The 54m tall Rankot Vihara dagoba, the largest in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest on the island, has been ascribed to the reign of King Nissanka Malla. Like the other major dagobas in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the bubble-shaped dome consists of earth fill covered by a brick mantle and plaster, while the base is ringed with shrines. The construction clearly imitates the Anuradhapura style.
Encircling the stupa base are four ayaka (front pieces) and image halls. One has the brick remains of a reclining Buddha.