Gregory Lake Nuwara Eliya
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Gregory Lake is one of the iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka. Even though it doesn’t have lots of water capacity or water releasing capacity, this place has been very popular not only in Nuwara Eliya but also all around the world. This lake is spared over 91.2 ha (225 acres) with a great view of the mountains and it is situated in one of the highest places on the island from the sea level. It is said the elevation of the lake is 1,874 m (6,148 ft.) from the sea level.
Where is the Gregory Lake
GPS coordinates – Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya
Gregory Lake is situated in Nuwara Eliya District. Nuwara Eliya is the nearest town as well. Gregory Lake belongs to the Central Province where you can see lots of elegant sceneries as well as water streams. There are lots of routes you can follow to get to Gregory Lake.
How to get there from Colombo
If you are interested in getting there straight from Colombo, you will be able to go straight to Nuwara Eliya passing warakapola, Galigamuwa, and Kegalle. The distance is below 200km that you have to travel. Though it’s a short distance, you will have to spend additional few hours to get there as the road is falling to the hill country of this island.
History of Gregory Lake
Gregory Lake was built by Governor William Gregory between 1872 and 1877. This lake got its name from the governor. He had been the governor for Britain representing Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was a colony of Britain during that period. In the past, this lake was a swamp that had no meaning and uses at all. Governor Gregory had the officers informed to build a damming of the Thalagala stream which flows from mount Piduruthalagala. A water tunnel was built between the Nuwara Eliya town and Nanu Oya to generate Electricity. Entire Nuwara Eliya town is depending on that electricity at present.
Things You Can Enjoy In the Park
Gregory Lake has been converted into a park in recent history to get more fun. This park is the best place in the central hills to have a sunbath. Most of the tourists visit this place to have experience. You have to get tickets to enter the park and it’s not a huge price to pay. Sunbath is not the only thing you may prefer. Boat rides have been arranged in the lake to get more attractive as a public leisure park. There are not lots of places in the region to enjoy a boat ride as all the streams and rivers are not in the mode to have a boat ride as this is hill country.
Activities to do in Gregory Lake Nuwara Eliya
There are ponies that can take you for a ride as well. If you have kids, they will love going on a pony. There are pony owners in this whole place and they will spend about half an hour to give you a fun time with their ponies. Swan-shaped paddled boat rides have been very popular among the Sri Lankans and you can have a lovely chat with each other while you are riding the boat. You can paddle up and travel to any place in the lake. You are covered with a roof to avoid the rain. There are plenty of sports you can enjoy. They are all related to the water. Jet skis, windsurfing, and many more activities can be enjoyed in Gregory Park. If you want to have a relaxed time separated from the others, you will find many places around Gregory Lake without paying money.
