Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Royal Palace Group
This group of buildings dates from the reign of Parakramabahu I. It's the logical place to
start a tour of the site, before continuing north to see the other principal monuments.
Royal Palace RUIN
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The Royal Palace constructed by Parakramabahu was a magnificent structure measuring
31m by 13m, and is said to have had seven storeys. Today its crumbling remains look like
giant cavity-ravaged molars.
The 3m-thick walls have holes to receive the floor beams for two higher floors;
however, if there were another four levels, these must have been made of wood. The roof
in this main hall, which had 50 rooms in all, was supported by 30 columns.
Audience Hall RUIN
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Parakramabahu's Audience Hall is notable for the frieze of elephants, each of which is in a
different position. There are fine lions at the top of the steps.
Bathing Pool RUIN
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In the southeast corner of the palace grounds, the Bathing Pool (Kumara Pokuna) has two
of its crocodile-mouth spouts remaining.
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