Lake Gregory

Lake Gregory is a reservoir on the southern edge of Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by well-maintained parkland and backed by the tea-covered hills. It is a pleasant place to walk — the path around the lake takes about an hour at a gentle pace — and the birdlife is good, with kingfishers, herons, and ducks among the regulars. Pedal boats and rowing boats are available for rent at the boathouse.

The park around the lake has become a popular weekend destination for Colombo families, with picnic lawns, a small funfair, and food stalls along the lakeside. On clear days the reflections of the surrounding hills in the water are beautiful. Come early in the morning before the crowds arrive to get the lake at its most peaceful.

things to do sight nature
A story
Lake Gregory was created in 1873 when the British colonial governor Sir William Gregory had a bund built across the stream flowing through the valley south of town. The resulting reservoir was named after him. In the 1940s, Lake Gregory Waterdrome operated seaplane services between Nuwara Eliya and Colombo — a journey that took about an hour.