa, which is one of the most significant architectural features of Polonnaruwa. The Rankoth Viharaya is a relatively well-preserved structure and is considered one of the largest stupas in the city, with a distinctive design featuring a cylindrical base and a large dome. The stupa was originally surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and statues, making it a key place of worship and pilgrimage. Rankoth Viharaya stands as a symbol of the grandeur and religious significance of the Polonnaruwa era, representing the Buddhist heritage of ancient Sri Lanka.
Gal Vihara is a historic Buddhist temple complex located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, renowned for its impressive rock-carved statues of the Buddha. The site features a large reclining Buddha, symbolizing the Buddha’s final moments, as well as standing and seated Buddha statues in various poses. These sculptures were created during the 12th century under the reign of King Parakramabahu I. The statues are carved into a granite rock face, showcasing the exceptional artistry and skill of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. Gal Vihara is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a major attraction for those exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The Polonnaruwa Watadage The Polonnaruwa Watadage is an ancient circular structure and one of the most significant architectural features in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 12th century, it is believed to have been built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I. The Watadage, meaning "circular relic house," was designed to house a relic of the Buddha, though the exact relic it contained remains uncertain. The structure is renowned for its intricate design, with a stone platform surrounded by a circular railing and four standing Buddha statues positioned at the cardinal points. The Watadage reflects the high level of craftsmanship and engineering of ancient Sri Lankan architecture, making it a major historical and cultural landmark.
Parakrama Samudra
Parakrama Samudra is a vast reservoir in Sri Lanka, located near the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It was constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, showcasing remarkable engineering skills. The reservoir covers an area of approximately 2,500 acres and was originally created to store water for irrigation purposes. Known for its massive scale, it was one of the largest artificial lakes in the ancient world. The Parakrama Samudra played a significant role in the agricultural prosperity of Sri Lanka during the medieval period, and its sophisticated water management system still fascinates historians and engineers today. Lankatilaka Temple Lankatilaka Temple is a prominent ancient Buddhist temple located in the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site in Sri Lanka. Built in the 14th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu II, it is one of the most significant and impressive structures in the Polonnaruwa era. The temple is renowned for its grand architecture, featuring towering walls and intricate stone carvings. The central shrine originally housed a large image of the Buddha, though the statue is no longer present. The temple's design showcases a mix of Sinhalese and Indian architectural influences, with large Buddha statues and fine details that reflect the advanced craftsmanship of that period. The Lankathilaka Pilimage stands as a testament to the religious and cultural heritage of ancient Sri Lanka. Rankoth Viharaya Rankoth Viharaya is an important Buddhist temple located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century. The temple is famous for its large stupa, which is one of the most significant architectural features of Polonnaruwa. The Rankoth Viharaya is a relatively well-preserved structure and is considered one of the largest stupas in the city, with a distinctive design featuring a cylindrical base and a large dome. The stupa was originally surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and statues, making it a key place of worship and pilgrimage. Rankoth Viharaya stands as a symbol of the grandeur and religious significance of the Polonnaruwa era, representing the Buddhist heritage of ancient Sri Lanka.
Gal Viharaya
The Polonnaruwa Watadage
Parakrama Samudra
Lankatilaka Temple
Rankoth Viharaya