Parakrama Samudra: The Sea of Parakrama
The Parakrama Samudra, the "Sea of Parakrama", is a huge irrigation reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I in the twelfth century, so large it looks like an inland sea. It borders the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and is one of the great achievements of the island’s ancient hydraulic engineers.
By the water
The bund along the reservoir is a fine place to watch the sunset, with fishermen’s boats, wading birds and, at dusk, the silhouettes of the old city behind you. The king’s famous saying, that no drop of rain should reach the sea unused, was made real here.
With the ruins
The tank sits right beside the ancient city, so a day at Polonnaruwa’s stone temples and giant carved Buddhas can end with a sunset over the water.
Getting there
Polonnaruwa is in the cultural triangle, reachable by road or rail; the ancient city and tank are best explored by bicycle.
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