Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
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Two bathing ponds aligned lengthwise exemplifying the artistic achievements in the field of hydraulic engineering in ancient Sri Lanka. They date back to between eight A.D. and Ten A.D.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
439 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
191
Average
112
Poor
14
Terrible
5
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Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,292 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
These are well preserved old bathing tanks or ponds in Anuradhapura. They were built by the Sinhalese in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. They form part of the Anhavagirl vihara complex. Eth Pokuna (elephant) is the largest of the bodies of water on the Abhayagiri vihara complex. I had a photo of me standing by he ponds with a snake around my neck and a monkey on my shoulder!
Written November 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kai Wah
Malaysia3,806 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is part of the Anuradhapura Ancient City with entrance fee of LKR4,550 per person per entry. Kuttam means twin and Pokuna means pond, so it is literally the twin pond. It was built since Anuradhapura Kingdom as far back to 4th century. It is regarded as one of the significant architecture in terms of hydrological engineering by the Sinhalese. Beautiful and artistic architecture with peaceful surroundings. Fishes can be sighted in the ponds too. It is essential to hire a driver service while visiting Anuradhapura site since the attractions are located pretty far from one another. Nice place to stop over for 15-20 mins visit.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kamal P
Byron Bay, Australia9,737 contributions
Jan 2020
Twin ponds is merely not an attractive set of ponds but a place where one can observe ancient water purification and desilting system, sending water column through scientifically designed set of stone containers. Steps give access to water at any level and platforms give access along the perimeter of the pond. Structure is all in stone and polished to give neatness while decorative ornaments adore the beauty of the construction. The floral vases (Pun kalasa) at the entrances to the two ponds differ in design. A five hooded Cobra image on the wall is extremely beautiful.
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prasanna M
Rowville, Australia237 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
This has been built by great Sri Lankan kings. It's made of two similar swimming pools.
One pool is slightly smaller than the other. They are made out of granite. around the pools you could see a granite wall with Ancient Sri Lankan carvings.
There's a belief that ancient Sri Lankan stone masons had a technology to soften the Granite.
One pool is slightly smaller than the other. They are made out of granite. around the pools you could see a granite wall with Ancient Sri Lankan carvings.
There's a belief that ancient Sri Lankan stone masons had a technology to soften the Granite.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lieuwe R
Groningen Province, The Netherlands578 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Not only are the baths themselves special because of their history and the huge blocks of granite that have been used, but the most special is the filter system that supplied the baths with fresh water every day from one of the reservoirs around this place. The system of that time still works like our current well. The dirt sinks down and an overflow leads the clean water to the baths. Our wells are plastic only. Ingenious thinking.
Automatically translated
Written July 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pinoytraveller2
Luzon, Philippines14,859 contributions
Oct 2014 • Solo
This review is quite late. When visiting the Sacred City of Anuradhapura the Twin Baths will definitely be included in your itinerary. Both ponds were full of garbarge; I wonder if any maintenance is being carried out by the local government. I spent only a couple of minutes taking photos.
Written September 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelton R
Rocky river5 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
It is a wonderful site that Sri Lankans can be proud of. But it was putty to see a few plastic bottles and many plastic bags floating on the water. The garbage pile with food waste a few yards from the pond was another thing I thought should not be there if the site needs to be protected for the future generation. The shops very close to the pond should not be allowed to operate so close.
Written July 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,595 contributions
Nov 2018
Detailed and Interesting rock carving of the twin baths, even more interesting the engineering involved in supplying the water, back in the 8th century when the work was supposedly completed. With the palace itself practically gone, its hard to imagine how the entire place looked like when everything was standing and functional...
Compared to the treasure troves of Dambulla and Pollonaruwa, to us, the royal twin baths are only marginally attractive and of interest...
Compared to the treasure troves of Dambulla and Pollonaruwa, to us, the royal twin baths are only marginally attractive and of interest...
Written December 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malki S
Bentota, Sri Lanka58 contributions
Sep 2018 • Family
This place serves as an epitome of the creativity,art and technology of ancient Sri Lanka. This is a must visit if you want to see the miracles the old kings had performed in the ancient times.
Written October 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vachintha Piyadasa
Colombo, Sri Lanka1,816 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
Yet another hydro-logic engineering marvels of the ancient Sri Lanka. A must visit site within the ruins of the sacred city. However I believe the responsible parties should pay more attention to preserve these structures as I believe they are not maintained properly.
Written October 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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