Is it safe to walk around Kandy Lake in the evening and can you swim there?

Walking around Kandy Lake in the early evening is generally fine and popular with locals and tourists. The path is lit and there are usually people around until around 7-8pm. After dark it becomes quieter and it's better to take a tuk-tuk back to your hotel. Swimming in the lake is not recommended — it's polluted, has strong currents in places, and there have been incidents. Stick to hotel pools or designated swimming spots outside the city if you want to swim. The lake is beautiful for walking and photos but not for water activities.