
Kandy Lake - Beacutiful Scenic city lake in Kandy
Description
Kandy Lake (also known as "Kiri Muhuda" or "Sea of Milk") is an artificial lake in the heart of Kandy, built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kandy, offering a scenic and peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery, historical sites, and colonial-era buildings, the lake is a popular spot for walks, photography, and relaxation.
Visitor Fee
- Free entry to the lake and walking paths.
- Boat rides have an additional fee (~500–1000 LKR per person) depending on the duration.
Transportation
- By Car/Tuk-Tuk:
- From Colombo (~3–3.5 hours, 120 km) via the Kandy Road or Expressway.
- From Peradeniya (~20 minutes, 7 km).
- By Train:
- Train from Colombo to Kandy (~2.5–3 hours).
- By Bus:
- Regular buses from Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, and other major cities.
Things to Do
- Scenic Lake Walk – Stroll along the picturesque 3.4 km path around the lake.
- Boat Rides – Enjoy paddle boat or traditional boat rides on the lake.
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – A UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple adjacent to the lake.
- Birdwatching – Spot cormorants, egrets, pelicans, and other exotic birds.
- Photography – Capture stunning reflections of temples and mountains.
- Sunset Viewing – Experience golden sunsets over the calm waters.

Why People Enjoy Coming Here
- Peaceful retreat in the city with scenic views.
- Perfect spot for a relaxing walk or picnic.
- Rich history and cultural significance.
- Great location near key attractions like the Temple of the Tooth and Royal Palace.
- Abundant birdlife and natural beauty.
Age of the Lake
- Built in 1807, making it over 200 years old.
List of Activities
- Walking & jogging around the lake
- Boating
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Relaxing in lakeside parks
- Exploring nearby temples and historical sites
Additional Nearby Attractions
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – The most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka (~500m).
- Udawattakele Forest Reserve – A tropical sanctuary with wildlife and nature trails (~2 km).
- Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue – A giant Buddha statue with panoramic views (~3 km).
- Ceylon Tea Museum – Learn about Sri Lanka’s famous tea culture (~4 km).
- Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya – A stunning garden with rare plants and orchids (~6 km).