• Ranmasu Uyana (Golden Fish Garden) is a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history and offers an intriguing glimpse into the past.  Dating back to the First Royal period, this magnificent park holds a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders.

Ranmasu Garden -Golden Fish Garden

 At the heart of the Ranmasu Garden are three magnificent ponds, forming a sky map with star gates at the base of a majestic rock.  As you begin your journey through this historic gem, you’ll first encounter the Queen’s Bath, a tranquil pool where the Queen used to bathe.  This beautiful place reveals more than meets the eye.  Look closely and you’ll see a cabin by the pond where the queens changed into their royal robes when bathing. 

 Observe the three holes in the image; These are the tubes for a thin, cascading water curtain that covers the changing chamber, creating a waterfall-like water curtn.  Before entering the changing room, guests must wash their hands and feet in the small pool before bathing in the Royal Swimming Pool.

 Reminiscent of a sacred pavilion, the pavilion graces the scene offering a range of beauty products.  Below this, her bed is a practical feature designed to remove dead skin and dust and cleanse the back.  Ingeniously designed pipes lead the water to the pond where it transforms into a soothing cascade of warm, refreshing liquid.

Ranmasu Uyana is not just a garden.  It is a testament to the meticulous planning and advanced engineering of the time, a lasting testament to Sri Lanka’s proud history.  A visit here is a journey back in time, providing a glimpse into the affluent lifestyles and innovative technologies of ancient Sri Lanka.

Elephant Pond – The Royal Bath

 This striking feature is aptly named Elephant Pond, due to its remarkable elephant carvings that adorn its edges. A truly regal sight, water gracefully flows into this pond through the carved, elephant-shaped spouts nestled amidst these majestic creatures. As the name suggests, this was no ordinary pond; it was the bathing haven of kings, where they indulged in opulent baths fit for royalty. Legends even speak of golden-hued fish dwelling in its waters, further adding to the enchantment of this garden. It’s no wonder that this garden earned its name, “Ranmasu Uyana,” where “Rang” signifies gold and “Masu” denotes fish. 

The Enigmatic Star Gate

 Venturing further within Ranmasu Uyana, one encounters an enigmatic structure known as the Star Gate. While its precise purpose remains shrouded in mystery, several captivating beliefs surround it. Some believe it served as a place of deep meditation, with five distinct asanas thought to have been practised here. Others posit that the symbols adorning the gate are a cosmic connection, serving as a doorway to the universe itself. In this sanctuary of ancient wisdom, it’s as if the ancients sought to bridge the earthly and the cosmic, leaving us with an awe-inspiring puzzle to decipher in this historical haven. 

Location and Access

Elephant Pond at Ranmasu Garden at the base of Sant Tisa Lake in Pujanagar, Anuradhapura is a hidden gem.  It is adjacent to the ancient Isurumuniya temple, which dates back to the Ravana era and boasts some magnificent architectural marvels.

For tourists looking for this historical treasure, especially when coming from Colombo, the journey starts on Kurunegala and Puttalam roads.  You are waiting for about 3 kilometres at the two-milepost junction.  Access to this beautiful site is made easy as tuk-tuks are readily available near Pier Two to transport you to this historical haven.

Nearby Facilities

It is important to note that there are no medical facilities or pharmacies in this quiet neighbourhood.  However, you can find refreshments in the form of soft drinks and orange drinks from small roadside shops.  If you’re hungry, a 3-km drive to Anuradhapura City awaits, where you’ll find a New Town Pizza Hut and a delicious cafe-restaurant offering a range of delicious dishes.  You also have a snack bar.

For any medical need, Privet Comfort Hospital is ready to serve, conveniently located on a side road near the city library.

 Your visit to Ranmasu Uyana promises a journey through history surrounded by the beauty of the ancient wonder of Anuradhapura.

Best hotels for foreigners to stay in Anuradhapura.

Lake forest Anuradhapura Contact info +94 25 2 030300, [email protected], https://lakeforesthotel.com/

 Heritage Anuradhapura Call 0719928711, 0252237806 for more information [email protected], [email protected]

 Kubura resort Contact info +94 77 725 7627 for more information [email protected] http://kuburaresort.com/

Rajarata Hotel Contact info +94 25 2 030000 for more information  [email protected], https://rajaratahotel.lk/