By: Staff Writer
September 01, Colombo (LNW): As Sri Lanka continues its efforts to revive tourism and position itself as a high-value destination, Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya has emerged as the country’s most “Instagrammable” natural attraction, according to a new global study by UK-based travel specialists Travelbag. Released in celebration of World Photography Day, the study ranked more than 50 iconic lakes worldwide using Instagram hashtags and TikTok posts, identifying the most visually striking spots for global travellers.
Gregory Lake topped Sri Lanka’s list, with 47,600 Instagram hashtags and 2,463 TikTok mentions, placing it far ahead of competitors such as Kandy Lake, which recorded 14,800 hashtags and 1,572 TikTok posts. Nestled in the cool central hills, Gregory Lake is surrounded by rolling tea plantations, colonial gardens, and mist-draped peaks, offering a serene escape for both nature enthusiasts and photo-seekers. The area’s unique blend of scenic beauty and colonial-era charm has long made Nuwara Eliya one of the island’s most popular tourist retreats.
This recognition comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. With the National People’s Power (NPP) government under pressure to boost foreign exchange earnings, the challenge lies in attracting high-spending tourists rather than relying solely on budget travellers. Analysts argue that while natural beauty and cultural heritage provide a solid foundation, the country still lacks the luxury infrastructure and premium experiences needed to appeal to affluent visitors.
Gregory Lake, for instance, has immense potential to be repositioned as a luxury eco-tourism hotspot. The lake is already a magnet during the August–September elephant gathering season at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, where hundreds of elephants converge—a phenomenon described as one of Asia’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Pairing this experience with curated high-end tour packages, boutique stays, and experiential photography tours could elevate Sri Lanka’s offering to match regional competitors like Bali or the Maldives.
Globally, Lake Tahoe in the United States ranked first with 3.1 million Instagram hashtags and over 51,000 TikTok posts, while Canada’s Lake Louise and Lake Ontario secured the second and third spots. Against such competition, Sri Lanka’s challenge is clear: beautiful landscapes alone are not enough to capture the lucrative premium tourism market.
Industry experts stress that the NPP government must prioritise modernising infrastructure, enhancing digital marketing campaigns, and incentivising investment in high-quality accommodation and services. Sustainable tourism initiatives, improved connectivity, and streamlined visa processes are equally critical if Sri Lanka is to convert its natural beauty into economic value.
As Travelbag’s Sri Lanka specialist Sheyrl Drane notes, the country’s lakes offer not just scenery but a rare blend of wildlife, culture, and heritage. The task ahead for policymakers is to ensure Gregory Lake and its counterparts are not just Instagram favourites, but also magnets for high-spending visitors who can meaningfully boost the nation’s economic recovery.
