What is Kandy Lake?
Kandy Lake, also called Kiri Muhuda, the Sea of Milk, was created by Sri Vikrama Rajasinghe, the last king of Kandy, in 1807. It lies right beside the Temple of the Tooth and the old palace, and the town grew up around it.
Along the temple side runs the Walakulu Bemma, a scalloped white parapet known as the cloud wall. Water monitors, fish, cormorants and egrets live in and around the water.
How do I get to Kandy Lake?
The lake is in central Kandy, about 10–15 minutes’ walk from the railway station and the clock tower. Most hotels in town are within walking distance, and PickMe or Uber tuk-tuks give a fixed price if you are staying up in the hills.
Kandy itself is about 2.5–3 hours by train from Colombo and roughly 6–7 hours by train from Ella. Buses link it with Colombo, Dambulla and Nuwara Eliya.
What can I do at Kandy Lake?
The lake is a place to slow down between Kandy’s bigger sights. Most of these fit into an easy afternoon.
- Walk the full loop of a little over 3 km.
- Climb to Arthur’s Seat on the hill road above the lake for the classic view over the water and temple.
- See Ulpange, the Queen’s Bathing Pavilion, on the water’s edge.
- Look up to the Bahirawakanda Buddha, the big white statue on the hill above town.
- Finish at the Temple of the Tooth for the evening puja.
- Play the Srilor audio story as you walk; the first chapter is free.
When is the best time to visit Kandy Lake?
January to April is the best season, with settled weather in Kandy. In July the hills above Kandy are often dry, even while the south-west coast is wet.
Go early, when locals walk and jog and the air is cool, or late afternoon into dusk, when the lights come on around the temple. Around August, the Esala Perahera fills the streets by the lake, so book ahead and expect road closures.
Does it cost anything to walk around Kandy Lake?
No, there is no general admission fee. Optional extras such as guides or donations at nearby shrines cost extra.
- Watch your step; the pavement narrows in places and traffic is heavy.
- Cross at marked crossings and keep an eye out for buses.
- Keep food out of sight of the monkeys.
- After dark, keep to the lit, busier side near the temple.
How long is the walk around Kandy Lake?
The loop is a little over 3 km and takes about an hour, less if you walk briskly. The path is flat, with shade from big trees along much of the way.
Start at the Temple of the Tooth end and finish in the town centre for food. For the view, add the short, steep climb to Arthur’s Seat on Rajapihilla Mawatha, about 15–20 minutes from the lake.
Kandy Lake: quick answers
How long does it take to walk around Kandy Lake?
About an hour for the loop of a little over 3 km. Allow 1–4 hours if you add the viewpoints and the Temple of the Tooth.
Is Kandy Lake safe to walk at night?
The busier, lit side near the temple is fine in the evening. Late at night, walk with company and keep to lit stretches, as in any city.
Can you swim in Kandy Lake?
No. It is an ornamental lake beside a sacred site, and swimming is not allowed.
Where is the best view of Kandy Lake?
Arthur’s Seat, on Rajapihilla Mawatha above the lake, has the classic view over the water and the Temple of the Tooth.