Parakrama Samudra (Ancient Reservoir) Overview This is the largest irrigation project built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153 - 1186 AD) with the noble concept of "not a single drop of water falling from the sky should be allowed to flow into the sea without being used by man". It is so large that the […]
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Nissanka Latha Mandapaya Overview This is one of the most unique works of art from the Polonnaruwa period. It was built by King Nissankamalla (1187 - 1196 AD). The king was a great devotee of Buddhism and the inscription here states that he used this pavilion to listen to Pirith Chanting. There is a small
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Lankatilaka Image House Overview This is the largest idol house built in the Alahana Pirivena complex by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153 - 1186 AD). It is said to have been named "Lankathilaka" because it resembled the "Ornament of Lanka". It was built entirely of bricks and lime mortar according to the "Gedige" tradition. It
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Kiri Vehera Overview Polonnaruwa Kiri Vehera is one of the most well-preserved and sacred Buddhist monuments in Sri Lanka, located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This magnificent stupa was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century and stands as a remarkable example of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and devotion.
Rankoth Vehera Overview This is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It is also considered the fourth largest stupa in Sri Lanka. Built by King Nissankamalla (1187 - 1196 AD), this stupa is said to have been modeled after the "Ruwanweliseya" in Anuradhapura. History states that the original name of this stupa
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Gal Vihara (Stone Buddha Statues) Overview This is undoubtedly the most famous and artistically impressive structure in the Polonnaruwa archaeological site. Built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153–1186 AD), it was formerly known as the "Uttararamaya" (the monastery north of the city). The uniqueness of this structure is that four Buddha statues have been carved
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The Sacred Quadrangle Overview This can be called the "heart" of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. In the past, the tooth relic and the bowl relic of the Buddha were enshrined in this area. It is called the "Quadrangle" in English because it is located on a slightly elevated square area north of the Royal Palace. Within
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Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu Overview This was the official residence of King Parakramabahu the Great, who reigned during the Polonnaruwa period (1153 - 1186 AD), who ushered in the golden age of Sri Lanka. The Mahavamsa mentions that this palace was formerly known as "Vijayantha Prasada" or the Palace of the Sak God. Although
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Overview Polonnaruwa Ancient City is one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical sites and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the country’s rich cultural, religious, and architectural heritage. Polonnaruwa served as the second capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century, following the decline
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