Planning to visit Gal Oya National Park? This article shares all the necessary information that one must know before going to this national park.
About Gal Oya National Park
Amidst the eastern part of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya National Park is a pristine and less-explored sanctuary known for its unique ecosystem, serene landscapes, and extraordinary wildlife experiences.
The park is spread across 25,900 hectares, encompassing a diverse range of habitats, including evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetland ecosystems. The indigenous Vedda people, considered the original inhabitants of Sri Lanka, still live in the area and maintain their traditional way of life
Location
Gal Oya National Park is situated in the Uva and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka, primarily covering parts of the Ampara, Monaragala, and Badulla districts. The park lies approximately 314 km from Colombo, and the nearest major town is Ampara, about 25 km away. The main entrance to the park is through Inginiyagala.
Safari
Gal Oya offers a less-crowded and more intimate safari experience. Jeep safaris are conducted primarily in the Nilgala area of the park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and medicinal plants.
You can book a guided safari here. You will get to see a herd of elephants often bathing or swimming in the reservoir. Other animals that you can spot during your safari are leopards, sloth bears, deer, and wild boar.
Over 150 species of birds, including the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, red-faced malkoha, and white-bellied sea eagle, can also be seen.
Boat safari
The boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya is undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Gal Oya National Park. It is the only park in Sri Lanka that allows wildlife viewing by boat.
Elephants swimming between islands is a rare and magical experience; sightings of crocodiles basking on the banks, flocks of water birds like cormorants, herons, and kingfishers, & a panoramic view of forested hills and mountain backdrops surrounding the reservoir is what you can witness.
Entrance fee
- Foreign Adults: USD 15
- Foreign Children (6–12 years): USD 8
- SAARC Adults: USD 10
- SAARC Children: USD 5
- Local Adults: LKR 150
- Local Children: LKR 30
Opening time
Gal Oya National Park is open year-round, with standard opening hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
We suggest visiting the park either early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings. Boat safaris usually begin around 6:30 AM or 4:00 PM.
Weather
Gal Oya experiences a tropical climate and is warm throughout the year. Its climate can be categorized as wet semi-arid, but due to the reservoir and forest coverage, it maintains a lush, green landscape for most of the year.
Dry season from May to September is ideal for safaris, as animals gather near water sources. Skies are clear, and roads are accessible.
Gal Oya National Park is not much explored yet. Hence, there are possibilities that you will find it calm and less chaotic. This is a great chance to visit this hidden gem of Sri Lanka and spot as many animals as possible.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
