Kandy Lake
Artificial lake built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha in 1807 at the centre of Kandy, encircled by a 3km walkway and flanked by the Temple of the Tooth.
Duration
1 hour
Entry Fee
Free
Difficulty
easy
Budget
free
About Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake was constructed in 1807 at the order of the last Kandyan king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, using forced labour, which contributed to public resentment that eventually aided the British takeover in 1815. The lake covers 63 acres and its perimeter walkway of approximately 3 kilometres passes directly in front of the Temple of the Tooth Relic on the northern bank. A small island in the centre was used as the king's ammunition store and later as a summer house. The cloud wall balustrading along the lakeside road is a distinctive feature of Kandyan architecture. Early morning is the best time for a walk — the mist over the water and the cool air before 8am are notably pleasant.
Highlights
- Built in 1807 by the last Kandyan king
- 63-acre lake with 3km lakeside walking circuit
- Cloud wall balustrading — distinctive Kandyan architecture
- Directly adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth Relic
Practical Tips
Walk the lake perimeter at 6am to 7am for cool temperatures and few crowds.
The southern walkway offers the best photographic angle of the Temple of the Tooth across the water.
Avoid the lake road by car during Esala Perahera festival week in July/August — roads are closed for processions.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Best time of day: Year-round; early morning preferred for walk; December to April for dry weather
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Moderate
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- outdoor
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- free
- Photography
- ★★★☆☆
Plan Your Visit
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ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Temple of the Tooth Relic
Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy houses a tooth relic of the Buddha and has been the most sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka since the 4th century AD.
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Udawattakele Forest Reserve
A 104-hectare protected cloud forest reserve directly above central Kandy, with 68 recorded bird species and multiple walking trails through bamboo groves and tropical trees.
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Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
Sri Lanka's largest botanical garden covering 147 acres on a meander of the Mahaweli River, established in 1821 with over 4,000 plant species including a 350-year-old Java fig tree.
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Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue
A 26.8-metre white seated Buddha statue on Bahirawakanda Hill overlooking central Kandy, visible from most of the city and accessible by a 30-minute walk or tuk-tuk.
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Tour Packages
from $450Classic Ceylon Discovery
This 6-day Classic Ceylon Discovery journey is crafted with care, blending the joy of exploration with the ease of unwinding, perfect for anyone eager to soak up the island’s magic. From ancient temples to misty hills, thrilling safaris to soft beaches, this trip is a love note to Sri Lanka’s heart and soul. Start in Kandy, where the air hums with tradition and the city’s sacred sites, a UNESCO treasure, feel like a step back in time. Then, roll into Nuwara Eliya’s cool highlands, where tea fields stretch forever and old colonial cottages whisper history. Feel the thrill of Yala’s wild side on a safari, spotting leopards and elephants in their untamed home. Kick back on Bentota’s golden beaches, letting the waves wash your cares away. Finally, wander Colombo’s lively streets, where grand old buildings meet the buzz of today. If you love history, crave nature, or just want a trip that feels alive, Classic Ceylon Discovery captures Sri Lanka’s spirit in one unforgettable loop. Your Itinerary Day 1: Land in Sri Lanka and sink into Kandy’s warm, sacred charm. Day 2: Drive through stunning views to Nuwara Eliya, where tea plantations and history await. Day 3: Head to Yala for an afternoon safari that’ll make your heart race. Day 4: Settle into Bentota’s beachy bliss, with palms and waves for company. Day 5: Discover Colombo, where old-school charm meets modern energy. Day 6: Head home, carrying Sri Lanka’s warmth in your heart.
6 days / 5 nights
from $0Kandy Esala Perahera Festival Tour
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a ten-night Buddhist and Hindu procession honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, held each July or August in Sri Lanka's hill capital. Five Kumbal Perahera nights build in scale before the Randoli Perahera, when palanquins representing the four devale queens join over 100 elephants, whip-crackers, fire dancers and Kandyan drummers on the temple's torch-lit route through the city. This tour bases you in Kandy for two of the grandest Randoli nights with reserved gallery seats, and fills the days with a morning visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before the crowds, the palm avenues of Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, and a day trip into Nuwara Eliya's tea country. Travellers who want more history can add an optional day at Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Kandy's hotels sell out months ahead of the festival, so confirm your dates and book as early as you can.
6 Days / 5 Nights
Ceylon Express: 4-Day Highlights
Ceylon Express is a 4-day loop for travellers with limited time: a Maldives stopover, a short-leave visit, or a first taste of Sri Lanka before a longer trip another year, covering Sigiriya, Kandy and a genuine if brief taste of tea country. Day one drives to Sigiriya via a stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, roughly 3.5-4 hours from Colombo, for the climb up the 5th-century rock fortress. Day two continues to Kandy, roughly 2.5-3 hours further, for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Day three is Kandy's tea day: the Ceylon Tea Museum at Hantana, a working 1925 tea factory 5km from town dedicated to tea pioneer James Taylor, gives a real look at leaf processing without the extra day a Nuwara Eliya trip would need, be honest with yourself that this is a taste of tea country, not the full hill-country experience; if that matters more than time saved, look at the 6-day Classic Ceylon Discovery instead. Four days means three driving days out of four and limited free time, this route suits travellers who want the highlights covered efficiently, not a relaxed pace.
4 Days / 3 Nights
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