Parakrama Samudraya, or the ‘Sea of King Parakrama’ is one of the most important reservoirs in the island of Sri Lanka. Build by the iconic King Parakamabahu I, this majestic reservoir glistens like liquid silver at the very heart of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Agriculture
Sri Lanka’s agriculture industry was thriving since time immemorial. The golden soil of the land yielded bountiful harvests which helped the farmers lead a prosperous life. But the weather and climatic conditions were not always conducive to farming. For six months the country experiences monsoon rains, but the rest of the year is rather dry. During this period the farmers experience major challenges. The ancient kings of Sri Lanka were well aware of the troubles of the farmers of the country. So they built large tanks and reservoirs to collect water and sustain the fields of the farmers during the dry spells. Parakrama Samudraya was built with this noble intention. It sustains the fields of the farmers in the region to this very day.
History of Parakrama Samudraya
Parakrama Samudraya consisted of five reservoirs in the beginning. These were Thopa Wewa, Eramudu Wewa, Dumbuthulu Wewa, Kalahagala Wewa and Bhu Wewa. During the restorative work that was carried out in the reservoir in the 19th century. And original structure and size of the Parakrama Samduraya were drastically altered.
This majestic reservoir has a length of 14 kilometers and an average depth of 25 feet. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. If you like to catch a glimpse of this shimmering creation of the unforgotten king, you can have a tour arranged through Green Holiday Centre.
The majestic cultural attractions of Sri Lanka are indeed well worth exploring. Through these iconic ancient monuments, you will catch a glimpse of the glory of the enchanting golden era of this stunning island.
