Sasika Miyuran Maduragoda

5.0

Impressive Ancient Engineering & Peaceful Historic Spot! Kuttam Pokuna, known as the Twin Ponds, was one of the most fascinating stops on my visit to Anuradhapura. These two ancient stone ponds are beautifully preserved and showcase the remarkable hydrological engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Sinhalese civilization. 🪨 What Makes It Special: The ponds were built over a thousand years ago for the Buddhist monks of the Abhayagiri Monastery, and you can still see the thoughtful design in every stone — from the finely carved steps to the underground water channels connecting the two ponds. 💧 Scenic & Serene: Walking around the twin ponds gives a real sense of calm. The water reflects the sky and the shade of surrounding trees adds to the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to pause, take photos, and imagine what life was like back then. 📜 Historical Insight: While they’re called “twin” ponds, they’re actually different in size — the smaller northern pond was likely built first and the larger pond added later. The engineering is amazing: water was brought here through an underground filtration system long before modern plumbing existed. 📅 Tips for Visit: Visit in the morning for soft light and quieter surroundings. Wear comfortable shoes — the ground can be uneven around ruins. Take your time; this isn’t just a photo spot, it’s a piece of history. 👍 Overall: Kuttam Pokuna is not just visually striking but also tells an inspiring story of ancient craftsmanship and daily life in one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities — highly recommended for history lovers and culture seekers alike!

Bhagya Edirisinghe

5.0

Kuttam Pokuna, also known as the Twin Ponds, is one of the most remarkable and well-preserved ancient hydraulic constructions in Anuradhapura. This historic site reflects the advanced engineering skills and aesthetic sense of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. Built during the Anuradhapura period, the two ponds were primarily used by Buddhist monks of the nearby monasteries for bathing and daily use. The stonework and symmetry of the ponds are truly impressive. Each pond is designed with beautifully carved stone steps, filtering chambers, and water outlets that ensured clean and regulated water flow. Despite being centuries old, the structure remains strong and visually stunning, showcasing the brilliance of ancient craftsmanship. Surrounded by a calm and peaceful environment, Kuttam Pokuna offers visitors a chance to relax and reflect while appreciating Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. The area is clean, well maintained, and ideal for history lovers, photographers, and pilgrims. Informative signboards help visitors understand the historical and cultural importance of the site. A visit to Kuttam Pokuna is a must when exploring Anuradhapura. It is not just a historical monument but a symbol of the country’s deep knowledge of architecture, water management, and spiritual living.

Intro Animation

5.0

Kuttam Pokuna is an amazing example of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and engineering. The twin ponds are beautifully designed with precise stone carvings and an advanced water filtration system from centuries ago. The place is calm and well preserved, giving a peaceful historical vibe. A must-visit spot in Anuradhapura for anyone who appreciates history and ancient craftsmanship. 🏛️💧

Seevali De Abrew

5.0

Outstanding Ancient Craftsmanship On November 23, 2025, our group of thirteen, travelling with Flamingo Lanka, visited the Twin Ponds – locally called “Kuttam Pokuna” – located within the Abhayagiri Monastery complex in the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura. The two ponds though similar in width at 15.5 metres each, differ in dimensions. The southern pond measures 40 metres in length and 5.5 metres in depth while the northern pond is 28 metres long and 4.3 metres deep. Historical records suggest that the ponds were constructed during two different periods between the 6th and the 9th centuries, with the smaller pond being the older. Over time, both ponds have undergone several renovations. The ponds are remarkable for their precise construction. Granite slabs, expertly cut and dressed, were used for the bottom, sides, terraces, and steps. Notably no mortar was used to join the granite blocks, showcasing the advanced engineering and masonry skill of its ancient builders. The design also features intricate stone carvings and mythical stone figures. The water is supplied to the ponds through underground ducts from a reservoir approximately 3 kilometres away. This sophisticated system includes a filtration mechanism and a stone chamber to trap sediment. The two ponds are interconnected by an underground duct. The water drained from the ponds was historically used to irrigate downstream rice fields. The ponds served as bathing places for the monks residing in the monastery complex at Abhayagiri temple. Today the Twin Ponds – Kuttam Pokuna – stand as an outstanding example of ancient technical and artistic craftmanship, as well as remarkable examples of hydraulic engineering and architecture skills of ancient Sri Lanka.

Janaka Neranjan

5.0

Kuttam Pokuna is one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering. The twin ponds are beautifully preserved and showcase the brilliance of the Anuradhapura civilization. A must-see for anyone interested in history and architecture Really enjoyed visiting Kuttam Pokuna! The ponds are so elegant, and the stone work is amazing. It’s a quiet spot that feels both historic and peaceful at the same tim