A strikingly clear man-made lake ringed by pine forest and hills in the highlands above Elkaduwa.

Overview

Sembuwatta Lake sits at around 1,000 m amid the Elkaduwa pine plantations and tea estates, its cold, clear water fed by a natural spring. Built as a reservoir, it is a favourite highland picnic spot with a small boating and nature-park area, forest paths and cool mountain air. Views stretch across the surrounding ridges of the Knuckles foothills.

History

The lake was created as an irrigation and water-supply reservoir for the Elkaduwa plantation and became a popular local nature park and recreation site. Swimming is prohibited because it serves as a drinking-water source.