Family Trip to Sembuwatte Lake

Year and Month	26-December-2017
Number of Days	One
Crew	20+
Accommodation	N/A
Transport	Hired Bus
Activities	Hiking, Photography, Sightseeing, Nature Exploring
Weather	Good
Route	Colombo -> Kandy -> Wattegama -> Elkaduwa -> Sembuwatte Lake Road
Tips, Notes and Special remark	Carry enough water Do not try in rainy days Ask the directions from local Do not disturb to the villagers Buy a valid ticket Follow the guidelines and rules Have a bath from the natural pool Do not litter Leave only footprints
Related Resources	None
Author	Ranshan Fernando
Comments	Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread Family Trip to Sembuwatte Lake

I planned a trip with my family and relations which is for a one-day adventurous trip. I choose Sembuwatte lake as it is so beautiful and we can enjoy a different beauty while driving through the northern part of Kandy district. We spent our morning at Kelebokka and then the evening at Sembuwatte Lake.

Sambuwatta Lake is a beautiful man-made reservoir located in Elkaduwa, Matale. The lake is bordered by Cambell’s Land forest reserve and situated at an elevation of 1,140 m. The misty and chilly atmosphere with pine trees and tea-covered slopes surrounding the lake make visitors feel relaxed and tranquil.

What puts the lake at the top as a leisure and family travel destination is the plethora of adventure activities available such as zip-lining, swan/motor boat riding, canoeing and hiking. Bathing and swimming in the lake, however, is not allowed since the lake is fairly deep (30 – 40 ft), there is a separate pool built for that purpose.

The road leading to the lake (Sembuwatte Lake Road) off Wattegama – Elkaduwa – Matale road (B461) is not in a favourable condition, especially the stretch that lies beyond the factory. This narrow and winding road stretches about 04 km from the main road to the lake. About 03 km in, there is a dilapidated tea factory (Elakduwa Tea Factory) and a small office, where you should stop to buy tickets.

Long vehicles like 54 seat Leyland buses/Coaches should be parked here. Small vehicles can safely be driven beyond this point up to the lake and park at the lake premises. Owing to the narrowness of the road, it can be heavily congested during holidays.

Essential Information

Ticket prices
- Locals: Rs 200
- Foreigners: Rs 1,000
Opening Hours : 08:00 AM – 06: 00 PM
Accommodation
- Polo Bungalow : Rs 15,000 ( 12 pax)
- The Summer huts:
  - Rs 1000 per person in a group of min 10 pax
  - For a group less than 10 pax: Rs 7,500