Gal Potha Stone Book
Sri Lanka's largest stone inscription, a 12th-century royal decree by King Nissanka Malla detailing his reign and virtues.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the midday sun
Gal Potha Stone Book
Best Time
Escape the midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sri Lanka's largest stone inscription, a 12th-century royal decree by King Nissanka Malla detailing his reign and virtues.
"A monumental stone book detailing a king's reign, impressive in its scale and historical depth."
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot and humid! Visit early or late. Bring water and wear light clothing.
📜 Understand the Inscription
This is a historical decree by King Nissanka Malla. Knowing its purpose adds depth to your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Stone Book
Dalada Maluwa, Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka's largest stone inscription, detailing King Nissanka Malla's reign and achievements. A monumental historical record.
King Nissanka Malla's Decree
Dalada Maluwa, Polonnaruwa
Read about the king's self-proclaimed virtues and the epic journey of this massive stone slab from Minintale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Understand the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot and humid! Visit early or late. Bring water and wear light clothing.
📜 Understand the Inscription
This is a historical decree by King Nissanka Malla. Knowing its purpose adds depth to your visit.
📍 Location Context
Situated near Gal Viharaya and other key ruins. Plan your exploration of the archaeological site accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beat the Heat
It gets very hot and humid! Visit early or late. Bring water and wear light clothing.
📜 Understand the Inscription
This is a historical decree by King Nissanka Malla. Knowing its purpose adds depth to your visit.
📍 Location Context
Situated near Gal Viharaya and other key ruins. Plan your exploration of the archaeological site accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Gal Potha Stone Book to be a historically significant and impressive monument, noting its immense size and the detailed inscriptions. However, many highlight the extreme heat and humidity, advising early or late visits. Its location within the larger Polonnaruwa archaeological site makes it a key point of interest.
"Gal Potha is the largest stone slab inscription in Sri Lanka, it is situated at the main archaeological site of Polonnaruwa District in the premises of Dalada Maluwa. It was constructed between the exterior wall of Satmahal Prasada ( Seven- storied palace with a pyramidal shape ) and the Hetadage ( ancient relic shrine ). Gal Potha was built by King Nissanka Malla during the 12th Century, to describe his worthiness as a ruler of Polonnaruwa. As mentioned on the inscription, the stone of The Gal Potha was brought from Minintale which is located some hundred Kilometres away from Polonnaruwa."
Chamil Suresh
"Very important information wrote there in king nissanka malla."
Sudeera Thennakoon
"Near the gal wiharaya 🙏"
Chameera Madusanka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gal Potha is located within the main archaeological site of Polonnaruwa. You can hire a tuk-tuk or a car to reach the Polonnaruwa ancient city. Once inside, it's a short walk or bike ride to the stone book, which is situated between the Satmahal Prasada and the Hetadage.
Yes, it's a prominent feature within the Dalada Maluwa section of the Polonnaruwa ancient city. Signs are usually available, and it's a central point of interest.
Many visitors rent bicycles or electric scooters to navigate the vast archaeological park. This allows for flexibility and a more immersive experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need an entrance ticket to access the Polonnaruwa ancient city, which includes the Gal Potha Stone Book. Tickets can be purchased at the main entrance to the archaeological park.
The archaeological site is generally open from early morning until late evening. However, it's best to check the most current hours upon arrival or online, as they can vary.
Ticket prices can change, but they are typically around $25 USD for foreign visitors. It's advisable to confirm the current rates before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Gal Potha is the largest stone inscription in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 12th century. It was created by King Nissanka Malla to document his reign and virtues.
You'll see a massive, long stone slab with intricate carvings and inscriptions in ancient Sinhala script. It's a testament to the engineering and artistic capabilities of the era.
The stone book is an outdoor monument. While the area around it is generally flat, the inscription itself is a large stone slab. Visitors can walk around it.
It's located near other significant structures like the Satmahal Prasada (Seven-storied Palace) and the Hetadage (relic shrine), allowing you to explore multiple historical sites in one area.
📸 📸 Photography
Try capturing the sheer scale of the stone book by taking photos from a distance, showing its length. Close-ups of the inscriptions can also be fascinating.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Gal Potha Stone Book and within the Polonnaruwa ancient city. However, always be respectful of the historical site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the inscriptions themselves might be complex for children to understand, the concept of a 'stone book' and the stories of kings and ancient kingdoms can be simplified. It's a great opportunity to discuss history and the importance of preserving such ancient artifacts. Pack snacks and be prepared for a lot of walking, or opt for a tuk-tuk tour if little legs get tired.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices within the archaeological site. Many budget travelers find that exploring the ruins independently with a rented bike offers the best value and flexibility. The historical significance of the Gal Potha makes it a worthwhile inclusion in any budget-friendly itinerary for Polonnaruwa.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Monumental Gal Potha
The sheer feat of transporting and placing such a massive stone is remarkable. According to the inscription, the stone was brought all the way from Minintale, a location hundreds of kilometers away from Polonnaruwa. This logistical challenge highlights the advanced engineering and organizational capabilities of the era. Visitors can marvel at the intricate carvings and the sheer scale of the stone, imagining the effort involved in its creation and installation.
Located within the Dalada Maluwa, the central sacred precinct of Polonnaruwa, the Gal Potha is strategically placed near other important structures like the Satmahal Prasada and the Hetadage. This proximity allows visitors to contextualize the Stone Book within the broader religious and royal complex of the ancient capital. It's a powerful reminder of the grandeur and historical depth of Polonnaruwa.
Navigating Polonnaruwa's Ancient City
When visiting the Gal Potha, remember that it's an outdoor monument exposed to the elements. The inscription is carved into a massive stone slab, and while you can't touch it, you can get close enough to appreciate the details. The area around it is generally flat, making it accessible for walking. However, comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring between different sites.
Don't forget to bring plenty of water and wear light, breathable clothing. Sunscreen and a hat are also highly recommended. The site is well-preserved, offering a glimpse into a glorious past. The Gal Potha, being one of the largest inscriptions, is a must-see within the complex, providing a unique historical perspective.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit