Discover the Serenity of North Pond
Experience tranquility and history at North Pond, a captivating historical landmark in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- 99CW+V4R, Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura, LK
Nestled in the heart of Anuradhapura, North Pond is a captivating historical landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. This expansive water body not only serves as a serene retreat for locals and tourists alike but also stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient civilizations. Surrounded by lush greenery, the pond presents an idyllic setting for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. As you wander around North Pond, take the time to appreciate the intricate details of the surrounding structures and the natural beauty that envelops the area. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture stunning images of the reflections on the water's surface, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the landscape is bathed in golden light. The historical significance of this site adds an enriching layer to your visit; it’s an essential part of Anuradhapura’s ancient irrigation system, which played a vital role in supporting the civilization. Visiting North Pond is not just about experiencing nature; it’s about connecting with the history that flows through the very waters you see. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a larger group, this landmark offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Plan your visit to enjoy a slice of tranquility while immersing yourself in the cultural tapestry of one of Sri Lanka's oldest cities.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the water, surrounded by nature.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the surrounding areas.
- Check local weather conditions before your visit to ensure a pleasant experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from the city of Anuradhapura. Drive along Watawandana Road (A9) and follow the signs towards the North Pond. The exact coordinates are 8.3722° N, 80.3953° E. Once you reach the vicinity, you can use a GPS device or a mapping app to navigate to the specific location marked as '99CW+V4R, Watawandana Road, Anuradhapura'. Parking is usually available nearby.
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Public Transportation
For those using public transportation, take a bus from the Anuradhapura central bus station heading to Watawandana. The fare is approximately LKR 100-150. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at a stop near Watawandana Road. From there, it's a short walk (about 1 km) to North Pond. Follow the road signs or ask locals for directions to ensure you reach the pond.
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Walking
If you are already in Anuradhapura city center, you can walk to North Pond. The distance is about 5 km, which will take approximately 1 hour. Head south on A9 (Watawandana Road) until you reach the pond. Ensure you have comfortable shoes and stay hydrated during the walk.
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Taxi
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Anuradhapura to North Pond. The cost for a one-way trip is usually around LKR 800-1200 depending on the distance and negotiation. Taxis offer a convenient and faster way to reach your destination without the hassle of public transport schedules.
Attractions Nearby to North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- Abhayagiriya Buddha Mandiraya
- Abhayagiri Vihara Dewalaya
- Anuradhapura Moonstone
- Image House, West of Abhayagiri
- Samadhi Buddha Statue
- Yathuru Pokuna
- Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
- Main Refectory of Abayagiri Monastery - අභයගිරි ප්රධාන දාන ශාලාව
- අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
- Relic Shrine of Abhayagiriya - අභයගිරිය ධාතු මන්දිරය
- Elephant Pond ඇත් පොකුණ
- Twin ponds (කුට්ටම් පොකුණ)
- ජටිල මාවත
- Square Stupa Abhayagiri Monastery
- Lankaramaya | ලංකාරාමය
Landmarks nearby to North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
- Main Image House
- Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
- Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
- Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
- King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
- Vijayarama Archaeological Site - විජයාරාම පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථානය
- Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
- Unidentified structure
- Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
- Buddhist Railing
- Western Monastery Complex - I
- Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
- Jetavanarama Museum