SACRED ROCK TEMPLE

Venture into the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and discover World Heritage listed Polonnaruwa, an intriguing blend of Buddhist and Hindu archaeological monuments. One of the most impressive of these is the famous Gal Viharaya, or “Rock Temple”, which dates to the 12th century and comprises four colossal statues of Buddha cut from one large piece of stone, each in a different position. The reclining statue depicting the Parinirvana position is one of the most intricately sculpted and visitors today can still clearly make out the pillow details and lotus symbols on the soles of Buddha’s feet. This extraordinary site that nestles into a backdrop of lush vegetation is still a major place of worship for many Buddhists in the country.