The artificial lake at the heart of the city, ringed by a walkable promenade and overlooked by the Temple of the Tooth.

Overview

Built by the last king of Kandy in 1807, this calm lake anchors the city centre. A flat lakeside path makes for an easy stroll past the temple, monitor lizards, pelicans and cormorants, best at dawn or dusk.

History

King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha created the lake in 1807; local legend says chiefs who opposed the labour were impaled on its bed. The small island at its centre was reputedly the king's summer house.