Elephant Ponds (Eth Pokuna)

Eth Pokuna, also known as Elephant Pond, is a massive man-made pond located in the heart of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a remarkable example of ancient hydraulic engineering and is believed to have been used to supply water to the Abhayagiri Monastery. The pond is 159 meters in length, 52.7 meters in width, and 9.5 meters in depth, with a holding capacity of 75,000 cubic meters of water. The water is supplied from the Periyamkulama Tank through a network of underground conduits. The pond is part of the monastery landscape of the Abhayagriya monastery, which covers over 500 acres. The site is a testament to the ingenuity of Sri Lanka's early inhabitants and offers a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the pond and its surroundings, which include other historical sites such as the Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa, and Samadhi Buddha Statue