Is the water quality in Kandy Lake safe for swimming.
1 Answer from travellers
Absolutely not. Swimming in Kandy Lake is strictly prohibited by local authorities. The lake is considered highly sacred as it sits directly adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Furthermore the water quality is notoriously poor due to urban runoff and it hosts massive monitor lizards. You must restrict your swimming entirely to designated hotel swimming pools while staying in the city or travel out to specific eco lodges along the Mahaweli river.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Kandy Esala Perahera - when does it happen, where are the best viewing spots, and how do I get seats?2 answers
- Is it safe for solo female tourists to attend the Kandy Perahera at night.2 answers
- Spice garden detours forced by Kandy tuktuk drivers3 answers
- Is it safe to walk around Kandy Lake in the evening and can you swim there?2 answers
- Hanthana range and Udawattakele forest near Kandy good hikes straight from the city and are they safe and worth it6 answers
- Tuktuk drivers in Kandy quoting crazy prices for temple tours6 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture