Overview
Samanalawewa Reservoir is a dramatically beautiful highland reservoir in the Sabaragamuwa Province — a large body of deep blue water set among the forested mountain ridges of the Samanala range near Belihuloya, created by the Samanalawewa dam built on the Walawe Ganga in 1992. The reservoir is named for the Samanala Wewa (Butterfly Lake) in reference to the butterfly-shaped contour of the reservoir’s arms. It provides one of the finest highland reservoir landscapes in Sri Lanka — the deep water reflecting the surrounding forested ridges and the clear highland sky, framed by the mountains of the central southern highlands. The reservoir is surrounded by roads that provide excellent viewpoint access, and the waterbird populations at the margins include pelicans and herons. The Samanala mountain itself — Adam’s Peak — is sometimes visible in the distance from viewpoints above the reservoir.
Highlights
- Deep blue highland reservoir in the dramatic Samanala mountain setting
- Named for its butterfly-shaped contour (Samana Wewa = Butterfly Lake)
- Adam’s Peak sometimes visible in the distance from the upper viewpoints
- The forested mountain ridges reflected in the still water
- Excellent waterbird habitat at the margins
- Scenic roads around the reservoir provide multiple viewpoints
- Part of the Walawe Ganga hydropower system
- One of the finest highland reservoir landscapes in Sabaragamuwa
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; clear mornings for the best mountain reflections. January–April for clear views.
Activities
- Reservoir viewpoint photography
- Birdwatching at the margins
- Scenic driving around the reservoir
- Adam’s Peak viewing (on clear days)
Suitable For
Photographers, scenic drivers, nature lovers, those exploring the Belihuloya region
Nearby Attractions
- Belihuloya River (15 min drive)
- Bambarakanda Falls access (30 min drive)
- Wangedigala Mountain (30 min drive)
- Horton Plains southern entry (45 min drive)
- Haputale (45 min drive)
Travel Tips
- Early morning visits for the clearest reflections before cloud arrives
- The road around the reservoir passes through several excellent viewpoints
- January–March for the best chance of seeing Adam’s Peak in the distance
- Combine with a Belihuloya River walk for a complete Belihuloya day
- The reservoir is at different water levels seasonally — post-monsoon is the fullest
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