Kandy Lake can be seen as a symbol for the hilly city, situated in the heart of its landscape, near the Temple of the Tooth. It is an artificial creation, made in 1807 by King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Kandy as well as of Sri Lanka. The MakingA paddy field is what the lake land used to be before the king ordered it to be excavated. All the ministers and advisors who opposed his move were brought to a tragic end. He ordered to build a dam for crossing over to the other side but later had it broken from both ends to create an island. A Walakulu wall was also being constructed around the lake to further beautify it but the city was taken over by the British invaders before it could be completed. The wall stills stands incomplete. An evening at the lakeStrolling around the lake is the favorite pastime of many natives as well as tourists, particularly during the evening around the Temple of the Tooth. A few seating spots allow the onlookers to relax and just admire the beauty. Quick FactsSpill level above: 1740 M.L.SCapacity: 704 acre-feetPerimeter of the tank: 2.1 milesMaximum depth: 60 feetLength of the decorative wall: 2,060 feetCatchment area: 1.045 Q.M.I
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Viharamahadevi Park is one of the many sites which made Colombo be known as The Garden City of the East. Named after Queen Viharamahadevi, mother of King Dutugamunu, this park is a remnant of the British colonial era in Sri Lanka. It also happens to be the biggest park in the city. HistoryDuring the British era, Charles Henry de Soysa donated a large piece of land to the Colombo city on which this park was developed. Opposite to this massive green space stands the colonial Town Hall building. Initially it was known as Victoria Park, named after Queen Victoria and renamed during the 1950s. It was occupied by the British Army with Australian 17th Brigade during the World War 2, after which it was restored and opened for the public in 1951. Inside the ParkA large statue of Buddha greets the visitors at the Town Hall entrance. If you come in from the Public Library’s side, your eyes will meet the tall War Memorial built here as a tribute to the European and Sri Lankan soldiers who died during both world wars. A lake, a suspension bridge over it, a series of fountains and a play area make this spot perfect for an evening picnic.
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