Distance from Polonnaruwa – 37.9 km (48 minutes)

Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple situated in Polonnaruwa. It is located within the Somawathiya National Park on the left bank of the Mahaweli River. The temple dates back to the reign of King Kavantissa who was the father of the great King Dutugemunu of the Anuradhapura period. Therefore Somawathiya is very much older than the great temples of Anuradhapura such as Ruwanweliseya, Jetawanaramaya and Mirisawetiya. The temple is named after Princess Somawathi who was the daughter of King Kavantissa and wife of Prince Abhaya.

Getting to Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya

From Polonnaruwa travel approximately 37 km along the Somawathiya Road to reach the Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya.

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