Medirigiriya Vatadage
North Central Province
Photo by Chindemaya at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Public domain.
About Medirigiriya Vatadage
The Medirigiriya Vatadage is what ancient Sri Lankan architecture looks like with no crowds and no scaffolding of tourism around it: a circular relic shrine of the 7th–8th centuries, raised on a natural rock hillock north of Polonnaruwa, its small central stupa guarded by four seated Buddhas and ringed by three concentric circles of tall, slender stone pillars that once carried a conical wooden roof. Climb the flight of granite steps through the stone door-frame and the whole plain opens around you - tanks, paddy, and forest to the horizon. Archaeologists rank it with the famous vatadage at Polonnaruwa; visitors who make the 30-kilometre detour usually rank it higher, because they so often have its serene geometry entirely to themselves. The surrounding monastery ruins - image houses, a hospital, inscribed stones - reward unhurried wandering.
Top Activities
- ✓The circular pillared shrine
- ✓Monastery and ancient hospital ruins
- ✓Plains views from the rock terrace
- ✓Photography of the pillar circles
- ✓Combine with Polonnaruwa
Nearby Attractions
Closest Places in This Guide
Straight-line distances; allow considerably longer by road, especially in the hills.
Travel Tips
Golden-hour light through the pillars is the photograph.
Combine with a Polonnaruwa day - it's 30km north.
Carry water; facilities at the site are minimal.
Quick Info
Best Time
Year-round; early morning or late afternoon
Weather
Hot and dry; the rock terrace is exposed at midday.
Estimated Daily Budget
8.1560°N, 80.9730°E
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