Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake) Tourism

Type of destination: Historical Landmark

Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours

Kandy Lake, also known as Bogambara Lake, is a man-made lake located at the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, and was created in 1807 by the last ruler of the kingdom of Kandy, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The lake is situated beside the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) and is considered an icon of the city. Designed for aesthetic purposes, the lake features a decorative island in its center. The lake shore is lined with the Cloud Wall (Walakulu Bamma), which is a beautiful, decorative wall with wave-like patterns. The history of the lake is also marked by a tragic event, the execution of rebels by drowning in the lake during the British colonial era. Today, it serves as a serene spot for a leisurely stroll and offers a picturesque view of the temple and the surrounding hills. It supports local wildlife, including a variety of fish, birds, and monitor lizards. The lake is also a significant cultural feature, contributing to the many religious and cultural events that take place in Kandy, such as the famous Esala Perahera festival.

Top 5 Reviews on Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)

laczkozsu

Wrote on 30th Jun, 2024

Wonderful view from the top

Kandy is the „mountain-capital” at an altitude of 490 metres. In the centre there is a long artificial lake. We first saw it from the top, from the lookout point, but then walked past it and looked at..

RoshanWATA

Wrote on 18th Jun, 2024

Kandy Lake

The Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is indeed a picturesque and serene spot in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Created in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, it serves as a ..

rachvino

Wrote on 17th Jun, 2024

Relaxing point

Located in the center of busy Kandy town, it adds to the beauty of the place and provides relaxing point to the pedestrians walking around.

Molly1107

Wrote on 15th Apr, 2024

Not much to see

Kandy was a stop-off point on our road trip. The town itself is pretty grim, lots of shops sellng tat. Traffic is very noisy. The lake is as it says on the tin - its a lake. Some wildlife to spot ..

neil535

Wrote on 29th Mar, 2024

Disappointed at night

Nice lake in day but very dark at night , not safe What a lost opportunity not I have it lit up at night , a real shame ; maybe stalla at night but at least some safety