Sunset at Basawakkulama Wewa - Anuradhapura

In Sri Lanka, there are many reservoirs and tanks around the country as it is an island mainly based on the agricultural economy. Basawakkulama Wewa is one of such tanks found in Anuradhapura which is also known as the first reservoir of Sri Lanka dating back to the 4th century B.C.

Abhayavapi

Basawakkulama Wewa details in short:

Below are a few FAQ about Basawakkulama wewa.

What is the 1st tank in Sri Lanka? Basawakkulama Wewa or Abhayavapi is considered as the first tank in this Sri Lanka

What is the ancient name of Basawakkulama Wewa? This reservoir was anciently known as the Abhaya Wewa or Abhayavapi. Later it was known as Basawakkulama Wewa too.

Who made Basawakkulama wewa? The Basawakkulama wewa was built by King Pandukabhaya in the 4th century BC. This king ruled the country for 70 years. 

Abhaya Wewa- Anuradhapura
Abhaya Wewa (Basawakkulama) – Anuradhapura

Every time we visit Anuradhapura, we have the opportunity to see this lake. However, during our 2019 Sri Lanka holiday, we could spend some time near the Basawakkulama tank to enjoy its beauty.

It was in 2019 December that we planned a road trip to Anuradhapura as a family trip after our regular Anuradhapura pilgrimage with parents. In the morning we started travelling from Warakapola with the hope to reach Anuradhapura by noon.

Beauty of Basawakkulama Wewa (Abhaya Wewa)

Basawakkulama Wewa
Basawakkulama Wewa (Abhaya Wewa) – Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Bit of history:

It is always good to know a bit of history when visiting an ancient place. Being a UNESCO heritage city, Anuradhapura ancient city has many attractions that were built by ancient kings of Sri Lanka.

This tank or reservoir is also called ”Abhaya Wewa” or “Abhayavapi”.

Basawakkulama Wewa is the first reservoir that is in our recorded history. According to the historical records, this is the first reservoir of Sri Lanka and it dates back to King Pandukabhaya‘s ruling period between 437 BC to 367 BC. King Pandukabhaya built this reservoir and it was first called ‘Abhaya Wewa” or “Abhayavapi”.

Basawakkulama Wewa (Abhaya Wewa)
A flock of white cranes is waiting for a good catch

Birds are a common sight around the lake and you cannot miss cranes.

Basawakkulama Wewa

One of the first signs of Anuradhapura ancient town is this Abhaya Wewa. When we stopped the vehicle for a moment near the lake, the first attraction was this herd of goats. My son was a kindergartner at that time and he was amazed by seeing one of his favourite farm animals near the lake. 🙂

Herd of goats near Abhaya Wewa
A herd of goats near Abhaya Wewa Sri Lanka
Herds of goats near Abhayavapi Sri Lanka
These happy goats were roaming along the lake bund
Abhayavapi- Sri Lanka

We spent some time near Basawakkulama Lake. It was almost noon and was a sunny day. We were also tired after a few hours of travelling. Therefore, we decided to reach our accommodation and visit the Basawakkulama Wewa again in the evening.

I was over the moon because this time our travel plan includes a return visit to Abhayavapi in the evening. You know the secret! I love watching the sunset. I also love capturing sunset photos! 🙂 And, yes, it happened!

Sunset at Basawakkulama Wewa – Anuradhapura

Sunset at Abhayavapi – Anuradhapura
Sunset at Basawakkulama Wewa – Anuradhapura

Yes, it happened. 🙂

We visited this Wewa again in the evening to capture this wonderful moment. In Anuradhapura ancient city, there are many sacred places to visit. Therefore, a 2-day trip is not really enough to visit all these places with quality time for each place.

However, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, this trip was our 2nd visit to Anuradhapura during the same month. Therefore, we had time for other attractions in Anuradhapura including this Basawakkulama Wewa.

Sunset at Abhaya Wewa - Anuradhapura

It was truly a spectacular sunset moment. Birds were flying over the lake making it more attractive!

Sunset at Basawakkulama Wewa - Anuradhapura

Sky and clouds made amazing paintings over the sky where I could not take my eyes off! Truly, it was another happy moment in the beauty of nature!

Sunset at Abayavapi - Anuradhapura
Sunset at Abhaya Wewa – Anuradhapura

Finally, it was an amazing day in Anuradhapura. We also visited other sacred places of Anuradhapura including Ruwanweli Maha Stupa.

In the coming days, there will be more posts and travel stories about this holiday. Stay in touch! 🙂

Now, it is your turn. Please share your thoughts on this lake and the sunset moment. I’d love to hear your comments. 🙂

More travelogues and posts from Anuradhapura:

An Unforgettable Pilgrimage to Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka

Walking from Thuparamaya to Ruwanwalisaya – Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Why Anuradhapura Ancient City Is A Must Visit Place In Sri Lanka

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65 COMMENTS

  2. Your post is so beautiful. The images are spectacular. Like paintings.
    Thank you very much for the beauties and for the history of the place shared with us!
    Happy Today and a fine week!

  7. how beautiful your pictures are! And your style of blogging too. I’m so glad you visited my blog, Milo says hello, so that I could follow back and see your blog too! I am going to look at some more posts. My husband is also an engineer here in Colorado. I hope one day to travel again… but for now I’ll see your travels!
    LeeAnna at not afraid of color

  13. You live in a land of great beauty. Talk about some stunning skies. Also, my first ever viewing of skywatch photos with goats.
    Enjoy your weekend!!

  15. Amila, Beautiful lake and sunset photos. The light reflections on the water are lovely. It’s great that your son got to see goats and cranes IRL. Thank you for sharing this with us at Weekend Coffee Share.

  18. Hello Amila,
    Beautiful views of the lake and sky. The sunset is gorgeous. The goats do look happy running near the lake, they are cute critters. Beautiful series of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

  35. What beautiful photos of a such a gorgeous place, Amila! I agree the sunset is stunning.
    Thank you for taking part in the “My Sunday Best” meme.

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