Moratuwa and Bolgoda Lake: Furniture Town and Calm Backwaters
Moratuwa is a coastal town at the southern edge of the Colombo sprawl, long known for its carpentry and furniture workshops and for the University of Moratuwa. Its quiet secret is Bolgoda Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Sri Lanka, which threads through the town and its neighbours.
Bolgoda Lake
The lake’s calm backwaters are perfect for a boat ride or a lakeside meal, with birdlife in the reeds and mangroves along its edges. Several restaurants and small boat operators sit along the shore.
Furniture and church heritage
Moratuwa’s roadsides are lined with furniture showrooms, a craft the town is known for across the island. The historic St Sebastian’s and other churches reflect its strong Catholic community.
Getting there
Moratuwa is a short train or road trip south of Colombo on the coastal line, an easy half-day escape from the city.
Been to Moratuwa? Rate the places you visited and see what other travelers recommend.
Explore on Traveling Score