Sembuwatta Lake is a beautiful man-made reservoir located in Elkaduwa, Matale. The lake is bordered by the Cambell’s Forest Reserve and is located at an altitude of 1,140 m. The sloping mist and cool atmosphere covered with pine trees and tea make the visitors feel relaxed and calm. The lake was developed in 2005 as a tourist destination with a summer cottage, a guest house, and a swimming pool. It is currently managed by the Elkadawa Plantation Company. Mr. Radley Dissage spearheaded this massive translation project.
The British started tea cultivation in the area and used the land where the lake was located as a polo playground. A nearby tea factory was started in 1949 and later a lake was built to generate electricity for it. The factory is long gone, but homes in the area are still powered by lake-generated electricity. Legend has it that a factory worker once found a brass pot (sembuwa) in a natural spring. He fled the country with the relics and his son later built a temple at a place where spring had begun. The ruins of the temple can still be seen. The area was later renamed Sembuwatta, meaning Brass Pot Estate.
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It’s not just a place to spend the day, it’s a place to stay and enjoy the natural magnificence of the area. For those who prefer to stay overnight, cabanas and camping facilities are available. Be prepared for this place as it can be cold at night. You can also climb mountains through the surrounding pine forests. There are no restaurants, so it is best to bring your own food and drink. For an overnight stay, a cook and utensils will be provided. BBQ cookers are available for an additional fee.
The lake is popular as a leisure and family destination due to a number of adventurous activities such as zip-lining, swan/motor boating, canoeing, and mountaineering. However, bathing and swimming in the lake are not allowed, as the lake is quite deep (30 – 40 feet) and a separate pool has been built for it. The ticket prices are Rs.200 the Locals and Rs.1000 for foreigners.
