Your base for exploring this tourist attraction is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. For tourist information about Polonnaruwa, go to Polonnaruwa Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Sri Lanka, read also the Sri Lanka Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation there? Use AsiaExplorers Budget Accommodation Guide, the no-frills website to cover your budget accommodation needs.
The Gal Vihara represents the height of ancient Lankan artistry in rock sculptures. Gal Vihara consists of three massive stone figures carved on a granite cliff. Let us examine the Buddha images of Gal Vihara, beginning with the one on the furthest left. Here we find a seated meditating Buddha. It was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu.
To its right, and built around the same time, was a chapel cut into the rocks. Within it is another seated Buddha surrounded by attendants.
The Reclining Buddha at Gal Vihara.
To the right of the chapel is the oldest Buddha statue at Gal Vihara. It is a standing Buddha in the "blessing posture", with his arms folded and eyes closed. The contour lines of the rock manifested across the sculptured Buddha's delicate features.
The Buddha on the furthest right is also the largest at Gal Vihara. This is a 14 m (46 ft) reclining Buddha. it is considered of such a high standard of quality that it inspired hundreds of years of Sinhalese art, but was never matched in the artistry.
Gal Vihara Photo Gallery
Click enter to view photos of Gal Vihara.
Polonnaruwa Travel Guide
Explore the places of interest in Polonnaruwa. Click to view list.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
