Parakrama Samudra
Lake Ancient reservoir in Polonnaruwa built by King Parakramabahu
Large artificial reservoir in the Polonnaruwa archaeological zone, built under King Parakramabahu I; visitors combine the waterworks with nearby temples, statues and the ruined city’s stone layout.
Parakrama Samudra is a large man-made reservoir in the Polonnaruwa region of north-central Sri Lanka constructed as part of an integrated medieval irrigation system. It is commonly referred to in English as the “Sea of Parakrama.”
The site today is experienced as a broad expanse of water bounded by earthen embankments with accessible shoreline viewpoints and abundant birdlife. It is a notable landscape feature adjacent to the archaeological sites of Polonnaruwa and is used by visitors for scenic walks and wildlife observation.
The reservoir was commissioned under King Parakramabahu I during the 12th century as a component of an ambitious hydraulic and agricultural program that linked tanks, canals and paddy fields. It remained a central element of regional irrigation and agriculture in subsequent centuries.
Parakrama Samudra lies immediately east of the core archaeological zone of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, set within a broadly flat agrarian landscape dominated by rice cultivation and irrigated fields.
- Local name and visibility: Also called the "Sea of Parakrama," the reservoir is part of the larger medieval irrigation works of Polonnaruwa and is visible as an extensive body of water and embankments from the nearby archaeological zone.
- Best time to visit: Best visited in the dry season when embankments and shoreline are most accessible for walking and birdwatching.
How to Get to Parakrama Samudra #
Parakrama Samudra lies just east of the core archaeological zone of Polonnaruwa. It is an easy cycle or tuk-tuk ride from Polonnaruwa town and from the main archaeological sites; many visitors approach it as part of a circuit that includes the Royal Palace and surrounding temples.
Tips for Visiting Parakrama Samudra #
- Combine a visit to Parakrama Samudra with the nearby Royal Palace and Polonnaruwa's main archaeological sites-most are within a short bike ride.
- Bring binoculars to watch waterbirds along the reservoir edge in the early morning.
- The reservoir is visible from paths and service roads-avoid walking on irrigation infrastructure and heed archaeological park boundaries.
Best Time to Visit Parakrama Samudra #
Visit Parakrama Samudra during the dry season (November-April) for easier travel and clearer archaeology viewing; the reservoir is accessible year-round but water levels and birdlife change seasonally.
Weather & Climate near Parakrama Samudra #
Parakrama Samudra's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1701 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (196 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 9 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (229 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (276 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (360 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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