Gregory Park sits beside Gregory Lake, in the middle of Nuwara Eliya, the highland town known as Little England. The lake is man-made and dates back to 1873. Walk the paths around the water, rent a bicycle or ride a pony, then take a boat out for views of the surrounding hills. Flower beds and lawns fill the grounds, and food stalls sell hot snacks and drinks. Locals gather here in the late afternoon, and evenings are cool.
A lake from the British era
Lake Gregory is man-made. It was created in the era of British Governor-General Sir William Gregory, and the lake was later named after him.
The lake dates back to 1873 and has been used for recreation since the British period. Boating and water sports are still the main reason many visitors come down to the shore.
Walking and gardens around the lake
The park runs alongside the lake, with walking paths, benches and a pavement that loops the shore for a stroll. Wide lawns and flower beds fill the grounds, and the hills and tea plantations rise behind the water.
Picnic tables and picnic spots are set out across the park, and there is a playground for children. Sports courts include a basketball court, a volleyball court and a tennis court. There is also a skateboarding area, cycling lanes and a dog park, and dogs are allowed.
Boats, horses and bicycles
Boats on the lake range from relaxed swan boats to faster motorboats. A speedboat ride lasts about 20 minutes and costs a few hundred rupees. Horses roam the park and are offered for rides, and ponies are also part of the scene. Bicycles can be rented for a loop of the grounds.
If you plan to take several rides, add up the costs first. Boating is the most expensive activity, so it helps to choose the one you want most.
Evenings and local life
Locals come to the lake in the late afternoon to boat, make music, or sit with a snack. As the sun begins to set, music drifts over the grounds from a small carnival, and food stalls sell hot snacks by the path.
The evening air is cool, so this is a good time for a slow walk. Stalls are inside the park, which makes it easy to eat there without leaving.
Getting in and around
The park has a public restroom and a paid parking lot, and there is also paid street parking nearby. The entrance, the parking lot and the seating are wheelchair accessible.
The park is open daily into the evening, so it fits well after a day in the town.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee?
Foreign visitors pay an entry fee of about 1,000 LKR. Boat rides are charged separately.
Is Gregory Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the parking lot and the seating are wheelchair accessible.
Can I bring a dog?
Dogs are allowed, and the park has a dog park.
