Alahana Pirivena

What?
This is a vast monastery, believed to be constructed on a cremation ground.

Where?
It is located in Polonnaruwa District and approximately 220 km from Colombo.

When?
It can be visited all year long, though late evenings after 4 PM is the best time to visit.

Alahana Pirivena is an ancient monastery in Polonnaruwa. It was established by King Parakramabahu I. It is a complex of three principal buildings: Baddhasima-Pasada– the convocation hall, Kiri Vehera– the dagoba, and the Lankathilaka image house. Its highlights are a cave with seated Buddha images carved from the living rock and models of the Gal Vihara group. Besides, there are many monuments of Alahana Pirivena.