Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Elephant Pond
Explore Elephant Pond in Anuradhapura: A tranquil historical landmark surrounded by lush greenery and rich cultural heritage.
A brief summary to Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
- 999R+97H, Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura, LK
Elephant Pond, locally known as 'අත් පොකුණ', is a stunning historical landmark located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This large man-made reservoir, surrounded by lush greenery, serves not only as a tranquil retreat for visitors but also as a significant reminder of the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineering. The pond is an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance of the area while also appreciating the rich cultural history that Anuradhapura embodies. Visitors can take leisurely strolls around the pond, enjoying the picturesque views and the soothing sounds of nature. Adjacent to the pond is the iconic Lankaramaya temple, which adds a spiritual dimension to the visit. This proximity allows tourists to explore the serene temple grounds, where the architecture reflects the artistry of ancient craftsmen. The combination of the pond's natural beauty and the temple's historical significance creates a unique experience that is both relaxing and enlightening. As you wander through this historical site, keep an eye out for local wildlife and vibrant flora, which enhance the charm of the location. Elephant Pond is not just a visual delight but also a place to reflect on the cultural narrative of Sri Lanka, making it a perfect stop for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Local tips
- Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the pond and temple.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the pond and exploring the temple area.
- Check local weather conditions before your visit to enjoy a pleasant experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, head towards Watawandana Rd in Anuradhapura. From the city center, take the Main Street (Sirimavo Bandaranaike Rd) and follow the signs for Watawandana Rd. Once you reach the intersection with Watawandana Rd, turn left. Continue straight for about 2 km, and you will find Elephant Pond (ඇත් පොකුණ) on your left. There is usually free parking available nearby.
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Public Transportation
To reach Elephant Pond by public transport, take a local bus towards Watawandana from the Anuradhapura bus station. Buses are frequent and the fare is typically around 50-100 LKR. Ask the driver to drop you off at Watawandana Rd. Once you get off, walk approximately 1 km down Watawandana Rd, and you will see Elephant Pond on your right. Be sure to check the bus schedules for return trips.
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Walking
If you are already near Watawandana Rd, you can walk to Elephant Pond. From the nearest bus stop on Watawandana Rd, head towards the direction of the Lankaramaya temple. The pond is located approximately 800 meters from the temple, walking along the road. It’s a pleasant walk, and you can enjoy the local scenery along the way.
Attractions Nearby to Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
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Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery - අභයගිරි ප්රධාන දාන ශාලාව
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Square Stupa Abhayagiri Monastery
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Relic Shrine of Abhayagiriya - අභයගිරිය ධාතු මන්දිරය
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Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
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Lankaramaya | ලංකාරාමය
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Anuradhapura Moonstone
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ජටිල මාවත
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Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
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අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
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Yathuru Pokuna
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Abhayagiriya Buddha Mandiraya
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Abhayagiriya
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Samadhi Buddha Statue
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Lankarama
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Image House, West of Abhayagiri
Landmarks nearby to Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
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මාස්තොට පිරිවෙන- අභයගිරිය
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Main Image House
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Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
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North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
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Unidentified structure
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
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Buddhist Railing
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Lovamahapaya | ලෝවාමහාපාය
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Mirisawetiya
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Anuradhapura Unesco Signage