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Stroll around the beautiful Kandy Lake, enjoy a boat ride on the serene waters, visit the surrounding temples like the Temple of the Tooth, or relax in the gardens nearby. The sunset views over the lake are especially picturesque.
Kandy Lake is a huge artificial lake dug out of a rice field. It is located in the center of Kandy, a city in central Sri Lanka and a Buddhist holy place. It is also one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions.
Some say Kandy Lake is to Kandy what West Lake is to Hangzhou, a vivid illustration of its importance to the city. The lake is beautiful, with tropical plants and trees lining its shores, creating a natural pergola.
A variety of flowers bloom in a dazzling array of colors. A flat road circles the lake, and the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic is also located beside Kandy Lake. Kandy Lake reflects the Temple of the Tooth Relic, while the Temple of the Tooth Relic is embellished by Kandy Lake. The two complement each other in perfect harmony, forming the most beautiful scenery line of the ancient city of Kandy.
September to October is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka. This is the dry season and suitable for travel.
1-2 hours
free
All day
Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda, was created in the 16th century by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe as part of the Royal Palace complex in Kandy. The lake is central to Kandy’s identity and is surrounded by the sacred Temple of the Tooth, making it an important cultural landmark in Sri Lanka.
Kandy Lake is located in the heart of Kandy city, Sri Lanka. It’s easily accessible by walking from Kandy’s main streets, or by taking a taxi or tuk-tuk from other parts of the city.
Kandy Lake is open year-round and can be visited at any time of the day. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit for cooler weather and less crowded conditions, with the sunset offering stunning views.
There is no entrance fee for visiting Kandy Lake itself, but if you want to visit nearby attractions like the Temple of the Tooth, tickets are required. Tickets can be purchased at the site or online for the Temple of the Tooth.
No advance booking is necessary for Kandy Lake, but if you plan to visit the Temple of the Tooth, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Exploring Kandy Lake takes about 1 to 2 hours, especially if you’re walking around the lake and taking in the sights, including nearby temples and gardens.
The must-see highlights include the lake itself, the picturesque walking path around the perimeter, and the nearby Temple of the Tooth. The surrounding gardens also offer a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy nature.
Guided tours are available at the Temple of the Tooth, which is located near Kandy Lake. These tours are offered in English and several other languages.
Best viewpoints for photography include the elevated path along the lake and the viewpoint near the Temple of the Tooth. The early morning light creates perfect reflections of the surrounding trees and temples in the water.
Start by walking around the lake, enjoying the views and taking photos. You can then visit the nearby Temple of the Tooth and explore the surrounding gardens and temples at your own pace.
Kandy Lake is beautiful at night, especially during the annual Esala Perahera festival when the area is illuminated. However, there are no regular light shows or night tours available at the lake itself.
The area can get crowded, especially around midday and during festivals. The least crowded times are early mornings or late afternoons, weekdays being quieter than weekends.
There are several rest areas and small shops around the lake. Toilets are available at the nearby Temple of the Tooth and in the surrounding parks. Food vendors and local cafes can be found near the lake.
The lake area is accessible for elderly visitors and children, with a walking path around the lake. However, some sections may be difficult for disabled visitors due to uneven ground and stairs leading to higher viewpoints.
Cash is needed for small purchases and entry fees at some sites. Mobile payments and cards may be accepted at larger shops or restaurants, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors.
There are several cafes and restaurants near the lake, including "The Kandy House" and "Cafe Divine," offering local Sri Lankan cuisine and international dishes.
Yes, many restaurants near the lake offer vegetarian and vegan food options, along with halal food, especially in the larger restaurants in Kandy.
Nearby hotels include "Earl's Regency," "The Kandy View Hotel," and budget options like "Kandy City Hostel." All are within walking distance from Kandy Lake.
Nearby attractions include the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Peradeniya Railway Station. These can easily be combined into a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops around the lake and in Kandy city selling items like wooden carvings, jewelry, tea, batik, and handwoven fabrics.
After visiting Kandy Lake, tuk-tuks or taxis are available to continue your journey. If you’re traveling to nearby areas like Nuwara Eliya or Colombo, buses and trains are available from the Kandy bus station or train station.
