Kiri Vihara

Polonnaruwa


Construction of the dagoba Kiri Vihara is credited to Subhadra, King Parakramabahu I’s queen. Originally known as the Rupavati Chetiya, the present name means ‘milk white’ because when the overgrown jungle was cleared away after 700 years of neglect, the original lime plaster was found to be in perfect condition. It is still the best-preserved unrestored dagoba at Polonnaruwa.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Polonnaruwa attractions

1. Lankatilaka

0.09 MILES

One of the most evocative structures in Polonnaruwa, the Lankatilaka temple was built by Parakramabahu I and later restored by Vijayabahu IV. This massive…

2. Buddha Seema Prasada

0.15 MILES

Set on a natural ridge, this was the monastery’s convocation hall, where monks met fortnightly. This building features a fine mandapaya (raised platform…

3. Gal Vihara

0.21 MILES

Part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery, Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock…

4. Rankot Vihara

0.33 MILES

The 54m Rankot Vihara dagoba, the largest in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest on the island, has been ascribed to the reign of King Nissanka Malla. Like…

5. Exit

0.37 MILES

Most visitors exit the archaeological site here.

6. Vishnu Devale No 4

0.41 MILES

This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.

7. Shiva Devale No 5

0.42 MILES

This minor Hindu site is outside the main archaeological area and can easily be skipped.

8. Shiva Devale

0.43 MILES

This minor Hindu temple is one of Polonnaruwa's many Indian-influenced temples.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities/polonnaruwa/attractions/kiri-vihara/a/poi-sig/480846/357457",
      "destination": "Polonnaruwa",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Sri-Lanka",
      "city": "Polonnaruwa",
      "position": "superzone"
    }