Tissa Wewa is an ancient artificial lake constructed by King Kavantissa in the 3rd century BC to supply water for the royal capital and surrounding paddy fields. Today it forms the scenic backdrop to the town, fringed by palm trees and visible from much of Tissamaharama.
The lake is a good spot for birdwatching at any time of day: painted storks, pelicans, egrets, kingfishers and cormorants are regular visitors, and the mudflats attract waders. Elephants occasionally come to drink at the edges. Sunrise and sunset from the lakeside path are the best times to be there — the light on the water, the white stupa rising behind, and the calls of waterbirds create a scene that is easy to understand why kings built their capitals here.