Gal Vihara (Rock Temple) - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Buddhist Temples

About Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

It is also known as Gal Viharaya and formerly as the Uttararama.It is a rock temple of the Buddha located in North Central Province, Sri Lanka and was created in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I, the king of the old Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. The temple's central feature is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which are carved into the face of a granite rock.

Hotels near Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

Hotels to stay near Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

Stars:

Guest rating:

Excellent

Activities Around

Attractions Near Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

Rankoth Vehera

Rankoth Vehera

0.88km from Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

It is a hemispherical structure located in the old city of Polonnaruwa. Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa built the stupa who used to be the country ruler from 1187 to 1196. The currently used name Rankoth Vehera means in English Gold Pinnacled.

Nissankalata Mandapa

Nissankalata Mandapa

2.1km from Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure in the old city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Built by King Nissanka Malla and named after him, it is located near the western entrance of the Dalada Maluva, the area that has the oldest and the holiest monuments in the city.

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

2.12km from Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

It is an old site belonging back to the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. It believed to be built either through the reign of "Parakramabahu I", to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha, or while the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha.

Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park

23.39km from Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

It is a national park located 197 km away from Colombo city. In April 2002, it was designated as a national park to become the 15th such in the country. Historically it was one of the 16 irrigation tanks built by King Mahasen and was reconstructed in 1959, now attracting and supporting a variety of plant and animal life, including large mammals, fish and reptiles.

Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya

Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya

24.94km from Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

It is a Buddhist Stupa located in the old city of Polonnaruwa and situated in the Somawathiya National Park on the Mahaweli River's left edge. It is believed to built to enshrine the right canine relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is named after Princess Somawathi, the sister of King Kavantissa, and the wife of regional ruler Prince Abhaya.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park

25.41km from Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

It is a natural park in Sri Lanka located 225 km away from Colombo in Matale and Polonnaruwa. It is also one of the protected areas where you can see Sri Lankan Elephants in large crowds. It is also one of the important birds areas in the country.

Discover More Attractions in North Central Province, Home of Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

North Central Province

It is the biggest province located in the north middle in Sri Lanka, with 10,472 km2 covering around 16% of the Sri Lankan landmass. It has two districts; Polonnaruwa and the largest district that covers 68% of the province and the capital Anuradhapura. More than 65% of the province population depends on basic agriculture and agro-based industries.

Location of Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)

Comments

For more information about Gal Vihara (Rock Temple), visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Vihara

To view all hotels near Gal Vihara (Rock Temple), visit: Hotels near Gal Vihara (Rock Temple)