Lake Gregory - leisure activities near Nuwara Eliya
Lake Gregory, situated just 2 km (1.3 miles) southeast of the town center of Nuwara Eliya, just behind the race course, is a recreational area in a scenic surrounding. At an elevation of around 1880 m (6170 feet) above sea level, Lake Gregory in the calley of Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's highest standing waterbody. Lake Gregory is an artificial waterbody, a reservoir formed by a dam built in 1874 across the river of Nanu Oya (also called Thalagala stream in its upper reaches), which drains the valley of Nuwara Eliya.
It's named after the then Governor, Sir William Gregory, well known as a former conservatice member of parliament representing Dublin and a very close associate of the British prime minister Sir Robert Peel. The original purpose of the lake was to expand the area of cultivatable land in the valley of Nuwara Eliya. In 1881, the lake was stocked with trout by C. J. R. Le Mesurier, then Assistant Government Agent for Nuwara Eliya. In 1913, the waters of Lake Gregory were diverted via a tunnel to the Blackpool hydro power station close to Nanu Oya village.
It's named after the then Governor, Sir William Gregory, well known as a former conservatice member of parliament representing Dublin and a very close associate of the British prime minister Sir Robert Peel. The original purpose of the lake was to expand the area of cultivatable land in the valley of Nuwara Eliya. In 1881, the lake was stocked with trout by C. J. R. Le Mesurier, then Assistant Government Agent for Nuwara Eliya. In 1913, the waters of Lake Gregory were diverted via a tunnel to the Blackpool hydro power station close to Nanu Oya village.
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Already during the In British colonial period Lake Gregory was used for water sports and recreational activities. This tradition was revived in the 21st century, when a park was developed on the banks of the lake. It has become a favourite picnic spot of weekend holiday makers, particularly families with children. Boating and rowing are popular activities. A fee is charged for entering the park at Lake Gregory and aditional fees for hiring a boat. Horse riding is available, too. A special feature are the so-called Gregory Lake Bubbles for floating in the lake, unzipped transparent balloons of more than 2 m (6 feet) in diameter that can be entered. Two children are allowed in one balloon.
Furthermore, Lake Gregory serves as water aerodrome. Sea planes of charter flight operators such as Cinnamon Air have scheduled flights from and to Colombo, particularly during the Nuwara Eliya high seasons in April, August, and December. The flights take around half an hour. Sometimes flights to other destinations such as Galle are also available.
An eight-minutes helicopter ride at Lake Gregory, starting at the nearby race course, is not available at any date. Best chances to be able to enjoy the scenic flight are during the touristic high season in Nuwara Eliya in mid April. The costs for foreign citizens will be around 100 US Dollar, if enough attendees take part. Nuwara Eliya's helipad is the reace course in between the town centre and Lake Gregory.
Furthermore, Lake Gregory serves as water aerodrome. Sea planes of charter flight operators such as Cinnamon Air have scheduled flights from and to Colombo, particularly during the Nuwara Eliya high seasons in April, August, and December. The flights take around half an hour. Sometimes flights to other destinations such as Galle are also available.
An eight-minutes helicopter ride at Lake Gregory, starting at the nearby race course, is not available at any date. Best chances to be able to enjoy the scenic flight are during the touristic high season in Nuwara Eliya in mid April. The costs for foreign citizens will be around 100 US Dollar, if enough attendees take part. Nuwara Eliya's helipad is the reace course in between the town centre and Lake Gregory.
