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Tissa Wewa

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Tissa Wewa

Tissa Wewa

Tissa Wewa is an ancient irrigation reservoir dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Travelers visit this site to see an example of early Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering and to observe the lake's landscape. It serves as a functional water source for the surrounding region while preserving its historic structure.

Getting There

The reservoir is located within the Anuradhapura area. From the city centre, it is accessible via local tuk-tuk or taxi. The travel time is typically short, usually taking between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the specific starting point and traffic conditions.

Duration of Visit

Most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours at the site. This allows enough time to walk along the banks and observe the water system without a rushed pace.

When to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon are the most suitable times to visit to avoid the midday heat. The site is generally quiet, though it may see more visitors during peak tourist seasons in Sri Lanka. Avoid visiting during periods of extreme rain if you intend to walk along the unpaved edges of the reservoir.

Nearby Attractions

The reservoir is situated close to several historic sites, making it easy to combine with other visits:

  • Dakkhina Stupa: 1.5km
  • Anuradhapura Museum: 1.9km
  • Vessagiri: 2km
  • Ruwanweli Maha Saya: 2.3km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Tissa Wewa

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Anuradhapura 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Anuradhapura grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Dakkhina Stupa

Temples & religious sites

Dakkhina Stupa

A large 2nd-century BC brick stupa remaining in Anuradhapura. It was once believed to be a monument to a different king, but was later identified as the tower of an ancient temple.

1.5 km away
Anuradhapura Museum

Museums & galleries

Anuradhapura Museum

An archaeological museum in Anuradhapura, the oldest and largest run by Sri Lanka's Department of Archaeology. It's a great place to trace the city's history through its ancient artifacts.

1.9 km away
Vessagiri

Heritage & monuments

Vessagiri

An ancient Buddhist forest monastery ruin set among the rocky outcrops south of Isurumuniya in Anuradhapura. Founded under King Devanampiya Tissa and greatly expanded under King Kashyapa, it once housed over 500 monks, and traces of meditation cells carved into the rocks can still be seen.

2.0 km away
Ruwanweli Maha Saya

Temples & religious sites

Ruwanweli Maha Saya

A stupa in Anuradhapura said to have been built around 140 BCE by King Dutugemunu. It's known to enshrine the largest quantity of the Buddha's relics.

2.3 km away
Thuparamaya

Temples & religious sites

Thuparamaya

Built when Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka, this is recorded as the island's oldest Buddhist temple. In Anuradhapura, it offers a glimpse into the very beginnings of Sri Lankan Buddhism.

2.8 km away
Jetavanaramaya

Temples & religious sites

Jetavanaramaya

A massive stupa within the ruins of Jetavana Monastery in the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura. It was the tallest stupa in the world at the time of its completion, and its scale remains impressive.

3.0 km away