The Travel Lanka Leisure

Gal Vihara

World-famous site in Polonnaruwa, Gal Vihara was built by king Parakramabhahu in 12th century AD. With three gigantic statues of Lord Buddha that have been carved out of granite stone will show you the fantastic stone working skills of the ancient sculptors. Translating to English as the 'Stone Monastery' the temple provides the best testament to the stone sculpture mastery of ancient Sri Lanka. One of Buddha statues is a standing statue while the others are a sitting statue and a sleeping statue of Lord Buddha. Be sure to visit the place in the morning, if you truly want to admire these statues, so you can avoid the heat.