The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya)
The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya)
The Royal Palace (Vijayabahu Maligaya)
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4.0
36 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
13
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Kamal P
Byron Bay, Australia8,490 contributions
Jan 2020
The royal palace of King Vijayabahu the 1st is supposed to be at the centre of the ancient Anuradhapura city. The immediate surrounding area had been occupied by the elite close to the palace. This area better referred to as inner city. Beyond this circle the three giant stupas with the viharas were in three directions. Followed by the tanks and peripheral monasteries.
Figures in the guard stones at the entrance to the palace are quite different to what that is seen in general. The two prominent figures are different to each other and they are supposed to show two attendants of Kuvera the god of wealth. “Sanka” one with the conch shell hood and “Padma” with lotus on head.
It is believed that this site would have occupied the royal palaces of earlier kings who ruled in Anuradhapura but what remains today are the ruins of the palace of King Vijayabahu the 1st.
Closer observation of the remains helps to appreciate the ancient civilisation in this area and craftsmen skills in construction of up-stair buildings and its vital sanitary facilities.
Figures in the guard stones at the entrance to the palace are quite different to what that is seen in general. The two prominent figures are different to each other and they are supposed to show two attendants of Kuvera the god of wealth. “Sanka” one with the conch shell hood and “Padma” with lotus on head.
It is believed that this site would have occupied the royal palaces of earlier kings who ruled in Anuradhapura but what remains today are the ruins of the palace of King Vijayabahu the 1st.
Closer observation of the remains helps to appreciate the ancient civilisation in this area and craftsmen skills in construction of up-stair buildings and its vital sanitary facilities.
Written 9 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,597 contributions
Nov 2018
Not much is left to see out of what must have bee the beauty and glory of the ancient palace. Nowadays, the only thing left is the floor or a portion of it - Hardly worth the time...
Written 9 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Twomarys
Hervey Bay, Australia342 contributions
May 2018
We had hired a driver for our week touring the island, who found us our guide for the Palace. It was an unrushed knowledgeable exploration of all the important elements of this palace which we both thoroughly enjoyed. If you want to understand the cultural differences between the Sri Lankans and Indians, this is a good place to visit.
Written 30 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amsterdam05
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,736 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Beautiful old ruines of the old royal palace. You need your guide or a guidebook to explain what you see, otherwise it is just a ruin.
Written 4 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fjp4564
Sunshine Coast654 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
The Palace complex is in ruins, so one has to imagine what it looked like in its hey day. A local guide will provide some hoistorical facts, and there is a lot to study and admire in the ancient building.
Written 8 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Agampodi
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka304 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
This place is forgotten even by the people living in Anuradhapura. People go and see all the religious places and talk about the Anuradhapura Kingdom. But this is the only place to see remaining of a Royal Palace. True it was built at the beginning of Polonnaruwa era. But its the oldest palace remaining in Sri lanka! I think this place as one of the most important historical place in Sri Lanka.
Written 12 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manucanuck
Hong Kong, China1,947 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
There weren't much labels or signages explaining about the ruins, picked up a pamphlet it wasn't helpful either. You really need to rely on a good guide
Written 15 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Topman4
Whitley Bay, UK520 contributions
Nov 2019
When touring Sri Lanka our driver/guide took us to the remains of this royal palace. As it was the start of the season it wasn’t too busy and we were able to take lots of photos. We visited in the morning while the weather was slightly cooler. We were not pestered by sellers and it was a relaxing visit during a busy tour where we packed in so much. A recommended site for anyone interested in the country’s history.
Written 24 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jandlUk
Chesterfield, UK1,351 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
You really need a guide here to explain things to you, or have researched the site to know what you are seeing. This made our visit more rewarding. A quieter part of this extensive site, with VERY naughty monkeys!
Written 23 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva J
Moscow, Russia2,672 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
There isnt much left to see, but the sign gives a bit of information. It takes about 30 seconds to visit.
Written 14 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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