Built by the very King Devanampiyatissa, who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, Tissa Wewa is an artificial reservoir with architecture ahead of its time. During the 3rd century BC, it was used to increase the water supply to the flourishing capital of Anuradhapura. Today, the 652-acre-large lake is flanked by dedicated walkways and swaying trees along the banks. Visitors can enjoy boating, sighting aquatic, migratory, wild birds and fruit bat colonies, and watching sunsets.