This stupa popularly known as Kiri Vehera is located in Polonnaruwa District of North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The stupa is also a part of the archaeological site called Alahana Pirivena. The origin of this stupa not exactly traced yet. However, it is speculated that this was done by Queen Subhadra, a consort of  King Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186). This is the second largest stupa in Polonnaruwa. The lime plaster of the dome is better preserved compared to the most of other stupa found in Polonnaruwa. Probably the present name “Kiri Vehera” also derived due to this preserved lime plaster. Read more...

Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the greatest ancient Buddhist monasteries located in the Hambanthota District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The history of the monastery dates back to 2nd century BC. It is believed that this place was built by King Kawanthissa ( 205–161 BC). According to Buddhist literature, this place was a center for Buddhist education for Buddhist monks, and once there had been 12,000 arhat monks around this location. Many caves, temples, images, houses, stupas, and ponds located around this large area bear witness to this story. Read more...

Rankoth Vehera is the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the 4th largest in Sri Lanka. It is about 33m in height and 170m in diameter. It was built by the King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196). This stupa has constructed with the same design as the Ruwanwelisaya in the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. According to a stone inscription found in the vicinity of the stupa, it was initially named as “Ruwanweli Stupa”. However, later it has come to be known as Rankoth Vehera. At each of the fours sides of the stupa, there are ruins of four gateways (“Vahalkada” in Sinhala) Read more...

Hatadage is an ancient shrine in the Polonnaruwa District of North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was built by the King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 A.D.). This had been used to place the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. According to historical sources, the shrine has built in sixty hours. The English translation of the Sinhalese word “Hata” is sixty, represent the duration of the construction period and the word “Dage” has the meaning of “relic shrine”. The remaining features of the building for today, evidence that the shrine was originally a two-story building. The shrine is 120 ft in length Read more...

Gadaladeniya temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Pilimathalawa area in Kandy District of Central Province, Sri Lanka. The temple was done by king Bhuvanekabahu IV ( reigned from 1341 to 1351) in 1344. According to the historical evidence, the temple was done by a South Indian architect named Ganesvarachari. Therefore, the temple has built according to the South Indian tradition. External Links Department of Archaeology Read more...

Punchi Dambadiva is located in the Ratnapura District of Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka. It is Buddhist temple which hosts replicas of the sacred monuments found in the pilgrim site of Dambadiva. The Punchi Dambadiva project has been started in 1981 and currently consists of the replica of Buddhagayawa, Piriniwan Manchakaya depicting the passing away of Buddha located in Kusinarawa, a replica of the first dhamma sermon Buddha gave to his five disciples in Isipathanaramaya and many others monuments. Enter your current location in the search box under the map to find the best route to the Punchi Dabadiva.  Click here Read more...

This Hindu Shrine is located in the archaeological site of Polonnaruwa, in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. The ancient name or the builder of this shrine is not known. However, according to the style of architecture, this may belong to the 13th century A.D. Read more...

This Siva Devalaya is the oldest Hindu shrine found in the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was built by king Raja Raja I (985 – 1014 A.D.). According to an inscription found, this place has been dedicated to the consort of the King. Read more...

Mahiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. it is one of the Solosmasthana (16 most sacred places to be worshiped by Buddhist in Sri Lanka), and it is believed to be the place where the Lord Buddha’s first visit to the country. According to the historical sources, Buddha visited this place in the ninth month after he attained enlightenment.   External Links වසර 2600කට පෙර බුදුන් වැඩිය මියුගුණ පුදබිම Read more...

The Sri Pada mountain (Adam’s Peak/ Samanala Kanda) is venerated by four religions. Accodring to the Sri Lanka’s chronicles, Lord Buddha at his third visit to Sri Lanka, placed his foot imprint on a rock at the top of the mountain on the invitation of God Sumanasaman. Sri Pada is the second highest (height: 2,243m) mountain in Sri Lanka. It is located along the border of Central Province and Sabaragamuwa Province. According to the Survey Department of Sri Lanka, the mountain is belongs to the Ratnapura District of Sabaragamuwa Province. The annual Sri Pada pilgrimage season is begins on Poya Read more...

The Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex is located in the Gampola area of Kandy District, Central Province. It is a steep mountain and climbs to its peak a bit of a challenge. You can also hire a vehicle to get to the peak. But, climb on foot is an opportunity to view the area. Read more...

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Sri Dalada Maligawa, possibly the most sacred Buddhist temple for all Buddhists in the world. External Links UNESCO Record www.sridaladamaligawa.lk Read more...

Nalanda Gedige is a building completely built with stone located in Matale District of Central Province Sri Lanka. The building was estimated to have been constructed between the 8th & 10th centuries and has the influence of the Pallava architecture. The building has designed like a Hindu temple. However, the building said to have been used as a temple by Buddhists. The building has richly decorated with stone carvings. Front View Rear View Pavilion Entrance Rock Carvings at Nalanda Gedige   This slideshow requires JavaScript. Read more...

Kirinda Temple is a Buddhist temple in Hambantota District of Southern Province. It is located closer to the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. The temple is built on a summit of a large rock located closer to the coast giving a magnificent view of the beautiful Indian Ocean. The history of this temple is dates back to the reign of King Kawanthissa ( 205–161 BC). As per the story of  Queen Viharamahadevi, Kirinda is the place where she was brought by sea and landed. The king Kawanthissa has built this stupa commemorating the incident. Read more...

Menik Vehera is an ancient monastery located in Polonnaruwa District of North Central Province, Sri Lanka.  The history of this place is not known. However, according to the architectural features, it is assumed to belong to the 8-9 centuries A.D.  This monastery consists of a Stupa, image houses, a Bodhi – tree shrine, refectory, monk’s dispensary and cells.  The stupa here is of a rare type, which is built on a high terrace surrounded by a high wall. There is a carved stone door-frame at the entrance to the Stupa. This monastery is unnoticed by many of the visitors who Read more...