Landmark
Statue of Parakramabahu I
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The Statue of Parakramabahu I stands near the Parakrama Samudra, the massive man-made reservoir he commissioned. The statue depicts the king holding a book or a plough, symbolizing his patronage of learning and agriculture. Carved from a single rock, it is about 3.5 meters tall and shows the king in a dignified posture with a serene expression. Visitors can view the statue from a nearby platform and appreciate the engineering marvel of the reservoir that still irrigates the region today.
Don't miss
- The king's distinctive headdress and royal attire carved in detail
- The object in his hands, interpreted as either a palm-leaf manuscript or a plough
- Views of the Parakrama Samudra reservoir stretching behind the statue
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Statue of Parakramabahu I
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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