A reservoir built around the 3rd century BCE, still irrigating paddy fields today and ringed by a 3km path popular with evening walkers and cyclists. Fishermen in small boats work the water at dawn, and the far bank offers one of the better sunset views over the old city's dagobas in silhouette. It is at Anuradhapura's Tissawewa & Lake District, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Anuradhapura, especially paired with nearby Isurumuniya Rock Temple. Entry is free and 1-2 hours gives you a thorough visit.
What It Is
You walk or cycle along a raised earthen bund with water on one side and paddy fields on the other, watching egrets wade and fishermen cast nets from narrow wooden boats.
Why Visit
A working piece of ancient irrigation engineering that's also a genuinely good spot to unwind after a day of temple visits. 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. It pairs naturally with Isurumuniya Rock Temple - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here.
More on Anuradhapura
It is in the Tissawewa & Lake District part of Anuradhapura. See where it ranks among the things to do in Anuradhapura. The Anuradhapura guide covers transport, costs and when to go.
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.
