Sembuwatta Lake
Central Province
About Sembuwatta Lake
Sembuwatta is the hill country's prettiest surprise: a man-made lake of startling turquoise, fed by cold mountain springs, set in a bowl of eucalyptus, pine, and tea on the Elkaduwa slopes north of Kandy. Built as a reservoir for the surrounding Campbell's Lane estate, it has become a beloved excursion for its alpine looks - visitors swear the scene belongs in Switzerland until the tea pluckers and toque macaques restore the address. A landscaped path circles the water, paddle boats potter about, and a separate spring-water swimming pool beside the lake offers a safe, bracing dip (the lake itself, deceptively deep, is off-limits for swimming). The drive up from Kandy via Wattegama - hairpins through spice gardens and the Hunnasgiriya waterfall glimpsed en route - is half the pleasure. Weekdays deliver the lake at its serene best.
Top Activities
- ✓Lakeside loop walk
- ✓Spring-water pool swimming
- ✓Paddle boating
- ✓Tea estate photography
- ✓Combine with Hunnasgiriya falls and Knuckles drives
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Swim in the designated spring pool only - the lake has claimed swimmers.
The Elkaduwa road is narrow and winding; go in daylight.
Weekends get busy with Kandy day-trippers; aim for a weekday morning.
Quick Info
Best Time
December to April
Weather
Cool and fresh; mist drifts in by afternoon.
Estimated Daily Budget
7.4100°N, 80.6960°E
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