Gregory Lake
Colonial-era reservoir built in 1873 in Nuwara Eliya at 1,868m elevation, offering boating, lakeside cycling, and views of surrounding tea hills.
Duration
1-2 hours
Entry Fee
Free
Difficulty
easy
Budget
free
About Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake was constructed during the British colonial period in 1873 and named after Sir William Gregory, Governor of Ceylon at the time. The lake sits at 1,868 metres above sea level at the centre of Nuwara Eliya town and covers approximately 254 acres. Pedal boats, rowboats, and jet skis are available for hire from the eastern shore, and a paved pathway around the perimeter makes for a pleasant 3-kilometre lakeside walk. The surrounding highland scenery, including Hakgala peak to the south-east, makes this one of the most pleasant urban green spaces in Sri Lanka. Visit between December and April when the town is driest and flower gardens around the lake are well maintained.
Highlights
- 1,868m elevation alpine setting
- 254-acre colonial-era reservoir (est. 1873)
- Boating and pedal boats available for hire
- 3km paved lakeside walking circuit
Practical Tips
Hire a pedal boat from the eastern shore for LKR 500-800 per 30 minutes.
The lakeside is at its most scenic during the Nuwara Eliya season (April) when the town fills with visitors.
Bring a jacket — temperatures drop sharply after 4pm even in dry season.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Best time of day: December to April; April is peak season with festivals and flower shows
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Moderate
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- outdoor
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- free
- Photography
- ★★★☆☆
Plan Your Visit
Want to include Gregory Lake in your Sri Lanka itinerary? Our team builds personalised plans: no booking fees, no online payment.
ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Lover's Leap Waterfall
A 30-metre waterfall on the Laxapana River in Nuwara Eliya, accessible via a short walk through a tea estate, named after a colonial-era legend.
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Horton Plains National Park
UNESCO World Heritage plateau at 2,100-2,300m elevation in the Central Highlands, home to World's End cliff dropping 870m and the 20m Baker's Falls.
Explore →
Seetha Amman Kovil
A Hindu temple in Sita Eliya near Nuwara Eliya, built at the site where Ramayana's Sita is believed to have been held captive by King Ravana.
Explore →LET'S EXPLOR™ THE
Tour Packages
from $450Serene Romantic Escape
Celebrate love with a dreamy journey through misty hills, golden beaches, and timeless heritage. This intimate 6-day getaway is designed for couples seeking a perfect blend of romance, relaxation, and discovery. Begin in the cultural haven of Kandy, where temple visits and lakeside strolls set the tone for your serene escape. Then retreat into the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya a place of tea gardens, cascading waterfalls, and colonial charm. Spend two blissful days in Bentota, unwinding on golden beaches or enjoying a couples' spa experience. Conclude your romantic adventure in Colombo with a touch of modern city flair. Whether it’s a honeymoon, anniversary, or just a well-deserved retreat together, this tour is crafted to create cherished memories in some of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting settings. Itinerary Overview Day 1 – 2: Romantic stay in Kandy, explore temples, gardens & cultural shows Day 3: Scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, tea country and waterfall visits Day 4 – 5: Relax and unwind in Bentota, beach time or optional spa/water activities Day 6: Wrap up in Colombo, explore the city or enjoy a romantic dinnerThe Serene Romantic Escape is a 6-day getaway woven with care for couples craving romance, relaxation, and a touch of adventure. Whether it’s your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a moment to reconnect, this journey through Sri Lanka’s most enchanting corners will spark memories to cherish forever. Begin in Kandy, where the sacred air of ancient temples and quiet lakeside strolls set a dreamy tone. Slip away to Nuwara Eliya’s cool highlands, where tea gardens sway and waterfalls whisper sweet nothings under colonial skies. Spend two blissful days in Bentota, sinking into golden beaches or indulging in a couples’ spa day, with the ocean as your soundtrack. End in Colombo, where vibrant streets and a romantic dinner weave modern flair into your love story. This intimate escape is all about you—two hearts, one unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s soul. Your Itinerary Day 1-2: Fall in love in Kandy, wandering sacred temples, lush gardens, and vibrant cultural shows. Day 3: Journey through breathtaking scenery to Nuwara Eliya, exploring tea estates and cascading waterfalls. Day 4-5: Melt into Bentota’s golden beaches, with time for relaxation, optional spa treatments, or water activities. Day 6: Conclude in Colombo with city exploration or a romantic dinner to seal your adventure.
6 Days/5 Nights
from $1125Ceylon Grand Circle
Sri Lanka pulses with life, calling to your adventurous heart with a symphony of wild jungles, ancient cities, and vibrant shores. The Ceylon Grand Circle is a 15-day thrill-packed journey for active travelers and explorers who crave more than just a view. Hike misty trails, surf crashing waves, chase wildlife, and dive into the island’s rich heritage—this epic loop weaves action, beauty, and culture into one unforgettable adventure. Kick off in Colombo, where the city’s electric energy sets the stage. Surf and splash in Hikkaduwa’s lively beaches, then soak up Mirissa’s coastal charm with a chance to spot whales (seasonal). Feel the rush of a Yala safari, tracking leopards in the wild. Hike Ella’s rugged trails, where misty mountains steal your breath. Ride a scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, sipping tea amid rolling plantations. Dive into Kandy’s cultural heartbeat, explore Dambulla’s ancient caves, and conquer Sigiriya’s towering fortress. Wander the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, steeped in history. Unwind on Pasikuda’s quiet shores, snorkel Trincomalee’s crystal waters, and rest in Negombo’s coastal embrace before heading home. This journey is for those who live to move, explore, and feel the pulse of Sri Lanka’s wild and wondrous soul. Your Itinerary Day 1: Land in Colombo, diving into its vibrant city buzz. Day 2: Head to Hikkaduwa for beach vibes and water sports. Day 3: Chill in Mirissa, with optional whale watching (seasonal). Day 4: Embark on a heart-pounding safari in Yala National Park. Day 5: Hike and adventure through Ella’s misty mountains. Day 6: Journey to Nuwara Eliya, exploring its tea-scented highlands. Day 7: Discover Kandy’s temples, gardens, and cultural treasures. Day 8: Explore the ancient caves of Dambulla, rich with history. Day 9: Climb Sigiriya’s iconic Rock Fortress for epic views. Day 10: Tour Anuradhapura’s sacred city and ancient wonders. Day 11: Wander the historic ruins and temples of Polonnaruwa. Day 12: Relax on the serene beaches of Pasikuda. Day 13: Snorkel and explore Trincomalee’s vibrant marine life. Day 14: Rest in Negombo, savoring its coastal charm. Day 15: Depart with a heart full of Sri Lanka’s adventures.
15 days / 14 nights
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