Thissa Wewa
An ancient reservoir built in the 3rd century BC to water the sacred city, its long tree-lined bund a favourite spot for a sunset stroll beside the ruins.
Bordering the sacred city of Anuradhapura, Tissa Wewa ranks among the oldest surviving irrigation reservoirs anywhere in Sri Lanka, traditionally attributed to King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE, the very king who welcomed Buddhism to the island. Only two reservoirs, Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa, are considered older, making Tissa Wewa a genuinely venerable piece of ancient infrastructure, its earthen embankment stretching approximately 11,000 feet in length and rising to a height of 25 feet, enclosing roughly 550 acres of water that once supplied both the royal city and its palace gardens.
Built specifically to increase Anuradhapura's water supply, the reservoir received continuing attention from successive kings across the centuries, King Bhatikabhaya reportedly installed a mechanism to pump water directly from the tank to irrigate the flower gardens at Ruwanwelisaya, and the reservoir still feeds nearby Isurumuniya Viharaya today. A 19th century survey by the colonial engineer H. Parker found the ancient embankment in remarkably original condition, so solidly constructed that it required minimal repair even after more than a thousand years, an assessment borne out by the reservoir's continued function into the present day, still receiving water through the ancient Jaya Ganga canal originating at Kala Wewa.
Beyond its engineering significance, Tissa Wewa today functions as a genuine community gathering space, locals swim and wash clothes along its banks, couples take evening strolls beneath the surrounding trees, and the lake's calm water offers some of the most peaceful sunset views anywhere in Anuradhapura, a living reservoir that's quietly served this ancient city for well over two thousand years.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free
- Opening hours: Open all day
- Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time: Sunset
Getting there
On the southwestern edge of the sacred city, near Isurumuniya and Mirisawetiya.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Thissa Wewa?
- Free.
- What are the opening hours at Thissa Wewa?
- Open all day.
- How long should I spend at Thissa Wewa?
- Plan for 30 to 45 minutes.
- When is the best time to visit Thissa Wewa?
- Sunset.
- How do I get to Thissa Wewa?
- On the southwestern edge of the sacred city, near Isurumuniya and Mirisawetiya.