sri lanka island tours of ancient cities world heritage sites ruins of ancient kingdoms, temples, reclining buddha statues

 

Gal Vihara - Polonnaruwa - Huge statues of Buddha cut in a single rock.
 

216 kms from Colombo, 75 kms South East of Anuradhapura, the ancient lakeside Sacred City of Polonnaruwa was once the medieval Capital of Sri Lanka from 11 – 12 century AD. Polonnaruwa rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura.
Ancient ruins of King's council chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, temple houses, rock cut statues, a vast manmade lake are some of the memorable sights. The largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, is larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The Kin Vehera, a white stone dagoba of imposing height is just one of the many tributes to the Buddhist faith. Kiri Vehera is the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas; Gal Vihare - the most impresive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder.
A beautiful inland tank abounds with bird life. At the Gal Vihara you will see three unique pieces of Buddhist statuary and in the hush of the giant trees, the huge form of the Reclining Buddha reminds one to tread softly in this holy place. Apart from this Museum at Polonnaruwa exhibits well preserved ancient ruins.
       

       
 
 

Sri Lanka Island Tours