Gopala Pabbatha of Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa

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Gopala Pabbatha in Polonnaruwa is a small cave monastery and also marks the southern boundary of Alahana Pirivena and lies on the north of Rankoth Vehera. You can reach the Gopala Pabbatha from the Rankoth Vehera which is a collection of natural rock caves located in a serene atmosphere.

This rocky outcrop is known for its two Brahmin inscriptions on the caves which goes back as far as 2nd century BC. These are the earliest antiquities found in this area and has been home to forest dwelling monks from this time.

Locating this rocky cave complex is not easy. There are no directions or acknowladegement of exisitance of this site along the normal tourist path.

Directions to reach the site.

Once you reach the car park to the Rankoth Vehera, there is gravel path along the walking path to the Rankoth Vehera. Though you could take a vehicle on this road, I am not sure whether its allowed to do so.

Travel about 200 meters until you come to a T junction and turn right to walk parallel to the tourist route. Walking about 80 meters, you will see this rocky outcrop to your right.

A rock ready to be split open - Gopala Pabbatha Cave Complex

view of Rankoth Vehera from the cave of Gopala Pabbatha

Also See

Map of Gopala Pabbatha at Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa

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Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa Sacred City

The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Though : Central Highway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :226 km Travel time : 4.45 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance from Colombo : 145 km Travel time : 3.0 hours Driving Directions : see on google maps
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Though : Maradankadawala – Habarana Distance from colombo : 105 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance from colombo :100 km Travel time : 1.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map