Gregory Lake
A lake in the middle of Nuwara Eliya, dammed in 1873, now used for swan pedalos, pony rides and a stroll around the park.
What Gregory Lake actually is
Gregory Lake is a reservoir in the centre of Nuwara Eliya, created in 1873 when the Thalagala stream was dammed under the British governor Sir William Gregory. The land had been a swampy bog. It covers roughly 90 hectares and has one island.
The British used it for boating and fishing, and trout was stocked in 1881. In 1913 its water was routed through a tunnel to a hydropower station at Blackpool, which still serves the town. Today it is mainly a leisure park: swan-shaped pedal boats, rowing boats, horse rides on the shore and snack stalls.
It is a local day-out spot, so weekends and school holidays are busy and a bit noisy. A paved path goes around the water. Some guides mention jet-skis and similar water sports; the offer changes, so check on the day.
Worth your attention
The pedal swans
The obvious photograph. Rowing boats are the quieter option.
The lakeside path
A paved path of roughly 45 minutes’ walk in total, with views of the hills and tea.
The shore horses
Short rides along the shore. Look at the animals before you pay and decline if they look unfit.
The hill backdrop
On a clear morning the surrounding hills and mist make it a decent early photograph.
Before you go
Do this
- Come on a weekday or early morning to avoid the crowds.
- Agree the price of a boat or horse ride before you step on.
- Carry a rain layer; the weather turns quickly at this altitude.
- Walk the shore path rather than only the park entrance.
- Pair it with Victoria Park, a short ride away.
Know this first
- It is commercial and busy, with vendors and music at weekends.
- Horse rides raise animal welfare questions; choose carefully.
- Water quality and cleanliness vary; do not expect a quiet nature spot.
- Fees and boat prices vary and are not fixed on a public board.
Getting to Gregory Lake
Most people see Gregory Lake as part of a stay around Nuwara Eliya. Our Nuwara Eliya guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Nuwara Eliya — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Nuwara Eliya guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Gregory Lake — frequently asked
What is Gregory Lake?
A reservoir in Nuwara Eliya created in 1873 under Governor Sir William Gregory, now a leisure park with boats and horse rides.
How big is it?
Roughly 90 hectares, about 91 ha in one reference source.
Can you swim in it?
It is not a swimming spot; boating and walking are the usual activities.
Is there an entry fee?
A fee applies at the park entrance; one guide gives around LKR 200 for foreigners. Check on arrival.
Also worth stopping for around Nuwara Eliya
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