Minneriya tank, Ancient reservoir in Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka
Minneriya tank is a large reservoir in Polonnaruwa District created by damming a river to hold water for the surrounding region. Water flows from this storage through channels to irrigate farmland during the dry season.
This reservoir was built in ancient times when a dam was constructed across a river to hold water. Since then it has remained a key source of water for farming across the region.
Local residents named King Mahasena as Minneri Deviyo, the God of Minneriya, with a temple still standing on the dam structure.
The site is accessible by road and visitors can walk around the area to take in the views. Visit during the dry season when the water level drops to see the full extent of the exposed banks and surrounding landscape.
During the dry season, wild elephants from different protected areas gather at the banks of this reservoir to drink and graze. From certain vantage points visitors can watch herds arriving at the water's edge to feed.
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