Kandalama Lake within Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle is a gentle lake in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle whose edge mirrors the rich history and breathtaking natural beauty of the region. Locally referred to as Kandalama Reservoir, this man made lake is the official name of the lake and is an important irrigation source and form of sustaining life for the local communities and is an example of Sri Lanka’s dedication to using development to also conserve its ecology. Creation of lake, importance of this lake to surrounding ecosystem as well as culture and its status of being a top priority destination for eco-tourism are discussed.
Historical Background
In the 1950s Kandalama Lake was constructed as part of a broader government scheme to improve irrigation and water retention in central Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Its local importance is largely related to the fact that a reservoir (Kandalama Reservoir) that was built during its construction has transformed the barren landscape into fertile farmland and happens to be basis of the local agriculture that most of the locals depend on for survival. The lake is a few kilometres away from the Ancient city of Dambulla with its cave temples and nearby are many other of Sri Lanka’s key archaeological sites such as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Being based at such an important location, Kandalama Lake is the central point of the cultural and historical story of the region.
Ecological Importance
A lush catchment area, surrounding Kandalama Lake, plays a major role in sustainig diverse flora and fauna supporting the biodiversity of the region. Many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals inhabit the lake and its surrounds. Due to its attractiveness to both endemic and migratory birds, grey heron, purple heron, and even rare black headed ibis can be seen.
The ecologic balance of the lake is achieved from the coexistence of the aquatic/ terrestrial biodiversity with the human communities. This balance has been maintained, and is still being maintained: locals have adopted sustainable fishing practices and there is controlled tourism around the lake.
Cultural Significance
Water bodies of Sri Lanka have been a replete part of the local nature culture and traditions for centuries. Kandalama Lake is not the exception. The lake is not only a source of communities’ livelihood but also a gathering site of cultural communities. At traditional fishing rituals and water festivals observed by the local communities each year, people and spectators from all over the region join in. In many cases these are events accompanied by traditional music, dance and communal feasts, testifying to the richness of the area’s cultural heritage.
Tourism and Recreation
Kandalama Lake has become a favorite spot for eco tour and nature lovers over the years. The surroundings and quiet water are great ground for recreational activities. Kayaks, canoes, and boat rides are prominent because of two things: there’s so much water and there are so many hidden coves to see. Those with a lesser taste for terrestrial explorations may choose to hike or birdwatch along several well marked trails around the lake.
With the Kandalama Hotel, by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, neighboring it there is also appeal to the lake. The hotel is built into the surrounding rock and is known for its eco friendly architecture, with luxury blending with the nature, and offers some truly amazing views of the lake.
Conservation Efforts
Stakeholders in the Kandalama Lake conservation include local communities, non governmental organization, and government bodies. Habitat restoration, water quality monitoring and community education programs about sustainable practices are initiatives. If farther downstream were not managed through these efforts, the lake could not continue to sustain its ecological functions and would be a natural beauty and a livelihood lost to future generations.
Future Perspectives and Challenges.
Although conservation and development at Kandalama Lake has been successful, challenges remain including water pollution, invasive species, and climate changes. Solutions to these issues, and the attempts to solve them, are ongoing and continuing to develop innovative approaches that will benefit the health of the lake and the communities that are reliant on it.
Continued collaboration between Kandalama Lake’s government, local communities and international conservation agencies will be the key to the future of the Kandalama Lake as a sustainable model of eco—tourism and conservation. Kandalama Lake can remain a symbol of natural beauty and cultural heritage in Sri Lanka by teaching lessons that support the in depth understanding and appreciation of the natural environment.
Around Kandalama Lake: Top Places to Visit
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya (also called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”) lies just 20 miles north of Kandalama Lake. The ruins of a 5th century AD palace tops this massive column of rock, standing almost 200 meters high. As well as frescoes and mirror walls, steep steps lead visitors up to the top, where there are breathtaking views down to the gorgeous lush jungles below. Sigiriya is the combination of beautiful historical architecture on natural settings not to be missed.
2. Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple is World Heritage site in the vicinity (15 kilometers to the northeast), dating back to the 1st century BC. The five cave complex features in excess of 150 images of Buddha and also has a rock carved image of Buddha 14 meters long. The rich religious art and history of Sri Lanka is deep in the caves’ 2,100 square meters of intricate murals.
3. Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Polonnaruwa, the ancient city about a one hour’s drive from Kandalama Lake, affords a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s medieval past. Among its best preserved ruins of palaces, temples and stupas, Polonnaruwa was the capital of the island from the 11th to the 13 century. There are four large Buddha statues carved out of granite at the Gal Vihara, and the Parakrama Samudra, a spectacular huge man made reservoir.
4. Minneriya National Park
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, then it would be just a 30 minute drive to Kandalama Lake to get you to Minneriya National Park. Along with the ‘Gathering’, the park is famous for the largest gathering of Asian elephants anywhere in the world, as they migrate to the shores of the Minneriya Tank during the dry season (July to September). The park also has a number of mammals, birds and reptiles besides elephants.
5. Anuradhapura
About 90 minutes from Kandalama, in traveling further afield, lies Anuradhapura. Another cradle of ancient Sri Lankan civilization, this city was the capital for over a millennium. Reputed as containing the ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization, Anuradhapura includes a number of well-preserved dagobas (stupas), ancient pools, and crumbling temples. It also contains the sacred Sri Maha Bodhiya the oldest living human planted tree in the world with a known planting date.
6. Ritigala Forest Monastery
Ritigala rises about 40 km away, containing the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery. Shrouded in myth and history the site also features remains of monastic buildings, paved paths and meditation platforms within a strict nature reserve. Ritigala has denser and cooler forest than much of the island, and is a special ecosystem with flora that you don’t see much of in the rest of Sri Lanka.
7. Pidurangala Rock
Just a short drive away from Sigiriya is Pidurangala Rock which requires a slightly less exhausting hike up than its more popular neighbor and offers an equally gorgeous view from the top looking down onto Sigiriya Rock and its surrounding jungle. There were also a cave temple and a reclining Buddha statue to house on Pidurangala.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s Kandalama Lake is about more than just a body of water – it’s at the heart of Sri Lanka’s ecology and culture. Because it sustains biodiversity of the area while catering to the communities it depends on, the lake represents a balance and sustainability. Whether behind the lens of a camera, a stroke of a kayak, or a stroll along its shore, Kandalama Lake provides a tranquil, but deep, experience for all who make the pilgrimage, and is truly one of Sri Lanka’s many natural jewels.
Other Articles
Ramboda Falls
Herbs and Spices of Sri Lanka
