Lankarama
ලංකාරාමය
The ruins of a circular image house (vatadage) with several rings of stone pillars around it, preserving the typical layout of Anuradhapura-period “image houses.”
Lankarama was built in the 1st century BCE during the reign of King Valagamba. Around the small white stupa are three rings of about 88 stone pillars, which once supported a wooden roof covering the entire stupa. It is an early example of the Sri Lankan vatadage (image house) form, and it shares a lineage with Thuparama and the circular shrine at Polonnaruwa. It lies between Abhayagiri and Ruwanwelisaya, so it is an easy stop while cycling. Shoes must be removed. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for a visit.
Opening hours
About 06:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond)
- Mahasena's Palace Moonstone
- Abhayagiri Vihāra
- Samadhi Statue
- Thuparamaya
- Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
- Ruwanwelisaya
- Jetavanaramaya