Sembuwatta Lake is an artificial body of water produced from natural spring water near the Campbell's Lane Forest Reserve in Matale District, Sri Lanka. The massive expanse of deep blue waters, along with foggy mountains and tea gardens, forms an enchanting backdrop and is a great spot to lose yourself in your thoughts and contemplate the incredible things you've seen on your journey through Sri Lanka.
One of the hill country's most fantastic attractions is Sembuwatta Lake, a heavenly place with natural spring water. It is nestled among the expansive tea gardens and reflects the area's natural beauty. The gorgeous green mountains with a rich pine forest that soar above the lake are well worth the effort of climbing. There is a pool near the lake with natural spring water, and there are summer villas and cottages all around this beautiful lake.
How to get to Sembuwatta Lake
The Sembuwaththa Lake is located in the Alkaduwa tea estate in Sri Lanka. There are two ways to get to Sembuwaththa Lake. To get there, follow either the Wattegama-Alkaduwa or the Matale-Alkaduwa roads. Wattegama is around 14 kilometers away.
From Kandy, there are two ways to get there. Traveling from Ukuwela junction to Elkaduwa and taking a bus from Ukuwela junction to Elkaduwa is the most scenic option. The second alternative is to travel to Wattegama bus station and take a bus to Elkaduwa from there. The second path is both shorter and shorter in length than the first.
From Elkaduwa, take a tuk-tuk to Sembuwatta Lake. It will cost you 400 or 500 rupees to travel one way. This place is not far from Kandy and will take about two hours, depending on road conditions. The road conditions deteriorate after Wattegama.
The ticket booth and Sembuwaththa Lake are about 1 - 2 kilometers. The lake is situated at the top of the hill. Vehicles are permitted to drive up to that point.
Sembuwatta Lake Ticket Price
The ticket desk is at the entrance to the Tea Factory. You have to purchase a ticket to the entrance from the Alkaduwa estate's ticket booth. A ticket for a local visitor costs 200 LKR. The ticket for foreigners costs 1000 LKR ($5.00) per person.
Sembuwatta Opening Hours
Sembuwatta lake is open for both locals and tourists in Monday - Saturday from 08:00 AM – 05: 00 PM
Things to do in Sembuwatta
Boat rides
You can have a boat ride on Sembuwatta Lak. It is a unique experience because there is no other place like it. During your boat safari, you will be able to see pine forests, tea estates, misty mountains, and wildlife.
Swimming
The swimming pool, which has grabbed the hearts of many nature lovers, is filled with fresh, natural spring water every day and is a fun place for everyone, including children.
Trekking in the Pine forest
Trekking through a pine forest is also an unforgettable experience you can have here. The big and dense Pines forest flanked by the Lake provides an ideal location for adventure trekking. Nature enthusiasts and filmmakers have found this Pines woodland a haven for their needs.
Night out
Assume how amazing and exciting it would be to spend a night in a summer hut with the cold breeze of the lake. You can book to arrange a BBQ along the lake's edge. Each summer hut is exclusively available to a single group to maintain privacy.
Bird watching
There are numerous chances for bird enthusiasts. As you go through the tea plantations and pine forest, you will see various birds.
Tea estate exploration
For those interested in learning more about tea culture, there is an opportunity to witness the earliest phases of the Elkaduwa tea plantation, beginning with the plucking of tea leaves. The Sembuwatta lake surrounds the Elkaduwa tea estate.
Summer huts & Sitting areas around the lake
There are several summer cabins and sitting spaces around the lake where you can unwind. Inside a dark summer hut, you can eat your meals, drink your tea, and sing with your friends or family.
Playgrounds for children
There are numerous activities for youngsters near the swimming pool. Your youngsters will spend the entire day playing in the children's play area here.
Accommodation
Within walking distance of the Sembuwatta lake, a plantation house with all modern conveniences can accommodate 12 - 15 persons. The bungalow has both family and double rooms. You can cook yourself or hire one of the cooks we can arrange.
Sembuwatta Camping
Travelers who wish to spend the night camping at the spot are given a package that includes a security guard/cook and other essential equipment (Gas Cooker, Rice Cooker, Generator). However, only one or two groups of ten people are permitted to spend the night. If the group size is larger, an additional fee will be charged. Unfortunately, only males are allowed to camp at night.
Contact Numbers
- Lake Office: 066 – 493 5767
- Lake: 066 – 493 5766
- Estate Office: 066 – 368 2459
