Parakrama SamudraParakrama Samudra at a Glance
About Parakrama Samudra
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.
Nearby Attractions to Parakrama Samudra
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 196 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| February | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 33° | 33° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 25° - 33° | 34° | 78 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Very Good | 25° - 33° | 33° | 9 mm | overcast | 75% | 3.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| July | Good | 25° - 32° | 32° | 75 mm | overcast | 72% | 3.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 25° - 32° | 32° | 67 mm | overcast | 71% | 3.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 24° - 33° | 32° | 112 mm | overcast | 71% | 2.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 30° | 229 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 276 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| December | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 360 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
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.