The larger pool measures 132 feet long, with carved steps, a five-headed cobra (naga) guardstone, and punkalas (pots of abundance) marking the water's original flow. It is at Anuradhapura's Sacred City (Archaeological Reserve), close to the other main sights. At 20-30 minutes, it works well slotted between larger visits rather than as a standalone destination.
What It Is
You walk down worn stone steps into a sunken courtyard, flanked by two rectangular pools cut from solid rock. The air is quiet, mostly school groups and the occasional monk passing on a bicycle.
Why Visit
Shows the engineering side of ancient Anuradhapura, not just religious monuments, with a water filtration system monks actually used daily. It is not the first thing you should see in Anuradhapura, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. Afternoon tends to work best here.
More on Anuradhapura
The nearest area to base yourself is Sacred City (Archaeological Reserve). It is one entry in our list of things to do in Anuradhapura.
We plan trips to Anuradhapura and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.