Tissa Wewa
An ancient irrigation tank beside Tissamaharama, still in use, with a bund road lined by old trees and a steady supply of waterbirds. Free, and best at dawn or dusk.
What Tissa Wewa actually is
Tissa Wewa is a large reservoir in the middle of Tissamaharama, built to irrigate paddy and supply the ancient capital of Ruhuna. It is thought to date from the 3rd century BC, though historians credit it to different kings: Wikipedia says either Mahanaga or his successor Yatala Tissa, and a Sri Lankan heritage site says Mahanaga. It was restored in 1871 and still serves its original purpose.
Figures for its size differ too, with Wikipedia giving about 264 hectares (652 acres) and the heritage site about 550 acres, so a rough ‘a few hundred hectares’ is safest. The southern bund carries the road to Kataragama, lined with old Indian rain trees planted by the British for shade, and it is the obvious place to walk.
Waterbirds gather on the reservoirs around the town through the year, including painted storks, pelicans and egrets. Elephants are said to come to the edges at dusk. It is free, five minutes from most hotels, and an easy way to fill the hour before dinner.
Worth your attention
The bund road
The old rain trees lining the Kataragama road, a long shaded walk along the water.
Waterbirds
Storks, egrets and cormorants along the shore, with the best chances in the first or last hour of light.
Sunset over the water
The tank faces open sky, so evening light is clear and broad.
The dagoba across the water
The white stupa of the Raja Maha Vihara is the town’s landmark, and shows well from the edge.
Before you go
Do this
- Walk the bund early or just before sunset
- Bring binoculars if you care about birds
- Combine with a visit to the dagoba and Sandagiri Dagoba nearby
- Wear insect repellent at dusk
Know this first
- The bund road carries traffic, so mind the buses on the Kataragama road
- Elephants are reported at the edges after dark; do not walk at night
- Heat is strong by mid-morning with little shade away from the trees
- Sources disagree on who built it and how big it is
Getting to Tissa Wewa
Most people see Tissa Wewa as part of a stay around Tissamaharama. Our Tissamaharama guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Tissamaharama — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Tissamaharama guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Tissa Wewa — frequently asked
What is Tissa Wewa?
An ancient reservoir at Tissamaharama, thought to date from the 3rd century BC and still used for irrigation and water supply.
Who built Tissa Wewa?
Sources differ. Wikipedia says either King Mahanaga or his successor Yatala Tissa; a Sri Lankan heritage site says Mahanaga.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Walking the bund and viewing the tank is free.
What birds can I see?
Reports include painted storks, pelicans, egrets and herons around the reservoirs, with the best views at dawn or late afternoon.
Also worth stopping for around Tissamaharama
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