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Gal Viharaya
The top-rated attraction (Ranked #1) in Polonnaruwa, famous for its intricate stone craftsmanship. It features four magnificent rock-cut Buddha statues—standing, seated, and reclining—showcasing Sri Lanka’s medieval Buddhist heritage.
Details of Gal Viharaya
Open now
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Paid parking lot
Free parking lot
Overview - Gal Viharaya
Nestled in the historic city of Polonnaruwa, Gal Viharaya stands as a masterpiece of Sri Lanka’s medieval Buddhist artistry and spiritual legacy. This revered archaeological site, ranked #1 among Polonnaruwa’s 42 top attractions, showcases four ancient stone-carved Buddha figures—each embodying standing, seated, and reclining forms—crafted with unparalleled precision during the 12th-century Kalinga era. The serene complex, set amid lush greenery, invites visitors to wander through its timeless stone structures, marveling at the intricate detailing and meditative ambiance that have drawn pilgrims and travelers for centuries. With a 4.6-star rating from over 800 visitors, Gal Viharaya offers a profound connection to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, blending historical significance with spiritual tranquility. Whether you seek to appreciate the artistry of ancient stone craftsmanship, reflect on Buddhist philosophy, or simply immerse yourself in the calm of a sacred site, this landmark delivers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s medieval past.
Tags/ Categories
Highlights
The Reclining Buddha
The Standing Buddha
The Great Seated Buddha
Vidyhadhara Guha (Cave Shrine)
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Navigations
Navigations
440/225 Palm Grove State Minuwangoda road, Polonnaruwa 51000 Sri Lanka
Reviews
Dinesh Chathuranga
Gal Viharaya, also known as the Rock Temple, is one of the most famous and beautiful places in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century. The temple is carved out of a single …
2 months ago
markos paterakis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Truly Breathtaking Wonder of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰\n\nGal Viharaya in Polonnaruwa absolutely took my breath away. The sheer size, …
2 months ago
Thushara Nakandala
Gal Viharaya (The Rock Temple) in Polonnaruwa is widely considered the masterpiece of Sri Lankan rock carving. …
2 weeks ago
Andrés Vargas
Gal Viharaya is a serene and deeply moving place. The rock-carved Buddha statues are beautifully preserved and radiate a strong sense of calm, making it one of the most impressive and spiritual sites in Polonnaruwa. During our visit, some …
2 weeks ago
Weaning Ping
Carved into the heart of an ancient granite rock in Polonnaruwa lies Gal Viharaya, a masterpiece of Sri Lanka’s medieval artistry and devotion. Known in its time as Uttararama, “the northern monastery,” this sacred site was created during …
3 years ago
Manoj Wijerathne
Visiting Gal Viharaya was a truly special experience. The massive rock-cut Buddha statues are beautifully carved and full of expression, showing the incredible craftsmanship of ancient times. The site is peaceful and well cared for, …
3 months ago
Nyesha Sen
This particular site is 900 years old and was actually a devoted temple or worshipping place inside a cave. The cave was made from really thick walls and has been excavated so that the wall with the statues of Buddha can be easily seen by …
3 months ago
Shanuka Rathnayake
Visiting Polonnaruwa was like stepping into a timeless story written in stone. As one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breathtaking architecture. …
7 months ago
Felix Schott
One of the most shining examples of Sinhala rock carving, the standing and lying figures are magnificent. This is a do not miss if you make it to Polonnaruwa. …
3 weeks ago