Sri lanka's old city--Polonnaruwa

1️⃣ Southern Ancient Ruins Group 🌷 Statue of King Parakramabahu I A 3.5-meter tall stone statue, locally believed to be that of King Parakramabahu the Great, holding the yoke symbolizing royal power. This standing statue has become a symbol of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. 🌷 The Circular Repository A circular building surrounded by four small stupas, this was once a library preserving Buddhist scriptures made from coconut leaves. It is said to be the place where monks or royal family members would chant scriptures. 2️⃣ Royal Palace Ruins Complex On the west side of the palace ruins area stands a majestic rectangular brick building, the remains of King Parakramabahu's palace. The palace was 31 meters long and 13 meters wide, supported by more than 30 stone pillars and had over 50 rooms. 3️⃣ The Quadrangle This was once the place for royal prayers, worship, meditation, and contemplation, and was the Buddhist center and the holiest place in Polonnaruwa at the time. 🌷 Thuparama This massive Buddhist shrine, entirely built of brick and stone, has thick and sturdy walls adorned with architectural reliefs. It is believed to be a building left behind by King Parakramabahu I, with a style heavily influenced by South Indian culture. 🌷 The Stone Book This enormous stone tablet is 9 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 40-66 centimeters thick. The stone was transported from Mihintale, 100 kilometers away, by King Nissanka Malla and inscribed with text. It is the longest stone inscription in Lanka. 4️⃣ Alahana Buddhist Monastery A vast complex of Buddhist buildings. It is said to have been the royal cremation ground during the time of King Parakramabahu I. 🌷 Gal Vihara Also known as the Rock Temple, it is the largest ancient temple in Sri Lanka, housing three Buddha statues and a shrine. The far left statue is a 4.6-meter high seated Buddha. The center is a 7-meter high standing Buddha on a lotus throne with crossed arms. The far right is a 14-meter long reclining Buddha, depicting the sorrowful scene of the Buddha's passing. 📝 Basic Information 🎫 Entrance Fee: $30 ⌚️ Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00 #Polonnaruwa#old city#Sri lanka#trip diary#travel guide#Sri lanka trip#Dalada Maluva