The Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I

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King Vijayabahu I ascended the throne in 1055 CE in the Rohana region. Eighteen years later, and three years after defeating the Chola invaders from South India, he celebrated his consecration in Anuradhapura. However, instead of ruling from Anuradhapura, he chose Polonnaruwa as his capital and shifted the seat of power there.

The Coronation Palace

The structure we see today is believed to be the temporary palace built by King Vijayabahu I for his coronation celebrations in Anuradhapura. This building, now known as Mahawatte-raja-gedara, measures approximately 128 by 216 feet (39 by 66 meters).

Architectural Features

The palace shares architectural similarities with the royal palace at Panduwasnuwara and was likely a multi-storied structure. Archaeological evidence includes remnants of a staircase leading to an upper floor, as well as features such as a moonstone, guardstones, and balustrades at the entrance. The guardstones depict Sankhanidhi and Padmanidhi (Sanka and Padma), the two attendants of Kuvera, the god of wealth. Traces of wall paintings have also been discovered, suggesting the palace was once richly decorated.

Today, a modern road cuts across the palace courtyard, and the original gatehouse lies on the opposite side of the road.

Important Information for Foreign Tourists Visiting Sites at Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Most of the more popular sites in Anuradhapura strictly check for tickets from tourists, while the less-visited sites tend to be more relaxed due to the lack of staff. However, tourists should be cautious, as some unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers may attempt to exploit this situation.

They sometimes offer to take foreign tourists along routes where ticket checks are less common or even try to collect the entrance fee themselves, claiming they will purchase the tickets on the tourists’ behalf. Tourists are strongly advised not to fall for such scams, as this can lead to unnecessary complications with site security or the police.

Information on the Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Ticket and where and how to purchase can be found here

Bahirawa guardstones at the entrance to the Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I

Ruins of Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I

Remains of the walls with plaster at the Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I

References

Seneviratna, A., (1994). Ancient Anuradhapura. 1st ed. Colombo: Archaeological Survey Department, Sri Lanka.
Wikramagamage, C., (2004). Heritage of Rajarata: Major natural, cultural, and historic sites. Colombo. Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

Map of the Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I in Anuradhapura

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Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com

Driving Directions to the Royal Palace of King Vijayabahu I in Anuradhapura

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps