Beira Lake
A serene urban lake in Colombo, featuring a tranquil island temple and scenic waterfront paths, offering a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, cooler temps
Beira Lake
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban lake in Colombo, featuring a tranquil island temple and scenic waterfront paths, offering a peaceful escape.
"A wonderful green space and water feature with plenty of wildlife. A great place for an early morning walk."
Combine with Gangaramaya Temple
Save time and money! Tickets often cover both Beira Lake and the nearby Gangaramaya Temple. :ticket:
Morning walks are best
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people for a peaceful stroll around the lake. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seema Malaka Temple
Island in Beira Lake
A serene Buddhist temple on a small island, offering a peaceful escape and stunning city views.

Swan Boat Rides
Beira Lake
Enjoy a leisurely pedal boat ride on the lake, a fun activity for all ages with city skyline views.

Lakefront Promenade
Around Beira Lake
Stroll or jog along the well-maintained paths, enjoying the urban oasis and glimpses of local life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Navigating Beira Lake & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Gangaramaya Temple
Save time and money! Tickets often cover both Beira Lake and the nearby Gangaramaya Temple. :ticket:
Morning walks are best
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people for a peaceful stroll around the lake. :athletic_shoe:
Beware of lake smell
Some areas, especially near CCC, can have an unpleasant odor. Be prepared. :facewiththermometer:
Swan boats for fun
Rent a swan boat for a unique perspective and a fun activity for families. :rowboat:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Gangaramaya Temple
Save time and money! Tickets often cover both Beira Lake and the nearby Gangaramaya Temple. :ticket:
Morning walks are best
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people for a peaceful stroll around the lake. :athletic_shoe:
Beware of lake smell
Some areas, especially near CCC, can have an unpleasant odor. Be prepared. :facewiththermometer:
Swan boats for fun
Rent a swan boat for a unique perspective and a fun activity for families. :rowboat:
Evening relaxation
The lakefront is a great spot to unwind and enjoy the city lights in the evening. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Beira Lake is a picturesque urban oasis offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural sites, with the Seema Malaka Temple and swan boat rides being major draws. While many appreciate its serene atmosphere and scenic views, some visitors note concerns about maintenance and occasional unpleasant odors near certain areas.
"This lake gets its name from the era of Portuguese rule 100's of years ago, when it was a huge reservoir of more than 1.65sq km now reduced to only 0.65sq km due to multiple reasons. Situated right in the middle of Colombo, this lake gives a picturesque view of the surroundings. With all the big skyscrapers all around and the main financial hub of the town."
Wasim Akhtar
"It is a small man made lake with a temple and meditation place.
There is a ticket for foreign travellors with LKR 400 per adult. This ticket can be used in Gangaramaya temple as well.
You can cover this place along with Gangaramya tempe as they are just a road apart"
Shodhan Shetty
"A wonderful green space and water feature with plenty of wildlife. A great place for an early morning walk to enjoy the sights. Wonderful place for kids to see the animals around the lake and enjoy a ride on a swan.
The temple and small island with the bridge walkway are enjoyable.
I think the city could do more in terms of better maintenance, repairing the walk ways.
My hat off and thanks to the wonderful ladies who are busy cleaning in the mornings. Thank you!
Support the people of Sri Lanka!"
Borneodaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beira Lake is centrally located in Colombo, making it easily accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing apps. It's a short distance from many major hotels and attractions. If you're coming from further afield, consider using public transport to a central point and then a short taxi ride.
Yes, Beira Lake is conveniently located right next to the famous Gangaramaya Temple, and the ITC Ratnadipa hotel is also nearby. Many visitors combine a trip to the lake with a visit to the temple.
Walking is a great way to explore the lakefront and its immediate surroundings. For longer distances, tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available and affordable.
While direct parking at the lake's edge might be limited, nearby commercial areas like One Galle Face Mall offer parking facilities. It's often easier to arrive via taxi or tuk-tuk.
Yes, several bus routes pass through the areas surrounding Beira Lake. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop near the lake or the adjacent Gangaramaya Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the general Beira Lake area is typically free. However, there might be a nominal fee for specific attractions within the lake area, such as the Seema Malaka Temple or swan boat rides.
While the lake itself is free to access, foreign travelers may need to pay a fee (around LKR 400) to enter the Seema Malaka Temple on the island, which often includes access to the Gangaramaya Temple as well.
Beira Lake is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening. The Seema Malaka Temple has specific visiting hours, usually from morning until evening.
Tickets for specific attractions within Beira Lake, like the Seema Malaka Temple, are usually purchased on-site. Online booking is not typically required for general access.
Discounts are not commonly advertised for general entry. However, combined tickets for the Seema Malaka and Gangaramaya temples might offer better value.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakefront, visit the Seema Malaka Temple on its island, take a fun swan boat ride, and observe the urban wildlife. It's a great spot for photography and relaxation.
Yes, Beira Lake is family-friendly. Kids often enjoy the swan boat rides and spotting the various birds and animals around the lake. The open spaces are good for a stroll.
You can often spot various bird species, including water birds, and sometimes other small urban wildlife. The lake is a green lung for the city.
The lakefront is generally safe in the evenings as it's a popular spot for locals and tourists. However, as with any urban area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Dress modestly if you plan to visit the Seema Malaka Temple, covering shoulders and knees.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't many dining options directly on the lake itself, the surrounding areas, especially near One Galle Face Mall and other commercial hubs, offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
You might find some local street food vendors in the vicinity, particularly during busier times. However, it's advisable to check for hygiene standards.
The area around Beira Lake is a commercial hub, so you'll find everything from fast food to fine dining in nearby malls and hotels.
There are open spaces around the lake where you could potentially have a picnic, but designated picnic areas are not prominent. It's best to check local regulations.
Some cafes and restaurants in the adjacent buildings or malls might offer views of Beira Lake, especially those on higher floors.
📸 📸 Photography
The Seema Malaka Temple on its island, the suspension bridge leading to it, and the city skyline reflecting on the water are prime photography spots. The lakefront promenade also offers great urban shots.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for serene shots. Late afternoon and sunset provide beautiful golden hour light and cityscapes.
Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near sensitive sites like temples. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Dedicated photography tours for Beira Lake are not widely advertised, but you can explore the area independently to capture its charm.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the city skyline. Don't forget a polarizing filter for water reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat. While there aren't extensive playgrounds, the general environment is safe and engaging for younger visitors. Combining the visit with the nearby Gangaramaya Temple can add an educational element to the day, though younger children might find the temple visit less engaging than the boat rides.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
It's a safe area to explore independently, especially during daylight hours and early evenings. Be mindful of the occasional unpleasant smell reported by some visitors, but don't let it deter you from enjoying this urban green space.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the chance to capture the swan boats in motion, adding life and color to your images. Experiment with different angles from the promenade and the bridge. Early mornings offer fewer crowds and softer light, while late afternoons provide dramatic skies and city lights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Evolution of Beira Lake
Today, Beira Lake is a cherished urban oasis, offering a picturesque contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers and the bustling financial hub of Colombo. Despite its reduced size, it remains a focal point for recreation and relaxation. The presence of the Seema Malaka Temple on a small island within the lake adds a spiritual dimension, making it a unique blend of nature, history, and culture.
Efforts are ongoing to maintain and improve the lake's environment. While some visitors have noted concerns about water quality and maintenance of walkways, the dedication of cleaning staff is often praised. The lake continues to be a vital green space, supporting local wildlife and providing a serene escape for residents and visitors alike.
Experiencing Beira Lake: Activities and Ambiance
The Seema Malaka Temple, situated on a tranquil island accessible via a suspension bridge, is a must-visit. It provides a peaceful sanctuary for meditation and reflection, with its distinctive architecture and serene atmosphere. The temple's location offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Beyond specific attractions, simply walking or jogging along the lakefront promenade is a rewarding experience. You can observe local life, enjoy the greenery, and appreciate the blend of nature and urban development. While some visitors have mentioned an occasional unpleasant smell near certain sections, the overall ambiance is one of a revitalizing urban escape.
Photography at Beira Lake
For capturing the grandeur of Colombo's skyline, the lakefront promenade provides an excellent vantage point. Wide-angle lenses are ideal for encompassing the vastness of the cityscape, while telephoto lenses can be used to isolate architectural details. The swan boats themselves add a touch of charm and movement to photographs, particularly when captured from the shore or from another boat.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) is the most magical time for photography at Beira Lake. The low-angled sunlight enhances textures, creates dramatic shadows, and imbues the scene with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Remember to bring a polarizing filter to manage reflections on the water and enhance the sky's colors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit