Aukana Buddha

The Aukana Buddha stands about twelve metres high, carved from a granite outcrop and still joined to the rock behind it by a narrow strip, in the abhaya mudra with the robe falling in fine parallel folds. It is usually dated to the fifth century and associated with the reign of Dhatusena, who built the Kala Wewa reservoir nearby. The carving is unusually crisp for its age, and the proportions are held up as a high point of Sinhalese sculpture.

What you actually see

• The standing figure - twelve metres carved from a single rock, still joined at the back.
• The robe carving - fine parallel folds cut across the whole figure.
• The proportions - the modelling regarded as a peak of Sinhalese sculpture.
• The Kala Wewa - the fifth-century reservoir a short distance away.

When to go

January to April is the driest and most comfortable. Early morning light on the east-facing figure is the best. Midday is very hot on the open site.

Honest expectations

A modern shelter has been built over the statue which spoils the setting and the photographs. The site is small and takes half an hour. Shoes must be removed and the ground is hot.

Nearby

Kala Wewa is nearby, and Anuradhapura is northwest.