Kiri Vehera at Polonnaruwa – කිරි වෙහෙර
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This large stupa known as the Kiri Vehera of Polonnaruwa, lying north of Lankathilaka Pilima Ge is said to be built by a queen of king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) called “Subadra”. The original name of this has been “Rupavathi Stupa” and this too is a part of Ãlahana Privena and stands 80 feet in height today.
This stupa is also the second biggest stupa in Polonnaruwa today. Also it is the only stupa to survive the 900 years of forces of nature and still is in the original condition.
There are many restored smaller stupas around Kiri Vehera. These have been identified as burial chambers of high priests and royals. Many of these including Kiri Vehera stupa has been attacked by treasure hunters and their valuables looted.
The two identical stupas south to the Lankathilaka is thought to be built upon remains of a king and a queen.
Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com
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Also See
- The Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa
- Anuradhapura – The city of the God King
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of Kiri Vehera at Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa
The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites
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Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City | Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City |
| Though : Ambepussa - Kurunegala - Dambulla Distance from Colombo :220 km Travel time : 4.5 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 |