Tissa Wewa, artificial lake located near Tissamaharama
Tissa Wewa is an artificial lake in Anuradhapura with a dam roughly 3 kilometers long and about 8 meters high. The embankment was built with a wide crest and thick base to store large amounts of water and distribute it through an ancient canal system to other locations.
King Devanampiya Tissa built this reservoir in the 3rd century BC to supply the growing city with water. Later rulers like King Bhatikabaya expanded and enhanced the system, adding pumping mechanisms to direct water to the royal gardens and the Ruwanweliseya Stupa.
The name Tissa Wewa comes from King Devanampiya Tissa, who built this reservoir over 2200 years ago. The lake played a role in religious rituals, as its water was used to irrigate the Ruwanweliseya Stupa and the royal gardens of the ancient city.
The lake is open year-round and best visited from May to September when weather favors walking and bird watching. Visitors can arrive free of charge by car or motorcycle and spend about an hour exploring the surroundings without entrance fees or parking costs.
Experts have noted that the original dam structure was so solid that it has endured for centuries without major repairs. This makes Tissa Wewa a remarkable example of ancient engineering that still functions today.
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