Lotus ponds surround this site, which has a wealth of elephant details in the carvings (note the footpads). It was built 2300 years ago by King Mahanaga in thanks both for the birth of his son, Yatala Tissa, and for his safe escape from an assassination attempt in Anuradhapura. It's an easy walk from town.
Don't miss the small neighboring museum which contains an extraordinary range of treasures including an ornate, ancient bidet, which – as well as an elaborate filtration system that limited water pollution – had murals of ugly faces carved into it in order to stop the user thinking about sex! Note that hours vary as the caretaker is not always around.
