Thuparama Image House - Image 1
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Thuparama Image House

4.7
·84 reviews·Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

A remarkably preserved ancient brick image house in Polonnaruwa, offering a serene space for reflection and a glimpse into historical architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evening visits

Cooler ground for barefoot walking

CrowdLow
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Thuparama Image House - Image 1

Thuparama Image House

Best Time

Evening visits

Cooler ground for barefoot walking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remarkably preserved ancient brick image house in Polonnaruwa, offering a serene space for reflection and a glimpse into historical architecture.

4.7
(84 reviews)

"The architecture and statues are truly impressive and give a deep sense of history."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry

Always take off your shoes before entering the image house. Evening visits are best for cooler ground temperatures.

🚫 No Selfies Behind Statues

Respect the rules and avoid taking selfies behind the statues. Adhere to community requests for harmony.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Architecture

Impressive Architecture

Marvel at the well-preserved brick and mortar structure, showcasing South Indian influences.

Serene Buddha Statues

Serene Buddha Statues

Admire the large, imposing statues within the image house, offering a sense of peace and history.

Ancient Prayer Area

Ancient Prayer Area

Experience a quiet, spiritual space for reflection and seeking blessings, a must-visit for cultural immersion.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Attire and Footwear

Remember to remove your shoes before entering the Thuparama Image House. Visiting in the evening is recommended for cooler ground temperatures when going barefoot. Dress modestly to show respect for this sacred Buddhist site.

Photography Etiquette

Photography is restricted behind the statues. Be mindful of signage and community requests to avoid taking selfies in inappropriate areas to maintain the site's harmony and respect visitors' feelings.

Best Times

When
Evening visits
Why
Cooler ground for barefoot walking
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime visits
Why
Light enters through creaks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

අපිට වෙනවට අකමැති දේවල් , අනුන්ටත් නොකර ඉන්න ඔනේ… 🤍🙏☸️ | #buddhism #thuparamaya🙏 #ancient #solotraveller #anuradhapura_sri_lanka🇱🇰
@solotraveller750
9.6K likes • 90.2K views

👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry

Always take off your shoes before entering the image house. Evening visits are best for cooler ground temperatures. Reddit

🚫 No Selfies Behind Statues

Respect the rules and avoid taking selfies behind the statues. Adhere to community requests for harmony. Reddit

THUPARAMAYA ☁ #thuparamaya#anuradhapura#srilanka#buddhist#travelsrilanka#kandy#sinhalaquotes#sinhala#sinhalasong#onemillionaudition#kurunagala#buddha#poyaday#srilankacricricket#anuradhapura_sri_lanka🇱🇰#srilankan_tik_tok🇱🇰
@mogzieee
9.5K likes • 138.2K views
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73 likes • 0 views

🤫 Quiet Reflection Zone

This is a peaceful, spiritual place. Enjoy the serene atmosphere for quiet contemplation. Reddit

🏛️ Explore Ancient Ruins

Surrounded by ruins and stone pillars, it's a great spot to appreciate early Polonnaruwa architecture. Reddit

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64 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Remove Shoes Before Entry

Always take off your shoes before entering the image house. Evening visits are best for cooler ground temperatures. Reddit

🚫 No Selfies Behind Statues

Respect the rules and avoid taking selfies behind the statues. Adhere to community requests for harmony. Reddit

🤫 Quiet Reflection Zone

This is a peaceful, spiritual place. Enjoy the serene atmosphere for quiet contemplation. Reddit

🏛️ Explore Ancient Ruins

Surrounded by ruins and stone pillars, it's a great spot to appreciate early Polonnaruwa architecture. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(84 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Thuparama Image House for its impressive, well-preserved architecture and the deep sense of history it conveys. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for quiet reflection. However, some find it less visited compared to other sites, and adherence to photography rules is crucial.

"The architecture and statues at Thuparamaya Image House are truly impressive and give a deep sense of history. The site is peaceful and well-maintained, making it a great place for quiet reflection. Visitors need to remove their shoes before entering, so visiting in the evening is ideal when the ground is cooler and more comfortable to walk on barefoot. Note that photography is not allowed behind the statues, so please respect the rules."

Manoj Wijerathne

"One of the mostly missed out places in the ancient kingdom city of Polunawara..but in my opinion it is a must visit.

Once you enter the place, at night at least it felt eerie but I'm sure daytime the light will enter through all the creaks to lighten up the place.

There are huge statues inside and a prayer sort of area where one car pray and ask for blessings. At least that's what I did and understood.

I would recommend everyone to visit it. Remember to not take selfies as it's clearly mentioned. Request everyone visiting to adhere to instructions that this community wants others to. This not only keeps the harmony intact but also doesn't end up hurting anyone's feelings."

Nyesha Sen

"Thubaramaya is a serene and ancient Buddhist stupa located in the sacred city of Polonnaruwa. Though smaller and less visited than some other sites, it holds great historical and religious value. Surrounded by ruins and stone pillars, the stupa reflects the architectural style of the early Polonnaruwa period. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a nice spot to pause and reflect during your visit. Ideal for those who enjoy quiet, spiritual places with deep cultural significance."

Peri Inban

What People Like

Impressive architecture
Peaceful atmosphere
Sense of history

What People Dislike

Photography restrictions
Less visited

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thuparama Image House is located within the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. You can reach it by hiring a tuk-tuk or bicycle from the main Polonnaruwa town. Many ancient sites are clustered together, so it's often visited as part of a larger tour of the Polonnaruwa ruins. TikTok

Yes, it's part of the main archaeological park in Polonnaruwa. Access is generally straightforward once you are within the park boundaries. Reddit

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, including Thuparama Image House, is typically open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check local timings upon arrival. Reddit

Cars can access the main roads within the Polonnaruwa archaeological park, allowing you to get close to the site. Parking is usually available nearby. TikTok

Yes, there is an entrance fee for the Polonnaruwa archaeological park, which covers access to Thuparama Image House and other ancient monuments. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You need to purchase an entrance ticket for the Polonnaruwa archaeological park, which grants access to Thuparama Image House and other historical sites within the park. Reddit

Ticket prices can vary, but it's advisable to check the official archaeological department website or inquire locally for the most current rates. Reddit

The main restriction is the requirement to remove shoes before entering. Photography behind the statues is also prohibited. Reddit

While some major attractions in Sri Lanka offer online booking, it's often more practical to purchase tickets for the Polonnaruwa archaeological park upon arrival at the site. Reddit

Crowds can vary. Evenings are generally less crowded and more comfortable for barefoot walking. Daytime visits might see more tourist groups. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is permitted in most areas, but there's a strict rule against taking photos behind the Buddha statues. Reddit

Selfies are generally discouraged, especially in sensitive areas like behind the statues. It's important to be respectful of the religious nature of the site. Reddit

The exterior architecture and the statues from the front offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding ruins also provide a historical backdrop. TikTok

For commercial photography or filming, you may need to obtain special permits from the Department of Archaeology. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for photography, offering softer light and fewer crowds. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

It's a significant monument from the early Polonnaruwa period, known for its well-preserved brick structure and architectural style. Its exact builder and purpose are debated, with theories suggesting it housed a giant Buddha statue or the tooth relic. Reddit

Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended out of respect for the religious site. You'll also need to remove your shoes. Reddit

It's primarily a place for quiet reflection and appreciating ancient architecture and religious art. You can offer prayers in the designated area. Reddit

A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the details and soaking in the atmosphere. Reddit

Official guides are often available at the Polonnaruwa archaeological park entrance. Hiring one can enhance your understanding of the site's history and significance. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Thuparama Image House offers a unique educational opportunity for families. While the focus is on quiet contemplation, children can learn about ancient architecture and Buddhist traditions. Encourage them to observe the impressive brickwork and the scale of the Buddha statues. Remember to explain the importance of removing shoes and maintaining a respectful demeanor. Reddit+1

Consider visiting during the daytime for better visibility of the details, though evenings offer a cooler experience. The surrounding ruins can also spark imagination about ancient life. Keep the visit relatively short to maintain children's engagement, focusing on the most striking features. TikTok

🚶 Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, Thuparama Image House provides a perfect opportunity for peaceful introspection and a deep dive into history. The serene atmosphere allows for personal reflection without the distractions of large crowds. Reddit You can take your time to absorb the details of the architecture and the spiritual ambiance. TikTok

Remember to be mindful of the photography rules and dress modestly. The site is generally safe and easily navigable, making it a comfortable stop for those exploring Polonnaruwa independently. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find Thuparama Image House a fascinating site, offering insights into the early Polonnaruwa period and South Indian architectural influences. The well-preserved brick structure is a key point of interest, as is the debate surrounding its original purpose and builder. Reddit

Take time to examine the details of the construction and imagine the grandeur of the original Buddha statue that likely resided here. The surrounding ruins also add layers to the historical narrative, making it a rich experience for those keen on ancient Sri Lankan history. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvels and Historical Context

The Thuparama Image House stands as a testament to ancient Sinhala architecture, particularly from the early Polonnaruwa period. Its most striking feature is the remarkably well-preserved brick and mortar construction, a rarity among ancient structures. The exterior displays a distinct South Indian influence, hinting at cultural exchanges of the era. While the original builder remains unknown, theories suggest it was constructed by a minister of King Parakramabahu or King Vijayabahu I. Reddit

Inside, the spacious layout and a large central seat indicate that it likely housed a giant statue of a seated Buddha. This monumental scale suggests the importance of the image house as a religious center. The surrounding ruins and stone pillars further contribute to the site's historical ambiance, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient kingdom. Reddit

Visiting Thuparama Image House provides an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and architectural ingenuity of ancient Sri Lanka. It's a place where history whispers through the stones, inviting visitors to connect with the past and ponder the lives of those who built and worshipped here. Reddit

Navigating the Site: Etiquette and Experience

A visit to Thuparama Image House requires adherence to certain customs to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. The most crucial rule is to remove your shoes before entering the sacred premises. This practice is common in Buddhist temples and signifies humility and respect. For comfort, especially during warmer months, visiting in the evening is often recommended as the ground will be cooler for barefoot walking. Reddit

Photography etiquette is also important. While capturing the beauty of the site is encouraged, visitors are strictly prohibited from taking photos behind the Buddha statues. This rule is in place to maintain the sanctity of the religious imagery and to avoid disrespect. Community members on platforms like Reddit emphasize the importance of adhering to these guidelines to preserve the harmony of the site and respect the feelings of other visitors. Reddit

The overall atmosphere at Thuparama Image House is one of serenity and peace. It's an ideal location for quiet reflection and spiritual contemplation. Unlike more bustling tourist spots, this image house offers a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the historical and religious significance of the place. Reddit

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