Tagged With "Gal Vihara"

You mentioned Gal Vihara was commissioned by King Parakramabahu I (1153 - 1186 A.D), who also built Polonnaruwa's Great Palace Complex and the Vatadage (where the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic was kept). Is there a record of the names of the master stone carvers or the one who actually built / architect the Great Palace Complex?

Something I've also thought about, George. And no, the credit goes to the big boss and not the people who actually do the work. So far as I know none of these crafts men -- and there must have been dozens on this project -- are known anymore.

Sri Lanka, a beautiful country of south Asia near south-east India is more than 2,550 years old. The Portuguese controlled the coastal areas of the Sri Lanka in the 16th century and rule over Sri Lanka for 100 years. Dutch also take the control of this beautiful Country in the 17th century. Climate of Sri Lanka is very pleasant as you can expect rain anytime. Natural sights of Sri Lanka for tourist attractions are Gal Vihara, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Quadrangle, Mulkirigala Rock Temples, Kandasamy...

A great set of photos! You are right about the need for transport at the site. We contemplated hiring some bicycles, but in the end opted for a tuk-tuk. They were reasonably priced - relatively cheap, actually - and the drivers are quite knowledgeable about the attractions.

ProfessorAbe and his wife visit a temple that has been on their list for quite a while.

The eastern most point visited when touring Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is Polonnaruwa.  The ruins in this ancient capitol are the best preserved and most varied in Ceylon and it’s well worth the effort to visit them. 

Gumbo visits the ancient city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The city dates back to the time before Christ and contains some interesting historic sites.

Polonnaruwa is a medieval city in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. and provides some of the best-preserved ruins in that remarkable country.  The most striking attraction in this city is the Gal Vihara, one of the greatest carvings in the country.

A list of DrFumblefinger's stories and photos from his travels to Sri Lanka

Gumbo was visiting the lovely Gangaramaya Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is a popular site for tourists to visit when in the nation's capitol and has a fascinating museum displaying items donated to the temple by the faithful.

Gumbo was visiting the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. The city dates to the 11th century and contains some beautifully preserved ruins and art.

DrFumblefinger visits Gal Vihara, the amazing group of rock carvings in the medieval city of Polonorruwa. These beautifully detailed works are almost 900 years old.