Kandy Lake

Kandy Lake is the centrepiece of the city, lying right beside the Temple of the Tooth. It was created in 1807 by Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last king of Kandy, by damming paddy fields below the palace. Its old name is Kiri Muhuda, the "milk sea".

What you see

Along the north shore runs the Valakulu Bamma, or Clouds Wall, a low white parapet with small triangular openings, where oil lamps can be lit. It was left unfinished when the British took the kingdom in 1815. A small island in the middle is said to have been used by the king; the British later used it to store gunpowder. The lake reflects the temple, the hills and the town, and it is often busy with fish, turtles, water birds and fruit bats in the evening.

The lakeside walk

A path of a little over 3 km circles the lake. Walking it at an easy pace takes about an hour. Shady trees line much of the route, and you pass the temple, colonial buildings, and views up to the hills.

When to go

Early morning is cool and quiet. Late afternoon and dusk are lively, with locals walking and the lamps of the temple lit. During the Esala Perahera, usually in July or August, the area is packed.

How long it takes

About an hour for the full walk.

Getting there

The lake is in the centre of Kandy, a few minutes' walk from the main town area and the clock tower.

Practical tips

• Do not feed the fish or monkeys where signs ask you not to.
• The path can be narrow and uneven; watch for traffic where it meets the road.
• Dress modestly if you continue to the temple.

Visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Royal Palace, or join our Kandy city tour. See things to do in Kandy and Kandy hotels.