This popular area surrounds the man-made lake with a 2km perimeter walking path. Hotels and restaurants line the shorefront offering mountain views, while boat rentals and horse riding operate from the north shore. Weekend crowds from Colombo make boat rentals busy, but weekday mornings remain peaceful for lake walks.
Resort-like atmosphere with manicured gardens and lake views from hotel terraces. Early morning mist creates photogenic conditions before tour groups arrive around 9am.
What It Feels Like
Gregory Lake Area is known for lake activities and scenic hotel dining.
Avoid if You're on a tight budget or dislike tourist crowds
What to Do
- Rent paddle boats on Gregory Lake
- Walk the 2km lake perimeter path
- Horse riding along the shoreline
Local tip Visit the lake at sunrise (6:30am) for mist photos without crowds, and horse rides cost half price before 8am
See our best things to do in Nuwara Eliya or One Day in Nuwara Eliya.
Getting Here
1.6 km south-east of the centre of Nuwara Eliya. Hotels provide pickup from train station. Parking available at most hotels for guests.
Nearest transport: 15-minute walk to town centre, three-wheelers available.
More on Nuwara Eliya
The Nuwara Eliya overview compares this area with the others.
We plan trips to Nuwara Eliya and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
Where to eat and drink
Milano Restaurant
Italian-Sri Lankan · Wood-fired pizza and pasta
Grand Thai
Thai · Tom yum soup and pad thai