Contributing author: Chathura Jayasinghe
Location: Piliyandala, Colombo
Date of visit: August 2011
Nai Doova, or Cobra Island in English, is a small island located in the Bolgoda Lake in Piliyandala, Sri Lanka. It is one of eight islands located in the lake, along with Ruskin Island, San Michelle Island, and Picnic Island. Mr. Nimal, manager of a local restaurant, told me the origins of the island’s name; “People who lived around the area used to dump all the reptiles caught in their backyards onto to this island, thus the name Nai Doova“.
Getting There
Bolgoda Lake is located off of the Colombo–Horana road. After traveling about 0.5km from Piliyandala town towards Horana, there is turn-off to the right called Madapatha Road. Drive about 2–3km down Madapatha Road till you arrive at the Madapatha junction, from which you continue straight for another km to arrive at your destination. The Lake is located approximately 35 km from Colombo city and will take about 45 minutes by car.
Largest Natural Lake in Sri Lanka
Bolgoda Lake is a tributary of Kalu Ganga which starts from Adams Peak. It is presumed to be the largest natural lake in Sri Lanka and covers almost two thirds of the Kalutara district, extending from Anguruwatota to Piliyandala. It is also the largest fresh water lake in Sri Lanka. The lake’s depth is said to be in the range of 20–50 feet.
Dutch Waterway & British Hunting Ground
During the Dutch Colonial Period (1657-1796 AD), Bolgoda Lake was extensively used to ferry people and goods from the upper stream of Kalu Ganga, particularly from Ratnapura District. The lake was commonly used to transport timber from the Sinharaja Forest areas by log crafts. The islands were used as resting places for these log craftsmen as they floated along the river to timber mills of Moratuwa.
Under the British colonialists Bolgoda Lake was a famous hunting ground and place of recreation for the British adventurists who were stationed in the city of Colombo.
Ecotourism
There are a number of restaurants and hotels established around the area, providing a variety of eco activities to keep you occupied all day. Popular activities range from Bird watching, Sun Bathing, Pedal Boating, Motor Boating, Rowing, Sailing, Trawling, Angling, Jet Skiing and others.
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Sounds cool. What does one do there?
Popular activities range from Bird watching, Sun Bathing, Pedal Boating, Motor Boating, Rowing, Sailing, Trawling, Angling, Jet Skiing and others.
I have been following your site since last 2-3 months & find it quite interesting.
Sri Lanka is on my list & I may visit it in near future.
This place is cool, do you have places to stay nearby?
And what’s the best time to visit ?
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If they were dumping all the reptiles in this lake, I hope there are no crocodiles. Does Shri Lanka have crocodiles. The lakes sound great for water activities.
Yes. There are crocodiles in Sri Lanka. But at this place, crocs have not been reported according to my knowledge. It’s a wonderful place for water activities. Welcome to Sri Lanka! —Chathura