Discover the Tranquility of Elephant Pond
Explore the serene beauty of Elephant Pond, a historical landmark in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, steeped in ancient culture and tranquility.
A brief summary to Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
- 999R+97H, Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura, LK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Elephant Pond, or 'Ath Pokuna', is a stunning historical landmark located in Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals. This significant site features a large, rectangular man-made pool that is believed to have been built during the reign of King Voharika Tissa in the 3rd century BC. The pond is not just an architectural marvel; it is a symbol of the advanced engineering skills of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. Its serene waters are surrounded by lush greenery, providing a peaceful environment for visitors to relax and reflect. The pond is situated in close proximity to the revered Lankaramaya temple, making it a popular spot for pilgrims and tourists alike. The tranquil atmosphere is often punctuated by the sounds of nature, providing an idyllic backdrop for photography and leisurely strolls. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history that permeates the air, as the site offers insights into the sophisticated water management systems used by the ancients. While visiting Elephant Pond, one can take the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful moment, perhaps feeding the fish that inhabit the waters or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The site is not only a testament to Sri Lanka's architectural achievements but also an ideal location for meditation and relaxation, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Anuradhapura.
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning reflections on the pond's surface.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you may want to explore the surrounding area.
- Respect the cultural significance of the site, especially when near the temple.
- Consider visiting nearby historical sites to make the most of your trip in Anuradhapura.
Getting There
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Car
If you're driving, head towards Watawandana Rd from the center of Anuradhapura. Follow the signs towards the Lankaramaya temple. The coordinates for Elephant Pond are approximately 8.3684° N, 80.3907° E, which will lead you to '999R+97H, Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura'. There is parking available near the pond.
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Public Transportation
You can take a local bus from Anuradhapura city center to Watawandana. Look for buses heading towards Watawandana or Lankaramaya. The fare is generally low, around 30-50 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupees). Once you get off at the nearest stop, you will need to walk approximately 15 minutes to reach Elephant Pond, following Watawandana Rd.
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Walking
If you're close to Anuradhapura city center, walking to Elephant Pond can be a pleasant option. Head towards Watawandana Rd, and continue straight for about 3 kilometers. You'll pass by local shops and residences. Keep an eye out for directional signs to Lankaramaya temple, which is nearby.
Attractions Nearby to Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
- Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery - අභයගිරි ප්රධාන දාන ශාලාව
- Square Stupa Abhayagiri Monastery
- Relic Shrine of Abhayagiriya - අභයගිරිය ධාතු මන්දිරය
- Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
- Lankaramaya | ලංකාරාමය
- Anuradhapura Moonstone
- ජටිල මාවත
- Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
- අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
- Yathuru Pokuna
- Abhayagiriya Buddha Mandiraya
- Abhayagiriya
- Samadhi Buddha Statue
- Lankarama
- Image House, West of Abhayagiri
Landmarks nearby to Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
- මාස්තොට පිරිවෙන- අභයගිරිය
- Main Image House
- Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
- North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
- Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
- King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
- Unidentified structure
- Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
- Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
- Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
- Buddhist Railing
- Lovamahapaya | ලෝවාමහාපාය
- Mirisawetiya
- Anuradhapura Unesco Signage