Literally translated as the “Elephant Pond”, Eth Pokuna is a massive pond in Anuradhapura. It is situated off of Lankaramaya and connected to the gigantic Abhayagiri Monastic Complex. Eth Pokuna remains one of the most intriguing historical places in Sri Lanka thanks to the incredible level of hydraulic engineering that was used in its creation. Water flowed in from the nearby Periyankulama Tank and bits of piping are still visible today. Throughout the early half of Sri Lanka’s history, right into the medieval era, water was maintained and managed with a greater deal of efficiency than was normal for a civilization of that age. The pipelines and underground canals that took water from the reservoir to the pond are actually still in working order.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass