Hidden deep within farmlands of Polonnaruwa, which had been the ancient Bhu Wewa reservoir, lies a Biso Kotuwa, a sophisticated hydraulic marvel once used to regulate huge water bodies. Mysterious, compact, and expertly engineered, this forgotten structure reveals the ingenuity of Sri Lanka’s ancient water management system.
Immediately behind the Polonnaruwa Rest House, now known as ETKO Lake House, lies a remarkable brick Biso Kotuwa (valve pit) once connected to the Parakrama Samudraya. Constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186 CE), this structure regulated the water flow supplied to the Deepa Uyana, the royal park.
Discover Eric Swan’s Rock, a boulder in Somawathi National Park just 50 meters off the road to Somawathi Stupa hides a rare dual legacy: the dramatic 1951 death of photographer Eric Swan and six ancient inscriptions carved over two millennia ago. A single rock where history, tragedy, and archaeology collide.
Hidden along the Elahera Yodha Ela, the *Kottapitiya Ancient Bodhi Tree* spreads its vast branches over the road, sheltering the silent ruins of an ancient image house beneath. Few travellers notice this sacred spot, where time, faith, and forgotten history quietly intertwine.
An ancient reservoir, the Giritale Tank, is believed to have been built by King Agbo II between 608 and 623 AD. The Mahavamsa chronicle mentions that King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 AD) “brought water from the Giritale to Kadurudamana through the Kaveri Canal.”
The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum is an essential starting point for exploring the medieval capital. It features immersive scale models of the Royal Palace and monks’ hospitals, alongside a world-class collection of Chola bronzes, ancient medical tools, and intricate stone carvings that bring the 12th-century kingdom to life.
Although the exact date of Nagalakanda’s founding and the identity of its builders remain shrouded in mystery, the scattered ruins speak of a once vast Buddhist monastic complex. Archaeologists, intrigued by its religious structures and ruined Buddha statues, often attribute the site to the Middle Anuradhapura period.
Located about 27 kilometers from Mahaoya town along the Manampitiya road, Danigala Rock stands in the Kandegama area — a mysterious and striking formation. Also known as the “Alien Mountain” and “Stargate of King Ravana,” this distinctive horseshoe-shaped inselberg was sculpted by centuries of natural erosion and geological processes.
The Pimburaththewa Wewa is a stunning 2,400-acre reservoir in Aralaganwila, famed for its unique zig-zag spillway built during the 1980s Mahaweli Project. This hidden gem near Maduru Oya National Park transforms into a cascading spectacle during rains, attracting crowds for bathing and frequent evening sightings of wild elephants.
Nestled in a serene setting surrounded by a cluster of trees, this devalaya is dedicated to Minneriya’s guardian deity, “Minneri Deviyo,” also known as “Minneri Hath Rajjuru Bandara Deviyo.” It is believed to be as old as the Minneriya Wewa Reservoir itself. This deity is considered the reincarnation of King Mahasen (276–303 CE),
Hurulu Eco Park near Habarana offers a quieter alternative to busy safari parks, with open grasslands, forest trails, and frequent elephant sightings. Part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it delivers a raw, uncrowded wildlife experience ideal for nature lovers and photographers seeking authenticity.
These ruins are scattered across a rocky hill that stretches approximately 800 meters from north to south. The hill is surrounded on all sides by farmland. An irrigation canal and a paved road run along the eastern slope, making the western slopes the most accessible route to approach the rock by a vehicle.
The archaeological ruins at Kapuraththala Gala consist of a Stupa, a number of rock ponds, flower alter and stone pillars of ancient buildings. The site is located on a rocky hill in the Pelatiyawa Grama Niladhari division, within the Dimbulagala Divisional Secretariat. These ruins are situated east of Wasgamuwa National Park, near the Manampitiya-Mahiyanganaya road.
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Kaudulla National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers, famed for its spectacular elephant gatherings by the ancient Kaudulla Tank. With lush forests, wetlands, and vibrant birdlife, it offers an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s untamed natural beauty.
“Lotus Pond III” (Nelum Pokuna III) lie 850 meters north of the better known 8 petaled Lotus Pond near Tiwanka Pilima Ge. The Lotus Pond III was found buried underground and the stone petals were widely scattered. Excavations of this pond started in 2019 by the Department of Archaeology.
“Lotus Pond II” (Nelum Pokuna II) is built in the form of 4 petals. Five layers of finely carved stone petals are placed on one another to build this pond. Excavations of this pond started in 2019 by the Department of Archaeology.
The Post Office Road from Medirigiriya ends at the Kaudulla Wewa reservoir. Two kilometers down this road a bridge crosses a feeder canal to the Kaudulu Oya. Traveling on a narrow gravel road for 200 meters just before the bridge will bring you to the ruins of Kattakulama Ancient Amuna.
The ancient anicut on Kavuduluoya lies about 325 meters before it reaches Medirigiriya town. A new anicut has been built just above these ruins today. The ancient anicut of Kaudulu Oya has been built using massive blocks of stone, parts of which still can be found at the site.
Veheragodayaya is a remote village hidden in Polonnaruwa on the borders of Floodplains National Park. The area is heavily farmed, and treasure hunters and farmers have both destroyed and encroached upon portions of the archaeology site.
Mutugala Gallen Rajamaha Viharaya has been converted in to a forest monastery today with few priests who protect the site from treasure hunters. Of the ruins, a medium sized stupa made of bricks, dilapidated from the ravages of time, vandalised by treasure hunters lie at top of the rock.
