Polonnaruwa

The large Gedige Lankathilaka ( ornament of Lanka), the image house with a Buddha statue, had 5 stores. It has walls which are 4m trick and still stand 17m high, although the roof has crumbled. The design illustrates the development in thinking which underlay the massive building, for it marks a turning away from the abstract from of the dagaba to a much more personalized faith in the Buddha in human form.

The building is essentially a shrine, built to focus the attention of worshippers on the 18m high statue of the Buddha at the end of the nave. Though built of brick and covered in stucco, the overall design of the buildings shows strong Tamil influence. The exterior bas relief sculpture, most of which is in very impressive, shed light on contemporary architectural style.

Is another “World Heritage Site” was the capital of Sri Lanka from 11th – 13th centuries, contains some splendid spectacular statues. Lankatilaka, Tivanka & Thuparamaya are the most beautiful and largest image houses and Tivanka has the best example of frescos of the Polonnaruwa period. Rankoth Vehera and Kirivehera are well-preserved large stupas, and Galviharaya – a rock shrine, has four Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining and Parakrama Bahu statue are examples of Sinhalese stone carver. The Vatadage is an unique creation of the Sri Lankan artists. Polonnaruwa the medieval capital was fortified with inner & outer moats and inner & outer walls. The Parakrama Samudra - a huge man made lake, is on the western side of the city. Another tall wall enclosed the Royal Palace, Audience Hall and other buildings in the inner city