Location:
Beira Lake, Colombo, Sri Lanka. As it is spread across 160 acres of land, it doesn’t have a proper location but it is flowing across the city of Colombo.
Entry fee:
Not applicable
Facilities:
- Food joint
- Public washrooms
Permitted:
- Footwear
- Photography
History of Beira Lake
Rooting back in the late 16th century, Beira Lake was constructed by Portuguese to have a defense system against the local kingdoms. Initially, it was established across a huge area of 410 hectares which has been reduced to 160 acres due to developments in the new era.
The defense system worked quite strongly as the entire lake was filled with dreaded and lethal crocodiles. Along with that, various small islands outshined from the blue waters of the lake, some of which were as huge as to settle an entire village or a plantation of coconut trees.
However, once the area and the lake was taken over by the Britishers, they turned it into a hotspot for amusement activities such as rowing and yachting. They also took advantage of the great connection and the network of canals across the city of Colombo for the transportation of goods.
Later in 1810, the first ever botanical garden of Colombo, Kew Gardens was also established in one of the islands inside the lake called Slave Island. Ever since the lake has been the hub for rowing and boating which still attracts tourists in the 21st century.
Interesting facts about Beira Lake
Beira lake finds its roots in the late sixteenth century which sure has given the lake an interesting tale to carry forward. Here are some of the mind blowing facts which will leave amazed by the history of the lake:
- The lake was constructed by Portugues in the 16th century as their defence system.
- Initially the lake was as big as 410 hectares which also housed several big islands suitable for establishing villages and coconut tree plantations.
- The lake used to house lethal crocodiles in its earlier times.
- The lake was turned into a recreational spot once it was acquired by the Britishers.
- The lake is very intricately spread over the city of Colombo to create a good network.
- The lake has also served the purpose of the channel for the transportation of goods.
- In the present days, the lake houses the most famous boating of the city.
- The lake is surrounded by various interesting attractions of the city of Colombo in its proximity.
- The lake houses a floating restaurant in its waters.
Tips for visiting Beira Lake
Sure the lake is an interesting place in Colombo to spend your leisure time at. But you must take these words of advice to have one of the best days of your life at the lake:
- Do not miss the boating experience at the lake as it is the most famous activity of the lake around the entire city of Colombo.
- Do stroll the entire premises of the lake as a lot of interesting places reside inside it.
- Do plan for the attractions around the lake as numerous places of interest are located in the vicinity of the lake.
- Make sure to eat at the floating restaurant buoyanting on the waters of the lake.
- Do not forget to carry your camera as the place is worth capturing inside your frame. Also, the place is rich in flora and fauna which are not to be missed.
