Gal Oya National Park
If you’re looking for a unique wildlife experience unlike any other, a visit to the Gal Oya National Park is a must. Located in the Badulla District with part of it stretching into the Ampara District, Gal Oya is one of the truly untouched national parks in the country. This hidden and (almost) forgotten gem, offers visitors the unique experience of going on a boat safari through Sri Lanka’s largest reservoir – the Senanayake Samudraya.
Why Visit Gal Oya?
For starters, Gal Oya is the only national park in Sri Lanka where you can explore the wilderness by boat. As you glide across the waters of the reservoir, you’ll witness breathtaking sights of swimming elephants as they cross between the reservoir’s islands. Here you also can spot aquatic wildlife like crocodiles basking on the banks, water buffaloes cooling off and aquatic birds like pelicans, herons and kingfishers.
If you prefer land-based safaris over a boat safari, don’t worry, because Gal Oya also offers exciting jeep safaris. These land safaris take you through forests, open clearings and lakeside tracks where wildlife roams freely. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to encounter elephants, sloth bears, deer, monkeys and birds such as kingfishers and pelicans. You’ll also get the chance to drive through ancient forests with banyan trees that are over 500 years old. How cool is that?
Unlike Sri Lanka’s more frequented parks, Gal Oya remains one of the least visited, offering an untouched and tranquil wilderness experience. Whether you’re navigating the calm waters of the Senanayake Samudraya or exploring its lush landscapes by jeep, every moment in Gal Oya is bound to be special and unforgettable.