Lotus Pond

The lotus pond is a charming and beautifully constructed granite bathing pool that lies just outside the main ruins of Polonnaruwa. Created in the shape of an eight-petalled blossoming lotus flower, this jewel of the pokuna architecture is off the beaten tourist track in romantic and tranquil garden-like surroundings. The Archaeological Commissioner in his 1990 annual Report describes it somewhat dryly as “a gigantic lotus flower of granite in full bloom 24ft 9ins in diameter, with five concentric laminae of eight petals, gradually diminishing to a stamen 5ft 4ins across”. None of which reflects the charm and beauty of this small but essential example of the mystery and history of Polonnaruwa. This is something that truly must be seen in the stone, so to speak, to be fully appreciated.