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Parakrama Samudra Reservoir — Polonnaruwa

Cover photo: Shamal Sandeep (Unsplash)

District

Polonnaruwa

Province

North Central

Best for

Engineering and sunset fans; walk the bund of a 12th-century inland sea

Map

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About this place

Vast reservoir built by Parakramabahu I edging Polonnaruwa town, still irrigating the region. Best at late afternoon for birdlife and sunset; restaurants along the bund serve evening snacks. Free to walk the bund; swim only in marked spots and watch for crocodiles elsewhere.

Visitor brief

Good to know before you go

• Best at late afternoon for birdlife and sunset; the bund path is free to walk.
• Do not swim outside any marked bathing spots; crocodiles inhabit the reservoir.
• Restaurants and snack stalls along the bund serve evening food; carry cash in rupees.
• It still irrigates the region, so water levels and access points vary with the cultivation season.
• Mosquitoes at dusk; bring repellent.

How to travel there

Edges Polonnaruwa town itself; walk, cycle or tuk-tuk to the bund from the town centre or the ruins.

Where to stay

Polonnaruwa town (bund-facing mid-range hotels and guesthouses); Habarana resorts within 30-45 min.

Nearby places

Royal Palace Complex of King Parakramabahu, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Gal Vihara Rock Temple, Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum

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