Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) – කූට්ටම් පොකුණ

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Kuttam Pokuna or the twin ponds are another hydrologic engineering marvels of the ancient Sri Lanka. These two ponds belong to the Abayagiri aramic complex and probably been used by the monks for bathing. The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608).

The smaller pond (the northern) one has been constructed first and the larger one at a later stage. They are connected through a pipeline at the bottom. The northern pond is 91 feet (28 meters) long and the other 132 feet (40 meters) .

Water to these ponds have been supplied through underground pipelines and the water is sent through several filtering chambers before it falls on the northern pond through a mouth of a dragon. The water from both ponds is drained from a small outlet in the smaller northern pond.

Though the underground pipelines are no more, you can see 4 levels of filtering of the water before it enters the ponds.

Kuttam Pokuna filled to the brim after heavy showers to Anuradhapura

The first two water filter system of Kuttam Pokuna

The water to Kuttam Pokuna is filtered a third and a forth time before entering the pond

The five hooded naga stone at Kuttam Pokuna

At the steps leading to Kuttam Pokuna

Kuttam Pokuna filled to the brim after heavy showers to Anuradhapura

Ruins of building surrounding the Kuttam Pokuna

Also See

• Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
• List of Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

Map of Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds)

Traveling Directions to Kuttam Pokuna (Anuradhapura)

Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttlam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttlam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Anuradhapura. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).

Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com