Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and is situated 380 kilometres Northeast of Colombo in the Badulla and Ampara District. The vegetation in Gal Oya National Park is mainly of three types: forests, grasslands, and shrubs. Gal Oya is famous for its unique species of animals and their habitats, and the forests are home to the three of the most important herbs of Ayurveda medicine: Aralu, Nelli and Bulu. The area of Gal Oya is also known to be the habitat of one of the indigenous groups of jungle people of Sri Lanka, the Vedda, or Veddah. This Adivasi community of Gal Veddas, spend their time in forest caves and live harmoniously with nature.

According to records, Gal Oya is a sanctuary for 32 terrestrial species of mammals. Among the highest populations are common Langurs, Macaques, Mugger crocodiles, Sloth bears, Sri Lankan elephants, wild boars, and three types of deer, leopards and water buffalos are the most common. Gal Oya National Park Safari is an absolute amazing experience, Also, the Gal Oya National Park bird life is very interesting for bird watchers. About 150 bird species of the 430 in Sri Lanka recorded have been in Gal Oya, Sri Lanka, the park is an absolute must for bird watching. The area is home to a wide diversity of bird species. The most common species you could spot easily, the Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, Indian Cormorant, and Lesser Whistling Duck, are the most common water birds. The best place to view these birds is near the Senanayake Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. The white-bellied Sea Eagle and the grey-headed Fish Eagle are the most notable reports of the area. Gal Oya National Park Safaris, Jungle drives, walks through the park with a naturalist and Gal Oya National Park Boat Safari at the Senanayake Samudra Reservoir are highly ranked by our guests.

You could spot and photograph some beautiful butterfly varieties as well. The endemic Lesser Albatross is one of the most popular species in the Gal Oya Valley National Park.

Gal Oya National Park is the most special place to spot swimming elephants, in the Senanayake Reservoir. A great experience while staying at Gal Oya National Park and seeing these magnificent animal species swim from one island to another at Senanayake Samudra Lake, which is known to be the only place in Sri Lanka where elephants are seen swimming. This elephant crossing at Gal Oya takes place roughly from March to July, when herds of Sri Lankan elephants’ swim across the Senanayake Reservoir.

Other than that, Gal Oya National Park camping, and eco-tourism are other popular activities that many visitors go after. There are a few campings, lodges, and glamping sites at the Gal Oya National Park, which will make your experience at Gal Oya even more amazing. We recommend staying at least 2 nights in this area, where the phone and WIFI signals are low, to fully immerse yourself in the amazing nature of Gal Oya.

Gal oya national park

WILDLIFE

Sri Lanka’s wildlife is one of the mesmerising features that a traveller can enjoy. This island is fortunate to have vivid biodiversity as a tropical country and a tiny island. Our unique Asian country boasts about several species of animals and plants that are endemic species that you can find nowhere in the world.

Gal Oya National Park

WILDLIFE

Bundala

Gal Oya

Wilpattu

Yala

Udawalawe

Minneriya

Horton Plains

Sinharaja

Kumana

Kaudulla

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