Polunnaruwa

Polunnaruwa is the third of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka in the cultural triangle, and the newest. It was established in 1070 and was the capital for two hundred years. Many buildings and temples survive, most notably the Gal Vihara that has some of the most beautiful Buddhas in Sri Lanka. The reclining Buddha is one of the largest in Asia, and has a beautifully carved pillow that is perfectly indented by the Buddha’s head. Many of the buildings feature half-round moonstones, threshold markers with ranks of animals marching in rows from left to right.