

Rankoth ( Rankot) Vehera (Goldern Pinnacle) Stupa, is the 4th largest stupa in the country after Ruwanveli Seya, Jetawanarama and Abhayagiriya in Anuradhapura. Built by King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196), it is 55 meters in height 185 meters in circumference. This is the largest Stupa in Polonnaruwa.
Initial name of this has been “Ruwanmali dagaba” and this is a probably an attempt to build a similar Stupa to the Ruwanveli Seya of Anuradhapura. A rock inscription east to the Stupa describes how the King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) supervised to the work of this temple sitting at that place.
The guard stones at the menik vehera is also unique. Generally on the side of the guard stone you can find a carving of a bull. But on the guard stones at the entrance of the Menik vehera this bull has been replaced by an elephant.
Also See
Map of Rankoth 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
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 |