Lake Tour at Weerawila Tissa Sanctuary
The Weerawila Tissa Sanctuary is blessed with a chain of scenic lakes that create a peaceful and nature-filled atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching, cycling, walking tours, and enjoying unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. This lake tour will take you through four of the most beautiful and historically significant lakes in the region:
Debarawewa Lake
Debarawewa Lake (also known as Derawewa Wewa) is a beautiful and serene freshwater lake located in the Weerawila–Tissamaharama Sanctuary area of southern Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush greenery, paddy fields, and rural village life, this scenic lake offers a peaceful escape into nature.
It is an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when a wide variety of migratory and resident birds gather along the water’s edge. Visitors can often see pelicans, painted storks, egrets, herons, cormorants, and many other water birds in their natural habitat.
Debarawewa Lake is also ideal for cycling, walking, or photography, offering stunning reflections of the sunrise and sunset across its calm waters. The tranquil surroundings and rich biodiversity make it a perfect destination for nature lovers exploring the Weerawila Tissa Sanctuary area.
Tissa Lake
Tissa Lake, also known as Tissamaharama Wewa, is a stunning ancient reservoir located in the heart of Tissamaharama, within the Weerawila–Tissa Sanctuary area in southern Sri Lanka. Built by King Kavantissa over two thousand years ago, this lake once served as a vital water source for the ancient Ruhuna Kingdom and continues to nourish the surrounding paddy fields and wildlife habitats.
Encircled by lush greenery, palm trees, and peaceful village life, Tissa Lake is a perfect spot for walking or cycling tours, sunrise and sunset viewing, and birdwatching. The area is home to a wide variety of bird species both resident and migratory including herons, egrets, storks, pelicans, and kingfishers.
One of the lake’s unique highlights is the Fruit Bat Viewpoint, located along the lakeside. As evening approaches, visitors can witness hundreds of fruit bats (flying foxes) taking off from their roosts in the tall trees, creating a mesmerizing scene against the glowing sunset sky.
With its blend of history, wildlife, and tranquil beauty, Tissa Lake offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and travelers exploring the Tissamaharama and Yala region.
Weerawila Lake
Weerawila Lake is a beautiful freshwater reservoir located in the heart of the Weerawila Tissa Sanctuary, near Tissamaharama in southern Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush greenery and open landscapes, this tranquil lake is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
The calm waters of Weerawila Lake attract a wide variety of water birds, including pelicans, painted storks, herons, egrets, and cormorants. During the migratory season, it becomes even more vibrant with flocks of visiting species from distant lands. The peaceful setting, combined with the soothing sounds of nature, makes it a perfect place for sunrise and sunset viewing, cycling tours, or a relaxing boat ride.
In addition to its rich birdlife, the lake plays an important role in supporting local agriculture and wildlife within the sanctuary. Visitors can often spot monkeys, peacocks, and other small mammals along its shores.
Weerawila Lake is truly a picturesque escape a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and serenity, offering visitors an authentic glimpse of Sri Lanka’s southern wilderness.
Pannagamuwa Lake
Pannagamuwa Lake is a beautiful and peaceful freshwater lake located within the Weerawila–Tissa Sanctuary area in southern Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush greenery and open landscapes, the lake provides a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife, especially water birds such as herons, egrets, storks, and kingfishers. During the early morning and late evening, the lake becomes a picturesque spot with calm waters reflecting the golden light of sunrise and sunset.
The surrounding area is popular for birdwatching, cycling, and nature walks, offering visitors a chance to experience the tranquil beauty of rural Sri Lanka. Pannagamuwa Lake is also connected to the region’s traditional irrigation system, supporting both local agriculture and the natural ecosystem. Its quiet charm and natural richness make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers exploring the Tissamaharama region.
Together, these four lakes not only support a rich variety of wildlife but also offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the cultural and natural beauty of Tissamaharama. Whether by bicycle, on foot, tuk tuk ride or simply relaxing by the water, the lake tour is a perfect way to explore the sanctuary’s charm.