The sunlight glistens on its tranquil waters, Bolgoda just a short distance away from the city of Colombo is a special getaway for those who enjoy the simplicity of life around the lake.
Words Kulanthi Silva | Photographs Menaka Aravinda and Vishwathan Tharmakulasingam
A weekend spent by Bolgoda lake could be a charming experience. To gaze out at the serene waters of the lake is an unquestionable means to ultimate relaxation. The grounds that run along the banks of the Bolgoda Lake are quiet in the mornings with the occasional sounds from the waters. This is a place where everyone can contemplate, yet there are many excursions, which are also equally stimulating to engage in.
This magical water hideaway is endowed with an atmosphere that encourages quite an abundance of activities. Challenging recreations such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, and boating add an all-embracing feeling to this ideal getaway.
Situated perfectly with areas for fishing, enthusiasts flock to the lake to catch fish as well as to fine tune their fishing skills. The fishermen from the Bolgoda area engage in their work at all times of the day. Their mannerisms are typical of their tribe.
The largest fresh water lake in Sri Lanka, Bolgoda Lake stretches from Anguruwatota to Piliyandala. The northern section of the waters stretches from Colombo to Kalutara while the lake covers almost two-third of the Kalutara district.
The north side of the Lake is fed by Bolgoda and Weras Rivers and reaches the vast ocean from Panadura, while the south side of the lake is fed by the Panape Canal, which finds its way to the open seas through the Thalape Canal.
It is belived that during the Dutch period the lake was mainly used to transport wood logs from Sinharaja forest to timber mills in Moratuwa and the British were the ones who came up with the idea of using the surroundings of the lake as a place to unwind and relax.
The largest fresh water lake in Sri Lanka, Bolgoda Lake stretches from Anguruwatota to Piliyandala.
The rich biodiversity of the lake is quite evident as the lake is home to diverse flora and fauna species. Bolgoda lake is home to a number of waterfowls and fresh water fish.
The shores of the lake are filled with plush and tastefully designed resorts, villas and restaurants that encourage recreational activities, and tasty dishes are prepared with locally sourced ingredients and freshly caught fish from the lake. One of the most interesting things to do in the area is birdwatching from the waterfront as migratory avifauna wander the skies and waters of the lake.
Bolgoda Lake is also popular for various celebrations from intimate dinners to milestone glam parties to languid weekends to fancy even soirées. The lake offers the perfect ambience as it is less crowded and is easily reached from Colombo. The weather here is perfect all year.
This magical water hideaway is endowed with an atmosphere that encourages quite an abundance of activities.
Whether you are someone who is in need of a quiet getaway from a hard-pressed life or a hanker for adventurous challenges or a nature enthusiast nocturnal creature with a love for sunset and dusk or even someone who is looking for some good downtime to simply unwind with friends, the tranquil Bolgoda Lake is definitely a splendid sprawl.
