Giritale: the 12th century Ocean Lake

by Beverley Jansz

The 12th century ocean lake 'Giritale Tank' built by King Agbo the 2nd is said to be the deepest tank in Sri Lanka's medieval capital Polonnaruwa established as the city of the land in the 11th century AD.

Giritale lies 216 kms northwest of Colombo, 140 kms northwest of Kandy and 104 kms southwest of Anuradhapura. The majestic king's council, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) and the statue of one of Sri Lanka's greatest kings, Parakramabahu are a few of the many tourist attractions in close proximity to Giritale. The sea of Parakrama - a vast 12th century man-made reservoir at Polonnaruwa, is yet another big attraction close to Giritale.

The largest irrigation tank of Parakrambahu I, it was the life-blood of the ancient city providing water for the growth of thirsty rice crops and other foodstuffs. Its 5,600 acres of water irrigated an estimated 18,200 acres of paddy land. Five minor lakes were incorporated in the building of the Parakrama Samudra.

The images of Gal Viharaya which is also close to Giritale, are the most impressive sculptures built in the 12th century AD by king Parakramabahu I. The greatest Buddha images of different postures carved in one granite rock. The first is a Samadhi image in meditation posture while the second is inside a cave and the third standing Buddha image with crossed arms. The fourth is a recumbent Buddha image depicting the passing away.

A number of tourist hotels have been built bordering the Giritale tank, and Giritale has now become one of Sri Lanka's major tourist destinations, not only among foreign tourists but Sri Lankans alike.

Throughout the years tourist arrivals at Giritale has increased tremendously. All hotels are built in such a manner that guests get a panoramic view of the Giritale tank from guest rooms.

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Giritale Hotel

Built on the bunds of the 12th century ocean lake Giritale Tank, with a magnificent view of the triangle blue water dotted with green islands and folds of mountains undulating in the horizon, Giritale Hotel is certainly a tourist paradise.

Opened in 1974 under the Carson Management Service (Pvt) Ltd, Giritale Hotel is still owned and managed by Carsons, a very senior company in Sri Lanka's hospitality industry. The cares of life vanishes as your senses absorb the amazing panorama from the hotel's vantage point above the ancient tank of Giritale.

The pool warm and blue as the sky above beckons guests for a refreshing dip.

Comfort with a rustic charm, the eight deluxe rooms and 34 other airconditioned rooms with a balcony, offer guests a panoramic view of the Giritale Tank and the surrounding forest. All rooms offer star-class facilities including TV, IDD telephone facilities, piped music and a 24-hour room service.

Hospitality seems to be the keynote at Giritale Hotel from the gardener right up to the Resident Manager I. N. Niranjan, the versatile hotelier with over 25 years experience in Sri Lanka's hospitality industry, working round the clock to treat all guests as VIPs, and make them 'repeater' guests to Giritale Hotel with the assistance of his experienced top team Malika Edirisinghe, Food and Beverage Manager and Executive Chef Susantha Kumarasinghe.