The Enchanting Twin Ponds of Anuradhapura
Explore the serene Twin Ponds in Anuradhapura, a historical marvel that reflects ancient engineering and offers a tranquil escape into nature.
Nestled in the heart of Anuradhapura, the Twin Ponds, known locally as 'Kuttam Pokuna', stand as a stunning testament to Sri Lanka's ancient architectural prowess. These beautifully crafted ponds date back to the 4th century and are renowned for their intricate design and historical significance. The ponds are adorned with unique stone carvings and feature a sophisticated system of water management, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineers. Visitors are often mesmerized by the tranquil surroundings, where the clear waters reflect the blue sky and the lush greenery that envelops the area. The Twin Ponds are more than just a picturesque site; they serve as a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life of Anuradhapura. It is a perfect spot for tourists to unwind, meditate, or simply enjoy the serenity of nature. The reflection of the ancient stonework in the water coupled with the gentle rustle of leaves creates a calming atmosphere that is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The ponds are situated close to other historical landmarks, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors should take their time to appreciate the craftsmanship and the historical context of the ponds, which were once used for bathing by monks and are still considered sacred. The site offers an excellent opportunity to understand the significance of water in ancient Sri Lankan society and its connection to spirituality. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views and the intricate details of this remarkable site. The Twin Ponds are a must-visit for anyone looking to dive deep into the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, leaving you with lasting memories of this enchanting landmark.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the pathways can be uneven.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the peaceful surroundings.
- Respect the sacredness of the site; maintain silence and cleanliness.
- Check for any local festivals or events that may enhance your visit.
A brief summary to Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
- 9CC2+9MC, Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura, Pankuliya, LK
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from the Anuradhapura Railway Station, exit the station and head south towards the main road. Continue straight on this road for about 800 meters until you reach the junction. At the junction, turn left onto Watawandana Road. Continue walking for approximately 1.5 kilometers. You will see a signpost for Twin Ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ) along the way. As you approach, you'll notice the ponds on your right.
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Tuk-tuk
From the city center, find a tuk-tuk stand or hail one on the street. Tell the driver you want to go to Twin Ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ) on Watawandana Road. The ride will take approximately 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Once you arrive, the tuk-tuk can drop you off right at the entrance.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, rent a bicycle from a local shop in Anuradhapura. Start from the city center and head towards the main road, then follow the same route as if you were walking. Ride straight along Watawandana Road for about 1.5 kilometers until you reach Twin Ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ). There is space nearby to park your bicycle.
Attractions Nearby to Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
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Image House, West of Abhayagiri
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Samadhi Buddha Statue
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Abhayagiriya
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Abhayagiriya Buddha Mandiraya
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Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
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Yathuru Pokuna
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අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
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Nakha Vehera
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Anuradhapura Moonstone
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Relic Shrine of Abhayagiriya - අභයගිරිය ධාතු මන්දිරය
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Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery - අභයගිරි ප්රධාන දාන ශාලාව
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Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
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Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්රතිමා ගෘහය
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Elephant Pond
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Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
Landmarks nearby to Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
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Abayagiriya Stupa
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North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
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උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
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Main Image House
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Royal palace of the anuradhapura kingdom
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Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
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Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
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King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
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Buddhist Railing
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Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
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Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
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Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
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Unidentified structure
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Vijayarama Archaeological Site - විජයාරාම පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථානය
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Singha Kanuwa, සිංහ කනුව - Anuradhapura