Lake Gregory, reservoir in Sri Lanka
Lake Gregory is a large reservoir in the center of Nuwara Eliya surrounded by lush mountains. The water is calm and clear, with paved paths around its banks, rest areas, and facilities for boating and water sports activities.
The lake was built in 1873 by British governor Sir William Gregory by damming the Nanu Oya stream. Fish were introduced in the 1880s, and the water was later used to power a small hydroelectric station that still supplies electricity today.
The lake is named after Sir William Gregory, the British governor who created it in the 1870s. Today it serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy outdoor leisure and connect with the mountain landscape.
Visitors can rent boats, cycle on the shore paths, and purchase snacks at food stalls. Weekday visits tend to be less crowded, and the weather is most pleasant between April and May.
The lake serves as a landing site for small seaplanes offering scenic flights that show the mountainous landscape from above. These short trips take less than half an hour from Colombo and provide a unique perspective of the region.
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