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Gal Oya National Park, established in 1954, is one of Sri Lanka’s most tranquil and untouched protected areas, located in the Ampara District of the Eastern Province. The park is centered around the Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, making Gal Oya the only national park in the country where you can enjoy boat safaris that offer close wildlife encounters—especially with elephants that famously swim between islands in the reservoir.
The best time for a safari in Gal Oya National Park is during the dry season from May to September, when wildlife gathers around the shrinking water sources of the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir. This period offers the highest chance of witnessing the park’s iconic sight—elephants swimming between islands—as lower water levels encourage them to move across the lake. Jeep safaris are most rewarding in the early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon (3–6 PM), when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active. While the park is open year-round, wildlife visibility decreases during the November to January monsoon, when rising water levels reduce chances of seeing swimming elephants.
The main and most commonly used access point to Gal Oya National Park is the Inginiyagala Entrance, located near the Senanayake Samudraya dam. This entrance serves as the primary gateway for both jeep safaris and boat safaris, as the reservoir and forest tracks are easily reached from here. Visitors typically travel through Inginiyagala town, where the Department of Wildlife Conservation office and boat safari facilities are based. Due to the park’s remote and uncrowded nature, Inginiyagala is essentially the only official and practical entrance for public access into Gal Oya National Park.
| Bungalow Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Ekgal Oya Bungalow | Inside Gal Oya National Park |
| Inginiyagala Bungalow | Near Inginiyagala Entrance / Senanayake Samudraya |
| Nilgala Bungalow | Nilgala Forest / Bibile area |
Gal Oya National Park is unique among Sri Lanka’s national parks due to its vast reservoir, Senanayake Samudraya, which allows boat safaris—a feature unavailable in most other parks. Unlike Yala or Udawalawe, which are popular for high-density wildlife viewing (especially leopards in Yala and elephants in Udawalawe), Gal Oya offers a more peaceful, uncrowded experience, with a chance to see elephants swimming between islands, a spectacle unique in the country. Its lowland dry-evergreen forests and grasslands differ from Horton Plains’ montane grasslands or Wilpattu’s unique “Willus” (natural lakes). Birdlife is also richer than in some other parks, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. In terms of accessibility, Gal Oya is less developed and more remote than Yala or Udawalawe, meaning fewer facilities and wildlife bungalows, but it compensates with tranquility and a close-to-nature safari experience. Overall, it is ideal for visitors seeking authentic wilderness, boat-based wildlife viewing, and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
| Experience | Important Facts |
|---|---|
| Veddha Community Visit | Learn about Sri Lanka’s indigenous Veddha culture, traditional hunting methods, forest knowledge, and way of life. |
| Nature & Jungle Walks | Guided walks around the park boundary focusing on flora, birds, insects, and medicinal plants. |
| Birdwatching | Excellent around Senanayake Samudraya; ideal for spotting fish eagles, pelicans, and water birds. |
| Boat Ride on Senanayake Samudraya | Scenic non-safari boat rides to enjoy island views, sunsets, and reservoir landscapes. |
| Photography | Ideal for wildlife, landscapes, lake reflections, and elephants in water. |
| Cycling Around Inginiyagala | Quiet rural roads around the reservoir are suitable for relaxed cycling. |
| Fishing (Outside the Park) | Reservoir-edge villages allow traditional freshwater fishing experiences. |
| Sunset Viewing | Beautiful sunsets over the reservoir and island-dotted waterscapes. |
Danny and his family & friends at Nine Arch Bridge, Sri Lanka
Janice at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka
Our clients enjoy our premium wildlife tours, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
Lunch Break During A Full Day Safari at Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Paul And The Team During 2 Days Wilpattu Safari, Sri Lanka
Our clients use luxury safari jeeps in Sri Lanka
Time for a Photo during Udawalawe Safari of Josh White
Our clients enjoy comfort of our luxury vehicles for round tours
Cultural sites of part of the round tours of Sri Lanka
Paul Photographing a Leopard Cub in Wilpattu National Park
Shreya & Subho during Safari in Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Ariana & family from Australia, Welcome to Sri Lanka
Janice & Family from Australia were Welcomed
Family visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Danny & his family returned to Sri Lanka after 40 years
Saskia from Tasmania at Wilpattu National Park
Julie & friends received a grand welcome
Car Seats Can be Mounted in Every Car for the Safety of the Kids
Guided Bird Watching Tour in Horton Plains
Monika & Toni from Poland at Udawalawe National Park safari
Kids love the Sri Lankan sandy beaches and sun
Phill & family spent 2 nights in Wavul Abe Wildlife Bungalow, Wasgamuwa NP, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls are a main attractions of many guests coming to Sri Lanka
We Welcomed Young Wildlife Lovers, Shreya and Subho from India
Pauls Second Trip to Wilpattu National Park
Christa from Switzerland was welcomed at the Colombo Airport
After a Guided Bird Watching Tour in Wilpattu National Park
Salby & his family enjoying hiking time, Sri Lanka
Marina & her friends from Serbia enjoying our Premium Safari
We Operate Premium Safari Experiences in all National Parks
Subho with a Snake at Telijjawila Snake Farm
Small break during a Bird Watching Tour in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Evening Peaceful Time at Galle Fort Light House, Sri Lanka
Our Kids Friendly Tours are of High Demand
Quick Lunch to save time for more safari time in Wilpattu National Park
Our clients enjoying Ella Swing in Ravana Pool Club
Salby & his family from Israel visited Sri Lanka
Shreya & Subho Enjoying freedom at Weheragala Dam, Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Our Clients Preparing for a Kumana Evening Safari, Sri Lanka