Parakrama Samudra
North Central Province
About Parakrama Samudra
Parakrama Samudra is the thesis statement of ancient Sri Lankan engineering: a 22-square-kilometre reservoir created in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu the Great, who decreed that 'not even a drop of water that falls from the rain must flow into the ocean without being made useful to man.' His engineers merged five older tanks behind a bund fourteen kilometres long, creating an inland sea that still waters the rice country and cools the evenings of Polonnaruwa, whose palaces and temples his reign raised beside it. The bund at sunset is one of the Cultural Triangle's essential experiences - cyclists and strollers share it with cattle and cormorants as the water goes molten, the toque macaques head to roost, and the statue traditionally identified as the great king himself gazes over his sea from the rock at Pothgul Vihara. Fishermen pole out at dawn exactly as their ancestors did for the royal kitchens.
Top Activities
- ✓Sunset walks and cycling on the great bund
- ✓The Parakramabahu statue at Pothgul Vihara
- ✓Dawn fishermen photography
- ✓Birdwatching along the shore
- ✓Combine with the Polonnaruwa ancient city
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Rent a bicycle and ride the bund at golden hour - the classic Polonnaruwa evening.
The king's statue is at the southern end; combine with Pothgul Vihara.
Crocodiles live here; admire the water from the bund, not in it.
Quick Info
Best Time
May to September; sunset on the bund
Weather
Hot by day; the bund catches a blessed evening breeze.
Estimated Daily Budget
7.9236°N, 81.0000°E
Open in Google Maps →Ready to Visit?
Add Parakrama Samudra to your trip and let AI create your personalised itinerary.