MANIK VEHERA COMPLEX

Partially hidden by trees and small in area, it is easy to miss this complex from the main route. The Manik Vehara plateau is reached by a beautiful staircase at the foot of which are two stone guardians. The Manik Vehara houses in its southern part: a rather small stupa (probably the oldest in the sacred city), a Bodhi tree, two Image Houses; and in its northern part: a dispensary, a refectory and several rooms or buildings which constituted the monks' quarter. The whole is dated to the 8th century.