Kuttam Pokuna Tourism

Type of destination: Historical

Ideal visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Kuttam Pokuna or the Twin Ponds are an ancient and remarkable example of the bathing pools that were constructed in the kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. They are considered an architectural marvel of ancient hydrological engineering. The two ponds are built close to each other and are believed to have been used by the monks of Abhayagiri Monastery for their daily baths. They date back to the 6th-8th centuries AD and reflect the artistic and engineering skills of the ancient Sinhalese. The larger pool measures about 132 feet in length and the smaller one is approximately 91 feet, both featuring flights of steps on both ends elaborately carved with punkalasa (pot of plenty) and scroll designs. Water for the twin pools was supplied through an intricate underground system that ensured the water was always clean, and the engineering was so precise that the water level remains the same on both tanks. The sophisticated filtration system is considered one of the most significant features, indicating advanced technology in the field of hydraulics during the Anuradhapura period.

Kuttam Pokuna Tourism

Kuttam Pokuna Tourism

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