Kandy Lake

One of the must see places to visit in Kandy . The lake gives the unique vibe to this ancient city. Nice place to spend time on evening with relaxed atmosphere. Much cleaner compared with other lakes.

Kandy Lake (Sinhala: නුවර වැව), also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is an artificial lake in the heart of the hill city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth. Over the years, it was reduced in size. It is a protected lake, with fishing banned. Kandy Lake Location - Kandy Coordinates - 7°18′N 80°38′E Type - reservoir Primary inflows - Creek from Ampitiya Primary outflows - Creek leading to Mahaweli River Basin countries - Sri Lanka Built - 1807–1812 Surface area - 19.01 ha (47.0 acres) Max. depth - 18 m (59 ft) Water volume - 867×103 m3 (30.6×106 cu ft) Shore length - 13.4 km (2.1 mi) Surface elevation - 529 m (1,736 ft) Islands - one The lake in front of the Temple of the Tooth was formerly a stretch of paddy fields known as Tigolwela. It was converted to a lake by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha in 1807. As there had been a pond named Kiri-muhuda (a "sea of milk") in the middle of the Tigolwela, the lake constructed subsequently too was named Kiri-muhuda. Deveda Moolacharya is considered the architect of the Kandy Lake. The king first built a dam across the paddy fields, starting from the Paththirippuwa (octagon) side, where the steps leading into the lake by the Mahamaluwa (Esplanade) are still visible, stretching across to the Poya-maluwa. The dam, upon which a roadway was constructed, allowed the king to go across to the Malwatte Vihare. According to D’Oyley, the dam was constructed between 1810 and 1812. There are numerous local legends and folklore regarding the lake. One such is that the small island at its centre was used by the king's harem for bathing and was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel. The extent of Kandy Lake is 6,544 sq. meters. The circumference is 3.21 km. The greatest depth is 18.5 meters. The parapet wall, giving the appearance of a cloud, is popularly called Walakulu Bemma and measures 633.82 meters. The building located at the centre of the lake, together with some ancient ruins, was known as Diyatilaka Mandapaya in the past. It is believed that the Kings used this pavilion for relaxation. The Kandy Lake offers a place for a stroll or a jog. The shady path surrounding The extent of Kandy Lake is 6,544 sq. meters. The circumference is 3.21 km. The greatest depth is 18.5 meters. The parapet wall, giving the appearance of a cloud, is popularly called Walakulu Bemma and measures 633.82 meters. The building located at the centre of the lake, together with some ancient ruins, was known as Diyatilaka Mandapaya in the past. It is believed that the Kings used this pavilion for relaxation. Diyathilaka Mandapaya Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe built a dam for the purpose of reaching the opposite side of the lake. The king removed the soil from both the palace end and the Malwatte Vihare end, leaving an island behind. At first, this island was used as the Royal Summer House for the Queen and the ladies of the court to relax. The British later used it as an ammunition store and added a fortress-style parapet around its perimeter. Walakula Bamma The lake is surrounded by a wall called Walakulu Bamma (Sinhala: වළාකුළු බැම්ම) or Clouds Wall, which was built to increase the beauty of the Kandy Lake. It extends around half of the lake and took one skilled architect to build it. Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe was unable to complete the wall before the city was captured by the British and he was forced to relinquish the Kandian kingdom. The Walakulu Bamma still lies unfinished. The triangular-shaped holes in the wall were used in the past for lighting oil lamps on festival days. Ulpange Ulpange or Queens Bathing Pavilion is situated partly in the waters of the Kandy Lake. The wives and concubines of Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe used the pavilion when bathing in the lake. After the British captured the city they added another storey and used the building as a library. It is currently used as a police post.

Kandy Lake is a beautiful spot with a very calming atmosphere. I visited in the morning hours, and it was peaceful and quiet—perfect for a relaxing walk or just to sit and enjoy the view. The surroundings are clean and well-maintained, making it a great place to unwind in the heart of the city.

Kandy Lake is absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Right in the heart of the city, it offers a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle. The path around the lake is flat and easy to walk—about 45 minutes at a relaxed pace—making it a great way to soak in some nature without much effort. One of the most fascinating things about the lake is how much wildlife you can spot. We saw monkeys swinging through the trees, huge water monitors (honestly, some of the biggest I’ve ever seen—even bigger than the ones in Thailand!), and all kinds of birds. We spotted pelicans, kingfishers, herons, and this time of year (June), there were tons of baby birds in nests—so sweet to see. One heads-up though: there are large bats (flying foxes) hanging in the trees around the lake. They’re impressive to see, but fair warning—they do poop, and it might land on you if you’re not paying attention, so maybe don’t linger directly under the trees too long! The lake itself was created in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the last king of Sri Lanka, and it’s still a central part of life in Kandy. Right next to it is the famous Temple of the Tooth, so it’s easy to combine the walk with a visit to one of the country’s most important cultural sites. Overall, Kandy Lake is a great spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich mix of nature and history. Just keep an eye on the sky!

Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the lake adds a serene charm to the bustling city. Surrounded by a shaded walking path, it offers a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike. The lake is beautifully maintained, and the small island at its center adds to its mystique. Legend says the king used it as a personal garden. Along the walkway, you’ll find benches where you can sit and admire the scenic beauty, while spotting birds, fish, and even occasional water monitors. Kandy Lake is located right next to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, making it a central point for tourists. Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to visit, as the cool air and soft light create a magical atmosphere. Despite being in the middle of a busy city, the lake feels calm and timeless. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, quiet reflection, or simply to enjoy nature. Whether you’re exploring Kandy’s cultural treasures or just looking for a peaceful spot, Kandy Lake is definitely worth a visit.

A serene lake which is a major attraction & situated in the heart of Kandy. The scenic views alongside, the temple of Tooth Relic on another & mirror reflection of mountains surrounded by makes the walk around this lake a memorable one. Its indeed another incredible experience to view the Kandy perahera(the temple festival) in which the tooth relic are carried on elephant back around the city like a procession.

The lake is peaceful and calm. There are lots of birds, swans, water animals and fishes in the lake. The walk was quite intense in the heart but nothing too bad. We were able to stroll around the lake in an hour. There is also Joy's Motorboat service if you're interested in taking a boat ride. The lake is situated right bang at Kandy City Centre and Kandy Multiplex, so there's traffic all around the clock. Evenings are peaceful at the lake. Lots of stuff to try out and eat at the lake but be careful while trying food from local street vendors. There are many other fast food joints like Pizza Hut at a stone's throw away. The water is a bit polluted at the ends but nothing too bad. There's also a Queen's bath building at the lake and it was used as a pool during older days. The archaeological team explains the history once you enter the building and you can even watch a more detailed video at an additional cost. The lake is overall a good visit for a peaceful stroll during the evenings or at night

Kandy Lake is an absolute must-visit when you're in Kandy, especially if you're near the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This serene, historic lake is a beautiful spot to unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. With its calm waters and lush surroundings, it’s the perfect place to relax your mind and enjoy a peaceful moment amidst nature. The lake has a rich history and is filled with fascinating stories that reflect the deep cultural heritage of Kandy. As you stroll around, you can’t help but be transported back in time, with the stunning backdrop of the Temple of the Tooth Relic adding to the sense of awe. It’s a place where history and nature come together in perfect harmony. Whether you're sitting by the water or taking a leisurely walk around the lake, you’ll find the environment incredibly calming. It’s an ideal spot to pause, reflect, and enjoy some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you're visiting Kandy, make sure to take some time to experience Kandy Lake – it’s not just a beautiful sight, but a peaceful escape into the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical landscape.