Samanala Wewa is a man-made lake located in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. It is a popular destination among both locals and tourists who come to enjoy the scenic beauty and the variety of activities available in the area. Here’s a detailed article about Samanala Wewa Lake, including information about its history, tourist attractions, activities, weather, food, accommodation, and how to reach.

Introduction: Samanala Wewa, also known as the “Butterfly Lake,” is a beautiful man-made reservoir situated in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. The lake was constructed during the reign of King Mahasena (276-303 AD) to supply water to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. It is a significant landmark in the region and is popular among both locals and tourists as a scenic destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

History & Culture: According to historical records, Samanala Wewa was built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD. The lake is located in close proximity to the ancient city of Anuradhapura and was created to provide water to the city’s inhabitants. The lake has been an important source of water for agriculture and irrigation for centuries and continues to serve this purpose today. The area surrounding the lake is also home to several ancient ruins and monuments, including the Samanala Temple and the Mahaweli Maha Seya Stupa.

Samanala Wewa Lake || Sri Lanka

Flora & Fauna: The Samanala Wewa area is characterized by a diverse range of flora and fauna. The lake and the surrounding forests are home to a variety of bird species, including the endemic Sri Lanka junglefowl, as well as monkeys, deer, and other small mammals. The area is also known for its beautiful butterflies, which give the lake its nickname, the “Butterfly Lake.”

Main Tourist Attractions: One of the main attractions of Samanala Wewa is the scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forests. The area is also home to several ancient ruins and monuments, including the Samanala Temple and the Mahaweli Maha Seya Stupa.

Activities: Samanala Wewa is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Visitors can rent boats or kayaks to explore the lake or try their luck at fishing. The area is also a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of bird species found in the surrounding forests. Hiking and nature walks are also popular activities in the area, with several trails offering scenic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.

Weather: The weather in the Samanala Wewa area is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is sunny and pleasant.

Food: There are several restaurants and food stalls in the area around Samanala Wewa that offer a variety of Sri Lankan and international cuisine. Visitors can try local specialties such as rice and curry, hoppers, and seafood dishes.

Accommodation: There are several accommodation options available in the Samanala Wewa area, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Visitors can choose to stay in Anuradhapura or nearby towns such as Habarana or Polonnaruwa, which offer a variety of lodging options to suit different budgets and preferences.

How to reach: 

Samanala Wewa is a man-made reservoir located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is easily accessible by road and can be reached from various parts of the country. Here are the different ways to reach Samanala Wewa:

By Road: Anuradhapura is well connected to other parts of the country via a network of well-maintained roads. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from Colombo or any other major city in Sri Lanka to reach Anuradhapura. Once in Anuradhapura, one can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Samanala Wewa.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Anuradhapura is the Anuradhapura railway station. Trains run regularly from Colombo and other major cities in Sri Lanka to this station. From the railway station, visitors can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Samanala Wewa.

By Air: The nearest airport to Anuradhapura is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach Anuradhapura. Once in Anuradhapura, visitors can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Samanala Wewa.

By Bus: Anuradhapura is well connected to other parts of the country via a network of buses. Visitors can take a bus from Colombo or any other major city in Sri Lanka to reach Anuradhapura. Once in Anuradhapura, visitors can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Samanala Wewa.

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