Central Province · Sri Lanka
Gregory Lake
Scenic ViewsLeisureColonial HistoryWalkingFree entry
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
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best months Shoulder Avoid
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
- ★★★☆☆
🌅 Sunset viewpoint
Plan Your Visit
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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.
Explore →
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 →PLAN YOUR VISIT
Ready to explore Gregory Lake?
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