Polonnaruwa, Ancient Buddhist capital in North Central Province, Sri Lanka
The ruins of Polonnaruwa extend across a vast area, featuring stone temples, Buddha statues, royal residences, and ancient engineering structures.
Following its establishment as a military post, Polonnaruwa succeeded Anuradhapura as Sri Lanka's capital in the 8th century after Tamil forces captured the previous capital.
The Gal Vihara complex displays four Buddha statues carved from a single granite wall, representing different meditation positions in Buddhist tradition.
The archaeological site opens daily from sunrise to sunset, with guided tours available at the museum providing detailed information about the ancient structures.
The city maintains an advanced irrigation system from the 12th century, including reservoirs and canals that continue to supply water to local agriculture.
Location: North Central Province
GPS coordinates: 7.93333,81.00000
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:26
Sri Lanka offers diverse photography sites from ancient fortresses to national parks. Sigiriya Rock displays stone architecture amid green landscapes. Buddhist temples house cultural artifacts, while colonial structures like Galle Fort stand along the coast. National parks contain elephants and leopards in their natural habitat. Mountains, waterfalls, and beaches provide natural settings. The country features religious monuments such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Gardens, tea plantations, and forest reserves showcase the local flora.
Sigiriya
26.6 km
Dambulla cave temple
39.7 km
Gal Vihara
3.7 km
Avukana Buddha statue
53.8 km
Moragahakanda Dam
34.9 km
Minneriya National Park
17.4 km
Somawathiya Chaitya
28 km
Nalanda Gedige
48.9 km
Wasgamuwa National Park
25.2 km
Nā Uyana Monastery
57.6 km
Pidurangala Vihara
26.4 km
Kaudulla National Park
27.4 km
Rankoth Vehera
2.8 km
Kantale Dam
47.7 km
Maduru Oya National Park
42.8 km
Kalu Ganga Dam
44.8 km
Kaludiya Pokuna Forest
30.3 km
Somawathiya National Park
28 km
Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara
14.9 km
Kandalama Reservoir
33.7 km
Riverston
54 km
Medirigiriya Vatadage
24.8 km
Manampitiya Bridge
10.1 km
Sera Ella Falls
47 km
Oddamavadi Bridge
56.8 km
Minneriya Garrison
15.8 km
Kaudulla Wewa
25.8 km
Sri Lankas centrala högland
57.8 kmReviews
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