Discover the Enchanting Nelum Pokuna
Experience the serene beauty and rich heritage of Nelum Pokuna, a captivating lotus-shaped pond in Thanthirimale, Sri Lanka.
A brief summary to Nelum Pokuna
- H7C4+WV9, Nelum Pokuna, cave of, art, rd, Thanthirimale, LK
Nelum Pokuna, or the Lotus Pond, is a mesmerizing tourist attraction nestled in the beautiful landscape of Thanthirimale, Sri Lanka. This serene location is renowned for its stunning aquatic views and rich cultural history. The pond, shaped like a lotus flower, is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a tranquil atmosphere that invites visitors to unwind and appreciate nature's beauty. It is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts, as the reflection of the surrounding landscapes on the water creates a picturesque scene. In addition to its natural allure, Nelum Pokuna holds significant historical importance. The site is believed to date back to ancient times, making it a valuable point of interest for those keen on learning about Sri Lanka's heritage. Visitors can explore the nearby ruins and remnants of the past, giving a glimpse into the lives of those who inhabited this area centuries ago. The combination of natural beauty and historical depth makes Nelum Pokuna a must-visit for anyone traveling through Sri Lanka. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat to relax or a place to delve into the rich history of the region, Nelum Pokuna offers a unique experience that caters to various interests. Take the time to explore the enchanting surroundings and immerse yourself in the tranquility that this breathtaking location has to offer.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the pond, surrounded by nature.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the area around the pond.
- Consider visiting during the off-peak season for a more peaceful experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start your journey in Jaffna or Mannar. From Jaffna, take the A9 highway south towards Vavuniya. After approximately 100 km, turn onto the A14 road towards Thanthirimale. Continue for about 30 km. As you approach Thanthirimale, look for signs directing you to Nelum Pokuna. The location is at H7C4+WV9, which is near the cave of art road. There is ample parking available on-site.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
To reach Nelum Pokuna by public transportation, head to the main bus station in either Jaffna or Mannar. Look for a bus heading to Vavuniya. Upon reaching Vavuniya, transfer to a bus heading towards Thanthirimale. The bus ride from Vavuniya to Thanthirimale takes about 1-1.5 hours. Once in Thanthirimale, you can either walk or take a local tuk-tuk to Nelum Pokuna, which is approximately 5 km away. Ensure you have some cash on hand for the bus fare and tuk-tuk ride, as card payments may not be accepted.
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Tuk-tuk
If you're already in Thanthirimale, hiring a tuk-tuk is a convenient way to reach Nelum Pokuna. You can find tuk-tuk drivers near the bus station or ask your hotel to arrange one for you. The ride to Nelum Pokuna will take about 10-15 minutes. Agree on the fare before starting your journey, typically around 300-500 LKR depending on your negotiation skills and the distance.
Attractions Nearby to Nelum Pokuna
- Nelum Pokuna
- Samadhi Buddha Statue තන්තිරිමලේ - බුද්ධ ප්රතිමාව
- Tantirimale Rajamaha Viharaya - තන්තිරිමලේ රජමහා විහාරය
- Cave of Primal Arts Thanthirimale
- Adhitya Herbal Estate and 'Wedha-Gama'
- Sri Sambuddha Prathiharya Viharaya
- Tourism Centre - Hanging Bridge சுற்றுலா மையம் தொங்குபாலம்
- Thekkam river dam ( Wilpattu national park)
- Nellikulama Temple
- Isenbessagala Raja Maha Viharaya
- Perimiyankulama Stone Bridge
- Wilpattu National Park
- Mahamevnawa Dhammachethiya Buddhist Monastery - Anuradhapura
- ජටිල මාවත
- Lankarama
Landmarks nearby to Nelum Pokuna
- Kallaru bridge
- ඉසින්බැස්සගල පැරණි ස්තුපය - Isinbassagala Old Stupa
- Vijayarama Archaeological Site - විජයාරාම පුරාවිද්යා ස්ථානය
- Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)
- Boo oya Nature resort
- North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
- Main Image House
- vavuniya City
- Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්රතිමා ගෘහය
- Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
- Thuparamaya
- Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
- Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
- Unidentified structure