Medirigiriya Vatadage

A vatadage is a circular building raised over a small stupa, and the one at Medirigiriya stands on a low rock reached by a stone stair, with three concentric rings of granite columns around the central dagoba and four Buddha figures facing the cardinal directions. It probably dates to the seventh century in this form. Because it sits away from the main circuit it is usually almost empty, which suits a building designed as a quiet enclosure.

What you actually see

• The concentric colonnades - three rings of granite columns around the central stupa.
• The four Buddhas - seated figures facing the cardinal points.
• The stone stairway - the flight up the rock to the platform.
• The quiet - a major monument with almost no visitors.

When to go

January to April is the driest and most comfortable. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light on the columns. Midday is very hot on the open rock.

Honest expectations

It is a long detour from Polonnaruwa for a single monument. There is no shade on the platform. Interpretation is minimal.

Nearby

Polonnaruwa is south, and Minneriya is southwest.