For a fun half-day excursion from Polonnaruwa, head out to this uncrowded rural complex centered around an impressive vatadage (circular relic house) atop a low hill. An original structure may have been built here around the 2nd century, but the one that stands today was constructed in the 7th century by Aggabodhi IV.
A granite flight of steps leads up to the vatadage, which has concentric circles of 16, 20 and 32 pillars around the dagoba and is noted for its fine stone screens. Four large Buddhas face the four cardinal directions. There was once a hospital next to the vatadage, and you can still see one temple with three standing Buddhas.
At 3.5km past Medirigiriya, itself about 30km north of Polonnaruwa, Mandalagiri Vihara is best visited as a half-day trip from Giritale. A return three-wheeler costs around Rs 2800 from Polonnaruwa or Giritale. By scooter, make your way to Hingurakgoda, then 14km to Medirigiriya, then take the left branch at the clock-tower roundabout.
There was no-one selling tickets at the time of research, but this could change.
