A lake located in Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka “ Parakrama Samudraya ” – By Malsha – eLanka
Parakrama Samudraya is a man-made lake located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was built by King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century by constructing a dam across the Amban River. The lake has a surface area of approximately 24 square miles (62 square kilometers) and a capacity of over 134 million cubic meters of water.
The lake was built as part of a massive irrigation system that aimed to provide water to the surrounding areas for agriculture. It is considered one of the largest ancient man-made lakes in Sri Lanka and is an impressive feat of engineering.
Today, the Parakrama Samudraya remains an important source of water for agriculture and is also a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, with many visitors enjoying the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere.
Parakrama Samudraya has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was constructed by King Parakramabahu the Great, who was one of the most famous kings of ancient Sri Lanka. The king was known for his grand projects, including the construction of massive irrigation systems that allowed for the cultivation of large areas of land for agriculture.
The Parakrama Samudraya was created by building a massive dam across the Amban River in Polonnaruwa. The dam is over 14 kilometers long and was constructed using traditional methods that relied on the skills of local engineers and laborers.
The reservoir was created as part of a larger irrigation system that included a network of canals, sluices, and smaller tanks that were interconnected to provide water for rice cultivation in the surrounding areas. The irrigation system was designed to ensure that the water flowed evenly throughout the region, and it was so effective that it allowed for the cultivation of rice crops throughout the year, even during the dry season.
The Parakrama Samudraya and the irrigation system that it supported played a crucial role in the development of the Polonnaruwa kingdom, which was a major center of political and cultural activity in Sri Lanka during the 12th century. The reservoir and the irrigation system continue to be an important source of water for agriculture in the region and are also a popular tourist attraction due to their historical and cultural significance.
Parakrama Samudraya is located in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka, which is in the North Central Province of the country. It is situated near the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second capital of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The lake is located approximately 216 kilometers (134 miles) from Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo.
Parakrama Samudraya has a capacity of over 134 million cubic meters of water. This capacity may vary depending on the rainfall and the water levels in the Amban River, which is the main source of water for the lake. The lake is an important source of irrigation water for the surrounding agricultural areas, and it also supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Parakrama Samudraya is actually a single reservoir, which was created by building a dam across the Amban River in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. However, there are several smaller tanks and reservoirs that are connected to the Parakrama Samudraya through a network of canals and sluices. Some of the major reservoirs that are part of the Parakrama Samudraya irrigation system include:
- Topa Wewa – located to the north of Parakrama Samudraya
- Eramudu Wewa – located to the east of Parakrama Samudraya
- Dumbutula Wewa – located to the north of Parakrama Samudraya
- Kantale Wewa – located to the northeast of Parakrama Samudraya
- Padaviya Wewa – located to the north of Parakrama Samudraya
These reservoirs were built as part of a larger irrigation system that was constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century, and they continue to play an important role in supporting agriculture and providing water to the surrounding areas.
Parakrama Samudraya is a man-made reservoir located in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka, which is in the North Central Province of the country. The reservoir covers an area of approximately 24 square miles (62 square kilometers) and has a capacity of over 134 million cubic meters of water.
The reservoir was created by building a dam across the Amban River, which is a tributary of the Mahaweli River. The reservoir is surrounded by low-lying hills and is fed by several smaller tributaries and streams that flow into the Amban River.
The area surrounding Parakrama Samudraya is primarily agricultural, and the reservoir plays an important role in providing water for rice cultivation, which is a major crop in the region. The reservoir is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of fish, birds, and reptiles.
The reservoir is an important historical and cultural site in Sri Lanka, and it is a popular destination for tourists who come to admire the scenic beauty of the area and learn about the ancient irrigation systems that were used to create and maintain the reservoir.
