Eth Pokuna (Elephant Pond) | AmazingLanka.com

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Near Lankaramaya in Anuradhapura lies a massive man-made pond known as Eth Pokuna or the “Elephant Pond.” Measuring 159 meters in length, 52.7 meters in width, and about 9.5 meters deep, it could hold roughly 75,000 cubic meters of water. The pond forms part of the vast complex of the Abhayagiri Monastery, which once covered nearly 200 hectares (about 500 acres).

Constructed with large stone blocks carefully set at an angle along its walls, the pond demonstrates the advanced hydraulic engineering of the ancient city. Three flights of stone steps descend to the bottom of the tank from the south, north, and eastern sides, providing access to the water, while the base itself remains unpaved.

The exact origin of the name Eth Pokuna is uncertain, though it is likely derived from the enormous size of the pond. According to H. E. Weerasooriya, a local villager once referred to this reservoir as Kuruwe Wewa.

The Maha Bodhi Vamsa, a chronicle written in the 12th century, mentions two ponds within the Abhayagiri Monastery named Diggal Vila and Masthota Vila. Scholars believe that Masthota Vila corresponds to the pond known today as Eth Pokuna.

Water was supplied to this pond from the Periyamkulama Wewa through an extensive system of underground conduits. Sections of these channels, constructed from carefully fitted stone blocks, are still visible today. Before reaching the pond, the water was directed through external filter pits designed to remove impurities, illustrating the sophisticated hydraulic planning practiced in ancient Anuradhapura.

Amazingly, certain parts of this ancient water management system continued to function even after many centuries. Following an unusually heavy rainy season in 1982, water was observed flowing forcefully through the stone-lined inlets from Periyamkulama Wewa into the pond. It is believed that this reservoir served the monks of the Abhayagiri Monastery, which at its height housed more than five thousand resident monks.

Important Information for Foreign Tourists Visiting Sites at Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Most of the more popular sites in Anuradhapura strictly check for tickets from tourists, while the less-visited sites tend to be more relaxed due to the lack of staff. However, tourists should be cautious, as some unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers may attempt to exploit this situation.

They sometimes offer to take foreign tourists along routes where ticket checks are less common or even try to collect the entrance fee themselves, claiming they will purchase the tickets on the tourists’ behalf. Tourists are strongly advised not to fall for such scams, as this can lead to unnecessary complications with site security or the police.

Information on the Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Ticket and where and how to purchase can be found here

Remains of Buildings around Eth Pokuna - Probably changing rooms

References

Seneviratna, A., 1994. Ancient Anuradhapura. 1st ed. Colombo: Archaeological Survey Department, Sri Lanka.
H.E. Weerasooriya, 1939. A historical guide to Anuradhapura’s ruins. Colombo: W.E. Bastian.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

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Driving Directions to Eth Pokuna (Anuradhapura)

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps