Seværdigheder i Polonnaruwa District

Polonnaruwa District Must-Sees

Polonnaruwa District preserves the ruins of Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital, dating back to the 11th century. The site features the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, once a seven-story structure, and the Gal Viharaya’s four granite Buddha statues. Beyond the citadel, the Lankatilaka Temple showcases massive brick architecture, while the Gal Potha records royal history on an eight-meter stone slab. The region also includes Minneriya National Park, known for seasonal elephant gatherings, and the Dimbulagala monastery, which provides views over the North Central Province's plains.

Mlechanteur / CC BY 3.0

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The Royal Palace of Polonnaruwa

Poḷonnaruwa, also referred as Pulathisipura and Vijayarajapura in ancient times, is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central…

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Gal Viharaya

The Gal Vihara, and known originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city Polonnaruwa, the…

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Lankatilaka Temple

A massive 12th-century brick structure featuring 17-meter-high walls and a headless standing Buddha statue. The exterior displays intricate relief carvings of architectural designs and deities.

Luc / CC-BY-SA

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Pothgul Viharaya

The oldest library on the island.

Cherubino / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Stone Book

An 8-meter-long stone slab weighing 25 tons, inscribed with the achievements and genealogy of King Nissanka Malla. The text claims the stone was transported over 100 kilometers from Mihintale.

Luc / CC-BY-SA

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Archaeological Museum

This museum houses bronze statues, ancient surgical instruments, and scale models of the city's ruins. It provides context for the site's hydraulic systems and religious evolution.

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Ancient Northern Entrance

The remains of the northern gateway providing access to the fortified inner city of the ancient capital.

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Demala Maha Seya

An unfinished 12th-century stupa designed to be the largest in the world. Today, it remains a massive, flat-topped earthen mound covered in vegetation.