Sembuwatta Lake (සෙම්බුවත්ත වැව)

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Sembuwatta is a serene man-made lake nestled within an estate of Elkaduwa Plantations in Kandy. Fed by natural springs, the lake was originally built in the mid-20th century to generate hydroelectric power for the estate’s tea factory. When the factory was eventually abandoned, the hydro project fell into disuse. In recent years, however, the lake and its surroundings have been developed into a popular tourist destination, admired for its cool climate, pine forests, and breathtaking views of the central highlands.

History of Sembuwatta Lake

The story of Sembuwatta goes back to 1949, when the land was first used as a polo ground during the colonial era. Later, it was converted into a small reservoir to power the tea factory. With the decline of the factory, the site fell into neglect and turned into a forest patch.

In 2005, the current lake was rebuilt by the estate manager with the support of plantation workers. Initially, it provided hydroelectricity to 89 estate houses. Soon after, the management of Elkaduwa Plantations recognized its tourism potential and developed it into a destination for both relaxation and recreation.

Things to Do at Sembuwatta Lake

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities around the lake, including boating, zip-lining, and air rifle shooting. There is also a swimming pool fed by natural spring water, making it a refreshing stop for families and adventurers alike. For those seeking a longer stay, night camping facilities are available.

Camping at Sembuwatta Lake

Camping by the lakeside is one of the highlights of Sembuwatta. Only one group is permitted each night, ensuring privacy and exclusivity. The cost is LKR 1,000 per person, with a minimum group size of 10.

Facilities provided include:

A running generator until midnight
A cook (visitors must bring their own food)
A gas cooker with cylinder, along with cups, plates, and dishes
Bedding for the group
A BBQ machine (available at an additional cost of LKR 1,000)

Sembuwatta Lake—Ticket Prices/Entrance Fees

Description	Price per Head
Adult – Local	LKR 300
Adult – Foreign	LKR 1,500
Children – Foreign	LKR 1,000
Drone Cameras	LKR 4,000
Wedding Pre-Shoot / Video Productions / Modeling Photography	LKR 10,000
Camping site for overnight stay (for max of 10; for every additional person, LKR 1000 is added	LKR 10,000

The abandoned factory of the Elkaduwa Plantations

References

Edirisinghe, N. (2019, December 10). Hiking – Lakdasun Trip Reports archive: Camping at Kelebokka 360 view point. lakdasun.org. Retrieved September 20, 2025, from https://lakdasun43.rssing.com/chan-18060207/all_p27.html

Also See

Map of the Sembuwatta Lake

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The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

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Driving Directions to Sembuwatta Lake

Route from Kandy to Sembuwatta Lake	Route from Kandy to Sembuwatta Lake
Distance : 23 km Travel time : 1.10 hours Driving directions : see on Google map	Distance : 31 km Travel time : 1.30 hours Driving directions : see on Google map

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