The Elephant Pond is a massive, ancient bathing pool within the UNESCO-listed city of Anuradhapura, showcasing impressive early water engineering built to supply thousands of resident monks.

Why visit Elephant Pond

• Impressive Size: Eth Pokuna is one of the largest man-made ponds in Anuradhapura. It measures 159 meters long, 52.7 meters wide, and 9.5 meters deep, holding up to 75,000 cubic meters of water.
• Ancient Engineering: The pond is supplied with water from the Periyamkulama Tank through a network of underground canals. These ancient canals have been functioning for hundreds of years and are a testament to the clever engineering of that time.
• Historical Significance: Eth Pokuna is part of the Abhayagiriya monastery, which covers over 500 acres. It was likely used by monks who lived there, making it an important site for spiritual practices.
• Stone Construction: The pond’s walls are made of large stone blocks carefully stacked at an angle. There are three sets of stairs leading down to the bottom of the pond, making it accessible for visitors.
• Mysterious Name: The name "Eth Pokuna" means "Elephant Pond" in Sinhala. While the exact origin of the name is unclear, it is believed to reflect the pond's enormous size and significance in ancient times.