Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, captivates with its diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches and lush tea plantations to ancient temples and vibrant cities. Rich in cultural heritage, the country showcases a blend of Buddhist traditions, colonial influences, and modern development. Known for its warm hospitality, flavorful cuisine, and wildlife sanctuaries, Sri Lanka offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking a harmonious mix of history and natural beauty.
One of the most renowned landmarks in Sri Lanka, Beira Lake has been existing in the country since the sixteenth century. In the present days, the waters of the lake clearly reflects everything aligning it. You can see lush green and dense trees eding the lake as well as getting fed by it. Offering spectacular views, high rising buildings stand crystal clear on the horizon to give the lake a dimension. Everything in and around the lake sums up to become a eye-candy masterpiece of Colombo. It offers a full package of fool-proof fun which can cover the areas of adventure, pilgrimage, picnic, boat ride and ample serene time with yourself.
It is a place which welcomes people of every age with a warm heart. Children can come here in the excitement of having a family picnic whereas teens can get jolly with the thought of capturing a number of pictures. Adults can also enjoy some alone time during the famous boat ride, however the alderlies will not miss the nearby Budhha temple.Spread over an area of 160 acres, the lake is a huge water body which used to be as huge as spreading over 410 hectares. Portuguses constructed this for the defense of their people and for the very same reason a lot of crocodiles used to live in it.
Don’t worry! Now there are no crocodiles but several other species of flora and fauna. You can easily spot egrets, storks, cormorants, pelicans, monitor lizards, and a variety of fish in and around the lake. Along with that, there are several places inside the lake premises that you would be interested in visiting. Also, the lake is surrounded by various important attractions of Colombo, which are a must to be explored by tourists from foreign places and locals alike. You can visit the lake anytime between 07:00 am to 06:00 pm and cover all the places in its proximity during your Sri Lanka trip.
There are two major ways which can help you commute the distance of 35.3 KM from Colombo Airport to Beira Lake.
By Air:
You simply take another flight from the Colombo Airport to Diyawanna Oya Airport. Once reaching Diyawanna Oya, you will have to take a 10 mins journey by road as the lake is situated at a distance of 8.8 KM from the airport. It would take you around 25 mins to reach the lake and consume around 7,500 to 16,000 INR for the flight and 550 to 700 INR for the cab ride.
By Road:
It would take 30 to 50 mins for you to cover the distance depending upon the traffic you will face en route. Also, you can choose from the various options for cabs ranging differently from each other. You can book an online cab which would cost you somewhere between 470 to 520 INR but if you grab a cab from the outside of the airport, they will charge you around 1,400 to 1,700 INR.
You can book a town car beforehand which will give you an estimated cost considering the time of your booking and all. Lastly, the best option is to drive on your own which will consume as much time as taken by a cab but will cost you as low as 180 to 270 INR.
The lake remains open from 07:00 am to 06:00 pm. Early morning is the most preferable time as there is less crowd at this hour along with great temperature and fresh atmosphere. In terms of months, November to February is the best time to visit the place as the temperatures can get hot and humid in summer months, so this is the time with cool temperatures and no rain.
Location:
Beira Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka. As it is spread across 160 acres of land, it doesn’t have a proper location but it is flowing across the city of Colombo.
Entry fee:
Not applicable
Facilities:
- Food joint
- Public washrooms
Permitted:
- Footwear
- Photography
Rooting back in the late 16th century, Beira Lake was constructed by Portuguese to have a defense system against the local kingdoms. Initially, it was established across a huge area of 410 hectares which has been reduced to 160 acres due to developments in the new era.
The defense system worked quite strongly as the entire lake was filled with dreaded and lethal crocodiles. Along with that, various small islands outshined from the blue waters of the lake, some of which were as huge as to settle an entire village or a plantation of coconut trees.
However, once the area and the lake was taken over by the Britishers, they turned it into a hotspot for amusement activities such as rowing and yachting. They also took advantage of the great connection and the network of canals across the city of Colombo for the transportation of goods.
Later in 1810, the first ever botanical garden of Colombo, Kew Gardens was also established in one of the islands inside the lake called Slave Island. Ever since the lake has been the hub for rowing and boating which still attracts tourists in the 21st century.
Beira lake finds its roots in the late sixteenth century which sure has given the lake an interesting tale to carry forward. Here are some of the mind blowing facts which will leave amazed by the history of the lake:
- The lake was constructed by Portugues in the 16th century as their defence system.
- Initially the lake was as big as 410 hectares which also housed several big islands suitable for establishing villages and coconut tree plantations.
- The lake used to house lethal crocodiles in its earlier times.
- The lake was turned into a recreational spot once it was acquired by the Britishers.
- The lake is very intricately spread over the city of Colombo to create a good network.
- The lake has also served the purpose of the channel for the transportation of goods.
- In the present days, the lake houses the most famous boating of the city.
- The lake is surrounded by various interesting attractions of the city of Colombo in its proximity.
- The lake houses a floating restaurant in its waters.
Sure the lake is an interesting place in Colombo to spend your leisure time at. But you must take these words of advice to have one of the best days of your life at the lake:
- Do not miss the boating experience at the lake as it is the most famous activity of the lake around the entire city of Colombo.
- Do stroll the entire premises of the lake as a lot of interesting places reside inside it.
- Do plan for the attractions around the lake as numerous places of interest are located in the vicinity of the lake.
- Make sure to eat at the floating restaurant buoyanting on the waters of the lake.
- Do not forget to carry your camera as the place is worth capturing inside your frame. Also, the place is rich in flora and fauna which are not to be missed.