Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond)
ඇත් පොකුණ
A huge ancient stone-built pool about 159 m long that supplied water to thousands of monks at Abhayagiri. Its scale is astonishing.
The Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond) is about 159 m long, 53 m wide and 9.5 m deep, and it can hold about 75,000 cubic meters of water. Its walls are built of stone slabs with steps, and water was brought from the Periyakulam reservoir through underground channels. Its name has several explanations, one being that the pool was large enough for elephants to bathe in. The pond is surrounded by trees and sees few visitors, making it a good stop while cycling for photos. During the dry season, when water levels are low, the stone structure is easier to see. It lies southwest of Abhayagiri. Allow about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Lankarama
- Mahasena's Palace Moonstone
- Abhayagiri Vihāra
- Samadhi Statue
- Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)
- Thuparamaya
- Ruwanwelisaya
- Jetavanaramaya