Lankatilaka Temple near Kandy, Sri Lanka

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Lankatilaka

Top choice in Polonnaruwa


One of the most evocative structures in Polonnaruwa, the Lankatilaka temple was built by Parakramabahu I and later restored by Vijayabahu IV. This massive gedige (stone Buddhist temple with corbelled roof and thick walls) has 17m-high walls, although the roof has collapsed. The cathedral-like aisle leads to a huge standing (headless) Buddha. Offerings of incense, and the structure's columns and arches, add to the distinctly devotional atmosphere.

The upper walls, decorated with bas-reliefs, show typical Polonnaruwa structures in their original state.


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Most visitors exit the archaeological site here.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
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      "url": "sri-lanka/the-ancient-cities/polonnaruwa/attractions/lankatilaka/a/poi-sig/480848/357457",
      "destination": "Polonnaruwa",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Sri-Lanka",
      "city": "Polonnaruwa",
      "position": "superzone"
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