Kuttam pokuna is just one of the Anuradhapura ‘s architectural landscapes to be discovered or traveled. Places like Kuttam Pokuna attract tourists to develop Sri Lankan Tourism.The twin ponds so called as Kuttam Pokuna is in North Central province, Sri Lanka. It was supposed to be a swimming pool with terraces for the Monks. This dates back to the 8th and 10th centuries. Regarding this construction, it is unbelievable to construct such a place without the aid of modern technology at that time. It is yet another example of significant hydrological achievement in engineering and architecture. Archeologists say that the ponds were built around 8th and 10th centuries.
Northern pond is 91 feet long while the southern pond is 132 feet long. Therefore the ponds are varying from size. The larger pond was used over 5000 monks to sit and chat while the smaller pool was used by the senior monks. It seemed to be that the originator was compelled to connect them unexpectedly. By the way, he has been succeeded in carving this giant granite rock smoothly and turning to a pool. Both ponds consist with a staged staircase which lasts to the bottom of the pool. Northern has 20 steps of 3 stages and the other 18 steps of 2 stages. Balustrades and punkalases (vases /pots) can be seen on the sides of both ponds.
This is an improved indication of the ancient Sri Lankan Irrigation system. The pools were filled with the water which comes through underground earthenware pipes from the man made a reservoir, Basawakkulama. The water that fills to the Northern pond first flows into a filtering basin. When it has reached the enclosure limit automatically eastern one was filled through an underground pipe. This underground water supply can be seen at one end of the second bath. So that we can understand it was regulated water inflows and outflows. After emptying the ponds the water was transferred to the Malwatu Oya. Thus there was a water filtration system too. The Naga statues recognized as the guardians of water (Statues showing a 5 headed sneak) can be found everywhere. A metal box was found at the bottom of the pond while the excavations done by the archeologists. It consisted of small statues of crabs and fishes deserved to be in the water. It is said that the builder of twin ponds is still unknown. Today it is well conserved by the authorities for the travelers.