Gal Vihara, an ancient rock temple in the historic city of Polonnaruwa, is a must-see for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s rich history and beautiful art. Carved in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I, this site is famous for its impressive rock-carved Buddha statues.
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The main attraction at Gal Vihara is a large granite rock face with four grand statues. The most famous is the reclining Buddha, which is about 46 feet long and represents the Buddha’s final passing, known as parinirvana. This is one of the largest and most important sculptures in Southeast Asia, featuring detailed carvings like lotus flowers on the soles of the Buddha’s feet. The temple also includes a large seated Buddha and a smaller seated Buddha inside an artificial cave. The standing Buddha, which is 22 feet 9 inches tall, may represent the monk Ananda rather than the Buddha, adding an interesting touch to its history.
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Gal Vihara was originally called Uttararama, or ‘the northern monastery.’ It was an important center for Buddhist learning and played a key role in King Parakramabahu I’s efforts to unify and improve the Buddhist community. An inscription on the rock face shows the king’s rules for monks, giving visitors a glimpse into the temple’s history. The nearly 15-foot-deep rock face shows the skill and effort put into creating this sacred place.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route 48 from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo, to Kaduruwela. Get off at Polonnaruwa, the nearest town to your destination. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk to reach your destination. Polonnaruwa is approximately 224 kilometers from Colombo, and the bus journey takes around 5 hours.
