Gal Viharaya of Polonnaruwa is a magnificent group of statues of Buddha carved in a rock built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) which was part of the Uthararama Complex.

Menik Vehera Aramaic complex of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom is believed to be built on the 8th century. There are indications that some additions to this complex have been made at later stages.

Passing the Vishnu Kovil 2, on the main root you come to the Eastern Entrance to the inner city of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. The inner city has been protected by a massive wall where the soldiers patrolled on the top, and a moat.

Atadage Dalada Maligaya is the house of the tooth relic of Buddha built by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This building is built on 54 stone pillars. The tooth relic has been kept on the second floor probably made out of wood.

The life-size 12th-century statue at Dalada Maluwa is identified as either a Bodhisattva or a royal, such as King Duṭugemuṇu. Sculpted with a bare torso and intricate regalia, its rigid form marks the transition from delicate Anurādhapura artistry to the powerful, vigorous style of the Polonnaruwa era.

Dalada Maluwa is an elevated area in the Polonnaruwa Sacred City which many Buddhist buildings are situated. The Entrance to the Dalada Maluwa is through stone steps. Left to these steps is a stone slab with 3 carved figures, A man pointing towards the Dalada Maluwa, a crow and a dog.

Step into the heart of ancient Polonnaruwa and discover the majestic Palace Complex of King Parakramabahu the Great, where colossal ruins, legendary grandeur, and traces of royal life reveal the power and splendour of Sri Lanka’s medieval capital.

Remains of palace of Nissanka Malla lies behind the current Polonnaruwa Rest House along with the Audience Hall of of King Nissanka Malla. This place has been probably built mainly with bricks during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) thus there is only very little of this palace complex remains.

Nissanga Malla Audience Hall is made of solid rock and probably held a wooden roof. The building has been held by 48 stone pillars laid in 4 rows. The throne is a massive lion carved in stone. “Throne of the King” is carved at the bottom of the lion figure.

This is a lonely multi storied building made out of bricks. The staircase is still intact. An important feature of this building is that it has no windows. Due to this feature it is also thought to be a tomb of King Nissanka Malla. The original plaster is still intact giving a glimpse of what the plastering of buildings looked like over 800 years ago.

According to the accounts in the ancient texts, Deepa Uyana or the Island Garden would have been like no other. A grand garden complex – maybe even grander that the Great Parakramabahu’s palace complex.

This beautifully carved statue stands 11½ feet (3.5 meters) in height and is carved into a semi-circular rock boulder. Popular belief is that this is the statue of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186), thus generally known as the Parakramabahu Statue. Another belief is that this is a statue of an Indian high priest (probably Kapila) or Pulasthi.