Sri Lanka is a mesmerizing island country located in the Indian Ocean right below India. The country is known for its 2000 years old history, rich culture, and an intense dose of natural beauty. The timeless ruins, friendly people, never-ending beaches, the majestic elephants, high waves, mystic temples, budget-friendly rates, flavorful tea, and the ever-so delicious food – this is all what Sri Lanka is made up of. Talking specifically about the lakes in Sri Lanka, these water bodies are laden with a whole lot of natural beauty and lush greenery around. These places of attractions are the most popular choices for sightseeing amongst the tourists and locals alike. Read more about these beautiful lakes and include them in your itinerary for Sri Lanka.
8 Stunning Lakes in Sri Lanka
While you vacation in Sri Lanka, check out the many sights to visit in this amazing country. It is suggested to start with the lakes in Sri Lanka. Read on from our list of the most famous lakes in the gorgeous country of Sri Lanka as we tell you more about them:
1. Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake is one of the most ancient lakes in Sri Lanka. It was created by the British Governor, Sir William Gregory, during the British colonialism era in the year 1873. The purpose of creating the lake was to provide electricity. When the lake came into formation, it was mainly utilized for the purpose of leisure and recreation by the Britishers. During that time, it was one of the most prominent attractions in the region. In recent times, the lake has got a facelift by the Sri Lankan government along with the hilly district of Nuwara Eliya. With such renovations coming into the scene, the Gregory Lake has been converted into a lake park where one can enjoy a plethora of recreational activities such as normal boat rides, swan-shaped paddle boats, pony rides along the shore, water walking balls, watersports such as jetski and windsurfing.
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Must Read: Sri Lanka In September: Explore The Eastern And Northern Parts Of This Island Country
Sri Lanka Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Book your Sri Lanka trip from TravelTriangle: Inclusive of Hotels, Sightseeing, Transfers, & Meals. Best Prices Guaranteed. Get Customizable Package & Free Guidance From Destination Experts. Book Now!
2. Bolgoda Lake
On the list of lakes in Sri Lanka is the largest freshwater lake in Sri Lanka known as Bolgoda Lake. It is also the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka. The lake covers two-thirds of Kalutara district and is also a major part of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In the old times, the lake was used for transportation of people and goods from the upper stream of Kalu Ganga. It used to be the hunting ground of the Britishers during the colonial era. While you are here at the lake, seep in its rich history and also enjoy a plethora of water activities like Kayaking, Sailing, Yachting, Canoeing, Jet Skiing, and Water Skiing. Go for a relaxing boat ride here and enjoy the natural setting of this picturesque lake.
Location: Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
Suggested Read: Trips To Sri Lanka From India: An Ultimate Guide For A Lovely Vacation
3. Sembuwatta Lake
One of the most beautiful lakes in Sri Lanka, Sembuwatta Lake is a famous tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. A man-made lake, it was created from natural spring water. There is a natural swimming pool right alongside the lake. The water body is around 9 meters (30 feet) to 12 meters (39 feet) deep. The lake belongs to the Elkaduwa Plantations. It is used to generate electricity for the nearby villages. The tourists and locals visit this place to enjoy the beauty of the place and soak in the view of the lush greenery around.
Location: Elkaduwa
Suggested Read: 10 Amazing Things To Do In Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia On Your Sri Lankan Vacation
4. Kandalama Reservoir
Amongst the most beautiful lakes in Sri Lanka is the Kandalama Reservoir. It is also known by the name of Kandalama Lake. This is a man-made lake/reservoir that was created with the construction of the 21 meters (69 feet) high and 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) wide Kandalama Dam. The water from this lake is used for irrigation purposes in the surrounding regions. The tributaries of Kala Wewa – the Mirisgoniya River were dissected to have the dam built over them for the lake to take birth. There is also a catchment area nearby. Due to the beautiful surroundings of the lake comprising of lush green foliage and the year-round water availability at the lake, the place is a prominent tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.
Location: Kandalama, Sri Lanka
Suggested Read: Dig Into 10 Sri Lankan Street Food Items That Are Pure Delight!
5. Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake in Sri Lanka is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the entire country. Also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, it is a beautiful artificial lake. The lake was built in the year 1807 next to the Temple of the Tooth by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The lake has reduced in size over the years and has come into protection. This is the reason why fishing has been banned in this lake. The place is a great spot for a casual stroll or jog. There is a shady path that surrounds the lake. Here, you can catch a great view of the hills and towns around.
Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka in Winter: A Complete Guide To Plan Your Holidays In Cold
6. Beira Lake
One of the most ancient lakes in Sri Lanka, Beira Lake is located right in the center of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The area of the lake used to be about 1.65 km2 (0.64 sq mi) of land around 100 years ago. Due to the constructions nearby and other reasons amalgamating together, the area of the lake has reduced to around 0.65 km2 (0.25 sq mi). One can go boating on this lake and enjoy running and jogging at the track surrounding the lake.
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Suggested Read: Let These 12 Sri Lankan Desserts Awaken Your Taste Buds On Your Next Vacay!
7. Semanikulam Lake
Counted as one of the most beautiful lakes in Sri Lanka, Semanikulam Lake is a haven of natural wonders and panoramic views. The lake is known for its majestic sunsets and a whole lot of greenery around. You can visit this place on your vacation to Sri Lanka and enjoy your time with your friends and family. Gi for a boat ride, jog or run around the lake and soak in the natural beauty.
Location: Sri Lanka
Suggested Read: 13 Best Things To Do In Kandy To Bedazzle Your Sri Lankan Vacation
8. Kala Wewa Lake
Kala Wewa Lake and Reservoir is the biggest lake in Sri Lanka. The lake has a rich history – it was built by King Datusena in the year 307 B.C. Having a capacity of 123 million cubic meters, it serves the nearby areas for irrigation purposes. The lake has a famous Buddha statue nearby that is quite famous amongst the tourists and locals alike. Head here for some moments of recluse and quiet on your vacation to Sri Lanka.
Location: Anuradhapura
Further Read: 22 Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya: The Mini London Of Sri Lanka!
Go on and check out these beautiful lakes in Sri Lanka and feel mesmerized by their natural beauty. There are many serene lakes in this gorgeous island country. You can include a visit to one or a few of them on your vacation to Sri Lanka. Check out the many activities by the lakeside like boating, gorging on delicious food at the local food stalls, and others. Enjoy your vacation while experiencing the beauty of the beautiful Sri Lankan lakes.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes In Sri Lanka
How to reach Neil Island from Port Blair?
Government operated ferries run from Port Blair and reach Neil Island in 2 hours.
Which beach is best for scuba diving in Andaman?
Havelock Island, Elephant Beach, Neil Island, and Port Blair are the main places for scuba diving and other water sports in Andaman.
Which are the best resorts in Neil Island?
Some of the best resorts in Neil Island are Sea Shell Neil, Summer Sands Beach Resort and Holiday Inn Beach Resort Neil Island.
Name the popular places to see in Neil Island?
The popular places to see in Neil Island are: 1. Bharatpur Beach 2. Laxmanpur Beach 3. Sitapur Beach 4. Ram Nagar Beach 5. Neil Island Jetty 6. Howrah Bridge
Which is the best time to visit Neil Island?
The best time to visit Neil Island is from October to February.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
People Also Read
Lakes In Himachal Pradesh Lakes In Kashmir Lakes In Kerala
