Parakrama Samudra, Polonnaruwa | Things to Do, Food, History

Parakrama Samudra , Polonnaruwa Overview

Parakrama Samudra is a water reservoir which consists of five different lakes namely Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks. It is also known as King Parakrama's Sea and is in Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. Topa Wewa is the oldest reservoir here which was built around 386 AD. The middle section has Eramudu Wewa and below you have Dubutula Wewa. The lakes here are separated by a smaller dam to reduce the pressure.

Parakrama Samudra (or the Sea of King Parakrama) is a shallow reservoir, consisting of five separate pools (Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks) connected by narrow channels in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It has a storage area of more than 5,000 acres for the irrigation of 18,000 acres. It is one of the most significant ancient Rainwater Reservoir of the island. In the rainy season, the rainwater reservoir is in its full splendour.

It is an essential site for the Sri Lankan endemic species. Because of the 2004 Tsunami effects, many aquatic lives suffered damages, including numerous reefs due to which a step taken by the government to protect a variety of species of birds and marine beings. This humanmade lake is not only a big project that provides a method of irrigation but also serves as a home to fish and aquatic vegetation. It is a beautiful site, which gives you a burst of fresh air as you stand by it. The greenery that surrounds it adds to its beauty. You can also visit the nearby museum and hire bicycles for sightseeing.

Things to Do in Prakrama Samudra

Views
Apart from providing irrigation water to nearby areas, Parakram Samudra provides eye-catching sunset view. Locals and tourists alike visit this site to grab the very first sight of the sunrise and sunsets.

Fishing
Fishing and inland navigation are other activities popular among tourists. You may also take a boat ride and visit the five lakes that join together at this reservoir.

Long Drives
Because of the proximity to the main road, many people come here on long drives with friends and family. It is a great spot to sit and enjoy the calming breeze and take in the peaceful surrounding.

Fauna
There are many animals and birds that you can witness while you are here. It is an excellent place for relaxation and an even better method for rejuvenation. The best thing to catch here is evening time where a fisherman catches fish and return home with a view of the sunset.

Food in Prakrama Samudra

The place serves local Srilankan food like string hopper/fish curry, watery papaya juice and a hot plate of rice and curry. It also serves fried rice, fried noodles.

History of Parakrama Samudra

Rainfall in Srilanka is irregular and can have a devastating effect on those who make a living from agriculture. Parakrama Samudra in Sri Lanka was one such solution to the problem of lack of water. In an attempt to alleviate this problem Parakrama Samudra was built in Polonnaruwa by King Parakramabahu the first who ruled there from 1153 AD to 1153 AD. The first reservoir Thopa Vewa already existed in King Parakramabahu's time having been built in 386 AD. The king had the other large pools included, and the entire system expanded.

Best Time to Visit Parakrama Samudra

One should always visit this place during morning hours as, during noon, it becomes hot. You can also catch a glimpse of birds here. Sri Lanka faces a lot of water problem because it generally has two high monsoon seasons with each one of them lasting to about three months. The rest of the year remains dry and hot. And since a lot of lives in Sri Lanka depends on agriculture, keeping that in mind, this reservoir was built.