The Sinhalese became masters in hydraulic engineering which enabled them to capture the monsoon rains then transport and use them where needed during the dry season. Successive kings built a huge number of tanks or reservoirs all over the country and linking irrigation systems which turned the northern plains into an enormous rice bowl, capable growing two crops a year and feeding the civilisation that developed. Parakramabahu the Great said that ‘not one drop of water must flow into the ocean without serving the purposes of man’.
These are some of the smaller tanks …
… and here is Nuwara Wewa, the largest of the three tanks, or reservoirs in Anuradhapura made by King Valagamba in the first century BC. King Dhatusena later constructed the Jaya Ganga canal, almost 90km long, and maintaining a steady gradient of six inches to the mile delivering water to Anuradhapura from the huge Kala Wela tank.
The tanks show up well in this view from Mihintale back towards Anuradhapura.
On a slightly smaller scale, there are a number of water features throughout the ruins, the most impressive being Kuttam Pokuna or the Twin Baths constructed C8th for monks ritual ablutions.
Walking to the far end, water was fed into this small pool and the sediment allowed to settle before the clean water was released into the conduit …
… and then into the first bath which connected to the larger bath beyond.
And here’s a chap, checking out the sunbathing potential!
We also came across this well …
… and bathing pool.
On our last afternoon, we took a short trip to one of the outlying site called Asokaramaya. The tuk -tuk took us through the countryside, and down a narrow track between the paddy fields where we came upon a peacock with his tail displayed, but weren’t quite quick enough with the camera …
… then he flew up into the tree!
As we walked though the paddies, we saw three on a route March, another at a distance.
The highlight was the Buddha with guardstones and a moonstone!
It was lovely wandering in the afternoon sunshine looking for carvings on bits of stone left in the grass and watching more peacocks looking for their supper.
As we left, I spotted a flash of colour and saw this pretty pair … apparently blue-tailed bee-eaters.
… not to mention the odd monkey in Anuradhapura!
We’ve been staying at a guesthouse called Montana Rest where Suranga has been great, making us feel most welcome and helping us to arrange sightseeing and transport. There was a lovely balcony to sit out and catch the breeze and meals were served on the verandah. We had breakfasts of a smoothie, fruit, eggs and toast and wonderful spreads of curry for dinner with a local Lion beer.
Moving on … hopefully there is more wildlife to spot …!
Off Travelling Together 