Parakrama Samudraya : The Sea of Parakrama (පරාක්‍රම සමුද්‍රය)

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Parakrama Samudraya, the majestic “Sea of Parakrama,” is a 12th-century engineering marvel in Polonnaruwa. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this vast reservoir sustains thousands of acres of paddy fields. Tourists can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, serene boat rides, and sightings of elephants and diverse birdlife along its massive banks.

This vast water reservoir was constructed by Parākramabāhu the Great (1153–1186). The body of water seen today as Parakrama Samudraya represents only a portion of his original hydraulic undertaking.

Original Reservoir System

Originally, Parakrama Samudraya consisted of five large reservoirs, which were separated by smaller dams designed to reduce the pressure exerted on the main embankment. In addition to these principal reservoirs, numerous smaller tanks were constructed around the main system. These auxiliary tanks served both to supply water to the primary reservoirs and to absorb excess water during periods of heavy inflow.

The main five reservoirs, which consist of the Parakrama Samudraya, are

Thopa Vawa
Eramudu Vewa (Katu Vewa)
Dumbuthulu Vewa
Kalahagala Vewa
Bhu Vewa

An Island with remains of a ancient building — An Island with remains of an ancient building

Nineteenth-Century Reconstruction

During the reconstruction of Parakrama Samudraya in the latter half of the nineteenth century, the water that was originally intended to flow into Thopa Vewa began instead to flow toward Bhu Vewa. In order to control this diversion, engineers constructed a temporary dam to block the water entering Bhu Vewa. Over time, this temporary structure evolved into a permanent roadway. The construction of this road effectively separated Kalahagala Vewa and Bhu Vewa from Parakrama Samudraya.

Changes to the Ancient Hydraulic System

The later reconstruction largely disregarded many elements of the ancient hydraulic engineering used in the original construction of the reservoir. As a result, the overall storage capacity of the tank was further reduced.

At present, the embankment of Parakrama Samudraya extends for approximately 14 kilometers (8½ miles) and rises to a height of about 12.2 meters (40 feet). The reservoir itself covers an area of 5,350 acres (approximately 2,165 hectares), with an average depth of about 7.6 meters (25 feet). The irrigation system supported by this reservoir sustains more than 18,000 acres (approximately 7,285 hectares) of paddy cultivation.

Surroundings of the Reservoir

Along one edge of the reservoir stands the Polonnaruwa Rest House, which is managed by the Galle Face Hotel. A number of star-class hotels are also located along the embankment, particularly in the vicinity of Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple).

Parakrama Samudraya And part of the rest house

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Map of Polonnaruwa Parakrama Samudraya

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Traveling directions to Polonnaruwa Parakrama Samudraya

The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains the ancient royal city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through: Central Highway—Kurunegala—Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 230 km Travel Time: 5 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.

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