Gal Vihara
Overview
Gal Vihara is a masterpiece of rock carved Buddha statues sculpted from a single granite rock.
Highlights
Located in Polonnaruwa, these statues represent the peak of Sri Lankan stone craftsmanship.
Explore Gal Vihara
Located within the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Gal Vihara (originally called the Uttararama) is considered the absolute pinnacle of Sri Lankan rock-cut architecture.
Carved in the 12th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great, these four Buddha statues are hewn from a single, massive granite outcrop. What makes them world-famous is the sheer silk-like smoothness the ancient sculptors achieved with such hard stone.