Pemaduwa is an area of historical significance. During the reign of King Devanampiyathissa, Sangamiththa Therani, on her way to Anuradhapura, is said to have rested in this area for a while and kept the sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi in a ‘Maduwa’ (a make-shift hut) and allowed the villagers to worship.
Ancient Angamuwa Wewa was created by damming the Lunu Oya, a tributary of the Kala Oya. Its embankment rises about 10 meters and stretches roughly 1.8 kilometers. The reservoir has a capacity of 13.5 million cubic meters, with surplus water returning to the Lunu Oya via the spill. Around 2,000 acres (809 ha) of paddy fields are nourished by its waters.
The best preserved ancient stone bridge in Sri Lanka is the Mahakanadarawa stone bridge, built over the Kanadarawa River in the ancient road between Anuradhapura and Gokanna (Trincomalee).
Discover Mahakanadarawa Wewa near Mihintale, a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel that still sustains thousands of farming families. Built by ancient kings and framed by sweeping mountain views, this vast reservoir reveals Sri Lanka’s mastery of water, landscape, and civilisation.
Constructed by prince Saliya, son of king Dutugemunu (161-131 BC) in the 140 BC, Mahavilachchiya Wewa lies on the north-east boarder of Wilpattu National Park. This irrigation reservoir has been built by daming the Thalawa Oya which is a tributary of Modaragam Oya.
Vijayarama is an ancient buddhist monastery lying on the outskirts of Anuradhapura close to the ancient stone bridge (Gal Palama). The complex spans 23 acres which has been declared as an archaeological site.
Weeransole Ruins, remains of an ancient buddhist monastery can be found just before reaching the Paluvilandawa tank, about 4 kilometers in to the Wilpattu National Park.
Andigala Raja Maha Viharaya is an ancient temple in the Rajanganaya area with pre christian drip ledge caves and inscriptions. The top of the rock provides a glandular view of the surrounding area.
Step back into the 10th century, where a stone pillar in Wewalketiya reveals laws, punishments, and royal authority—an enduring voice of King Mahinda IV carved into history, echoing across Sri Lanka through multiple parallel inscriptions across the country.
The ruins of Kiralagala Aramaic complex are believed to belong to the 5th – 4th century BC and cover over 60 acres. However due to the recent Muslim invasion of the archaeological site, currently this area is said to shrunk to just 12 acres. The whole area surrounding the site has been taken over by Muslims and converted into paddy fields.
Piyangala Forest Hermitage lies on the Ampara – Mahaoya road about 24 km on away from Ampara covering a vast area of scattered ancient ruins of a Buddhist monastic complex.
Lying off the beaten track, away from popular pilgrim paths in Eppawala lies the massive Nawagala stupa built by the Queen of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. Covered in Jungle, restoration of this stupa was started in 2013.
Tissa Wewa is one of the oldest reservoirs in Anuradhapura, traditionally attributed to King Devanampiya Tissa. Built in the 3rd century BCE, its broad waters and tree-lined embankments offer a peaceful setting near many sacred sites, making it a refreshing stop for travelers exploring the ancient city.
The Abhaya Vapi (Basawakkulama Wewa) is Sri Lanka’s oldest major reservoir, established in the 4th century BCE by Prince Anuradha and later expanded by King Pandukabhaya. This foundational masterpiece of ancient hydraulic engineering provided the essential water supply for the burgeoning capital of Anuradhapura and its vast irrigation network.
Thuruwila (Turuwila) is an ancient reservoir in (Wewa) Anuradhapura district built by King Mahanaga un the third century B.C. This can be considered as the forth Wewa (reservoir) to be built in Sri Lanka.
Described as a “marvelous work that must have occupied 50,000 men for many years” in 1856 by Henry Ward, Governor of Ceylon 1855-1857, Nuwara Wewa is the largest of the three man-made reservoirs in Anuradhapura. Nuwara Wewa is believed to have been built by King Vattagamini Abaya, popularly known as King Valagamba, in the first century BCE.
Mahagallaka reservoir (today known as Nachchaduwa Wewa) is considered to be one of the sixteen large reservoirs built by King Mahasen (276-303). Nachchaduwa lies just outside the city of Anuradhapura .
Buit over 400 year ago, the Bulankulama Walawwa situated near the Bulankulama Wewa is considered the oldest house in use in Sri Lanka. This house has been taken over by the UDA to be converted in to a luxury boutique hotel.
The Mihintale Wildlife Sanctuary, which is believed to be the first sanctuary in the world, is today in a rather neglected state. There are no proper borders demarcating the sanctuary and no measures have been taken to protect its biodiversity. However, the Government has now taken steps to restore this sanctuary to its former state, in connection with the 2550th Buddha Jayanthi celebrations.
Vijithapura Raja Maha Viharaya is believed to be built on the winning grounds of the last battle of King Dutugemunu against the Tamil Invader Elara.
