Sembuwatta Lake, Sri Lanka

Sembuwatta is a man-made lake high in the hills at Elkaduwa, above the town of Matale and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours' drive from Kandy. It lies inside a tea estate at more than 1,000 metres, fed by natural springs and ringed by tea bushes and pine forest. Mist drifts across the water for much of the day, and that moody scenery has made it one of the most popular day trips for local travellers.

What to do

• Walk around the lake. A path follows the shore, with viewpoints, small bridges and plenty of places to sit.
• See the natural pool. A spring-fed swimming pool beside the lake is sometimes open to bathers for an extra fee. The water is very cold.
• Wander through the pines above the lake for views over the water and the Matale valley.
• Drink tea. Small stalls near the entrance sell tea and snacks, which you'll want in the chilly air.

Don't swim in the lake itself. It's deep and cold, with soft, muddy edges, and people have drowned here. Stick to the pool, if it's open.

The road

The last few kilometres are the main challenge. From the Elkaduwa junction, a narrow estate road climbs steeply to the lake, and its surface has long been broken and rough in places. Small cars can struggle. Many visitors leave their vehicle lower down, and they take one of the local tuk-tuks or jeeps that wait there. Ask about the road's condition before you set out.

Costs and facilities

An entrance fee is charged at the gate, as the lake is managed by the estate, and foreign visitors pay more. Facilities are basic, with simple toilets and a few food stalls.

When to go

Go on a weekday morning. Weekends and public holidays bring big crowds and traffic jams on the narrow road. The mist is part of the charm, but on some days it's so thick that you can't see the lake at all. January to April gives you the best chance of clear spells. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket whenever you go.

Getting there

From Kandy, drive via Wattegama or via Matale to Elkaduwa, about 30 km in all. Buses run to Elkaduwa from Matale and Wattegama, though you'll still need a tuk-tuk for the final climb. The nearby Hunnas Falls makes an easy second stop, and Riverston and the Knuckles are further north. See our day trips from Kandy for more options.