Kandy Lake

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Overview

Kandy Lake, also called "Kiri Muhuda" or "Sea of Milk," is an exquisite man-made lake located in the heart of Kandy City and close to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This man-made lake was established in 1807 by the last king of Sri Lanka, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. This lake is known for its beauty and for forming a scenic background of 'Walakulu Bamma,' or Cloud Wall, that borders it and also for an island located at its center: "Diyatilaka Mandapaya."

What can we do?

  • Leisure Walk / Jogging: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the paved path surrounding the lake. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists to jog or relax under the shade of massive trees.

  • Boat Rides: Take a scenic boat ride across the lake to get a unique view of the Temple of the Tooth and the surrounding hills from the water.

  • Photography: Capture the iconic reflection of the Temple of the Tooth and the Queens Hotel on the calm waters of the lake.

  • Observe Wildlife: The lake is a protected area, so you can see large monitor lizards, tortoises, various fish, and water birds like pelicans and cormorants.

  • View the "Walakulu Bamma": Admire the unique architectural feature of the triangular holes in the surrounding wall, which was designed to look like clouds.

Which season is best for travel?

  • Best Time of Day: The lake is best enjoyed during the early morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM) or late evening (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM). During these times, the weather is cool, and the golden hour sunlight reflects beautifully on the water.

  • Avoid: Mid-day can be quite hot and humid for walking.

How long to spend for a visit?

  • Walking: The perimeter of the lake is about 2.1 km. A leisurely walk around the entire lake takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

  • Boat Ride: If you plan to take a boat ride, add another 20-30 minutes.

How can we arrive?

  • Location: The lake is situated in the absolute center of Kandy town.

  • Access: If you are staying in Kandy town, it is within walking distance. From the Kandy Railway Station or Bus Stand, it is just a 10-minute walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride (Rs. 150-200).