Is it safe to swim or walk near the Mahaweli River banks inside the park?

It is extremely dangerous and strictly forbidden to swim in the Mahaweli River, which borders the Peradeniya Gardens.

As Sri Lanka’s longest river, the Mahaweli has famously tricky, very powerful undercurrents that take lives each year. Also, the water level can rise violently, without warning, because of upstream hydroelectric dam releases. While taking photos of the river from the designated suspension bridge or staying on the safe grassy banks is perfectly fine, you must never step into the water.