Sembuwatta Lake

Sembuwatta Lake is located in the Elkaduwa area, about 20 km from Matale town. This lake, which was created by humans using natural spring water, has now become a popular tourist attraction and a beautiful destination.

Before the construction of the lake, this area was used by Europeans as a polo ground. Later, with the development of tea cultivation, a tea factory was established nearby in 1949. It is said that the lake was created to supply water needed for the factory. There are also several folk stories related to this place.

One legend says that a golden vessel (sembu) emerged from a water spring here, and a worker who found it fled to India with it. Because of this story, the place was named “Sembuwatta.” After the tea factory was closed for many years, the lake was developed as a tourist zone in 2005. This lake is not suitable for swimming, and its depth is said to be around 30–40 feet.

The lake is surrounded by pine forests and tea plantations. On rainy days, the area is covered with mist, making the environment extremely beautiful and slightly cold.

The access road to this place is somewhat difficult. Along the entrance path, there is also a place for bathing, which, although challenging to reach, is very attractive.

Visitors must purchase a ticket costing Rs. 300. The site is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For Rs. 300, visitors can enjoy activities such as a cable ride, a boat ride, a natural swimming pool, and a playground for children.