Gal Vihara

Gal Vihara or Uttararama is a stupendous rock temple located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Built-in 12th century AD by the King Parakramabahu, the temple consists of four statues of Buddha carved into the face of large granite rock. The rock has been cut almost 4.6 meters deep to accommodate the statues. The height of the three statues in different postures — one sitting, one standing and the other reclining — range from 4.6 meters to 14 meters. The fourth one — a small sitting posture of 1.4 meters — is located inside an artificial cave made by carving 1.4 meters into the rock. A visit to this ancient monument, which has become a tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, will leave you amazed.