Gal Vihara
ගල් විහාරය
Four Buddha figures carved from a single granite rock face in the 12th century; the serene 14-metre reclining Buddha and standing Buddha represent the peak of Sri Lankan stone sculpture.
Gal Vihara was built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Two seated Buddhas, a standing Buddha about 7 metres tall and a reclining Buddha (the parinirvana Buddha) about 14 metres long are carved from one granite rock face, and the natural grain of the stone makes the figures look as smooth as silk. It lies north of the Polonnaruwa ruins and is visited with the ancient city ticket. Shoes and hats must be removed, and selfies with your back to the Buddha are forbidden. The stone floor gets extremely hot at midday, so bring socks.
Opening hours
About 07:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Polonnaruwa Vatadage
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Minneriya National Park
- Kaudulla National Park
- Pidurangala Rock
- Sigiriya
- Sigiriya Museum
- Habarana Village Tour (Hiriwadunna)