Gal Oya Lodge arranged our excursions into the park. The lodge has a range of excursions available, including an early morning bird walk, a jeep safari and a boat safari. We did the half day boat safari which is on a nearby huge reservoir. It took about 20 minutes to drive to the reservoir. There is a toilet you can use before you get on the boat. The boat itself is small and without shade, so you need a hat and protection from the sun. There were only the 2 of us with our guide (provided by Gal Oya Lodge) and 2 boat-men on board. During our 2-3 hour trip we only saw one other visiting boat. However we did see lots of wildlife. The place is teeming with birds and we saw crocodiles and elephants, including the fascinating site of an elephant swimming across open water using its trunk as a snorkel. We also did a half day jeep safari. The jungle at Gal Oya is fairly dense and so it is more difficult to spot wildlife compared to other parks. However the guide (again from Gal Oya lodge) educated and informed us about the trees and plants, and we did see a lot of different birds. There is a basic toilet available in the park if you need one. Our trip also included a walk down by the river, with an optional swim. This is a fantastic insight into the truly wild jungle of Sri Lanka - without all the man-made roads that you see in the other parks. However it may not suit you if you are only interested in spotting leopards!

Gal Oya National Park is one of those places. Lying in the south east of Sri Lanka just west of Ampara, Gal Oya National Park has evolved naturally, untouched by the hand of man for countless centuries. Over 25,000 hectares of lush evergreen forest and open savanas thrive alongside the Senanayake Samudra lake – Sri Lanka’s largest inland body of water. To complete the scene, the water’s surface is peppered with islands, a reminder of the terraferma rising from the depths. There are no buildings. No traffic jams. No internet. It’s a place of tranquility, peacefully existing as everything changes around it. Here nature is queen. And she is offering her bounty to you. At Gal Oya Lodge, we can organise a Sri Lanka safari unlike anything else you’ll find on this tear-dropped island. How? Gal Oya National Park is the only place in Sri Lanka where safaris can be conducted by boat – giving you a truly unique perspective of nature’s majesty and mystery. As you set off over the placid waters of Senanayake Samudra lake, you’ll soon notice that Gal Oya National Park is teeming with life. It’s home to 32 species of mammal including the langur, toque macaque, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, water buffalo and deer. What’s more, it’s estimated that almost 150 different species of bird grace the skies above, calling its many islands home. Gal Oya National Park is one of the best places in the world to witness the Asian elephant living peacefully in its natural habitat. As time shifted and society evolved, the elephant remained, carving out its niche and passing on knowledge from generation to generation.

Wonderful place to experience the wild life biodiversity in the dry zone. Characters of the dry zone forest will make you to experience the dimensions of people lived in 1950's. Wild Elephants, wild pigs, rabbits, deers, many types of insects and venomous snakes can be seen usually from a single walk through. But, must travel with an experienced guide as illegal animal traps and guns can be seen which were set by hunters. Marvellous sunset, extremely warmed afternoon and humid dusk is an unbelievable experience. Please do not interfere or destroy the natural wild life

The only national park where safari can be done in a boat. Jeep safari can be done from Kossapola side. Boat safati can be arranged from Inginiyagala DWC office. Necessary safety jackets are provided. Best time would be evening hours as tbere is high probability of seeing herds of elephants. Apart from elephants crocodiles, flocks of deers grassing on the banks and different types of eagles and other birds can be seen.

You can go on this safari through Senanayake Samudraya.For that, a boat should be booked in advance.A perfect safari to see wild elephants and birds.You can climb Iginiagala mountain to get a different experience.Permission should be taken from the temple for that.

One of the best national parks in Sri Lanka. You can see elephants, dears, monkeys, foxes, tigers, crocodiles, many birds. You will be amazed with the landscape. one of the hidden parks in Sri Lanka and its not over crowded with visitors. The entrance for local is Rs 60. A jeep will cost around Rs. 8ooo for 8 people

Good place..Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephantherd that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of the Ayurvedamedicine, triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are amongst the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The national park is situated 314 km (195 mi) from Colombo.

Nice place for camping but we faced some issues in this place.. difficult to reach to water.there is a small well near to Senanayaka Samudraya about 300m far from camping site. we hope to find the place to swim. but there was no place. we have only see two deer and one eagle.

We did a 2 hour boat ride in the lake and saw all kinds of birds. You could stop at the islands as well. The best was a wild herd of about 30 elephants.

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of the Ayurveda medicine, triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are amongst the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The national park is situated 314 km (195 mi) from Colombo.

A national park which is more suitable for elephant and bird watching. Not populated from visitors. Good for camping where there are two allowed camping sites in the park. Musquito trouble is there in the evening and in early morning. Better to have insect repellents. Stick to the instructions of rangers in camping sites where elephnts are roaming around everywhere. Loved the experience.

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration.

I love myself

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka.

You can ride through this green colour forest on nice clean road Beware of elephants if you ride or drive in night times

A Best place you should visit in your life time.

Beautiful and calm place. Little bit hot🔥

Very beautiful park. Senanayake tank is breathtaking at sunset. You can take nice view if you go to tank bund.

This is a good place to see elephants. Wildlife circuit bungalow in gal oya is a good place for relaxing.

We saw Elephants, Crocodils and many Birds... Its a beautiful and less crowded area.

Amazing scenery and landscape. Boat tour is about 2 hours and reasonably priced vs the bigger parks. Very chill. Good for bridlife, crocs and elephants.

Loving place. If you want to watch elephants and more wild animals recommend this place

Such an attractive place

I hadn't visited directly to this park, but I went through it when I visit to Devalahinda via Inginiyagala. I stopped my bick in the park and I enjoyed that greenery wonderland. I saw 2 of Vali Kukula. But It was around 5.30 pm so there can be wild elephants. Therefore I left within few minutes. I wish to go there again.

nice place

(Translated by Google) ben10 (Original) Ben10

(Translated by Google) Beautiful. (Original) ලස්සනයි.

Scenic beauty and not overly populated so can enjoy nature at its best

❤️❤️❤️❤️ love there so much..great experience

Nothing to beat the Boat Safari in the Senanayaka Samudra. Boat safari is carried out by Wild Life Dept. If you are lucky you will see elephants swimming.

This is a very beautiful area in Ampara district.Can be reached by vehicle from Ampara within an hour.The road system is in very good condition

Awesome Place

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of the Ayurveda medicine, triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are amongst the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The national park is situated 314 km (195 mi) from Colombo.

Car parking at your risk.. Worth going and seeing some heritage sites of Sri Lanka.. ⚔🏝 Please remember to purchase the ticket /s.. and clarify with your guide.. I'm guessing more details could be found on the internet.

Experience the thrill of both jeep safari and the boat safari in the Gal Oya National Park of beautiful natural scenery and varied wildlife. Dominated by the largest reservoir of Sri Lanka Senanayake Samudraya the park area expanses over 25,900 hectares. The topography consists mainly of grasslands, forests and scrubs. Though the park shelters leopards and sloth bears, they are an elusive sight. Instead, you can see some of the largest herds of elephants in this park. Other commonly sighted species are endemic Toque Macaque, wild boar, common langur and water buffalo. The park also offers great sight for birdwatchers. Best for: Swimming elephants from boat safari. Location: Mainly Badulla district with a part reaching to Ampara district. Best time to visit: March to July. Price: Full Day Safari price is LKR 11,000 per jeep. Ticket price is LKR 2,000/LKR 1,000 per adult/child. Timing: Full Day Safari 5.30am to 06.00pm

Had a jeep safari. Experienced some close scenes with elephants. Good guiding service also were there. But they suggested boat safari is the best thing to experience there.

Amazing place. Thick with nature but bit less wildlife though.

Galoya National park

Visited the park from Nilgala entrance . Not much crowded . We were fortunate to spot a Painted Fancolin who is an endemic bird living only in Nilgala.

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of the Ayurveda medicine, triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are amongst the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The national park is situated 314 km (195 mi) from Colombo

A nice place for photographers

Gal Oya Valley National Park is a protected area located in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka. The park, which was established in 1954, covers an area of approximately 25,900 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. One of the most notable features of Gal Oya Valley National Park is the Senanayake Samudraya, which is the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. The reservoir serves as a source of water for the park's wildlife, and visitors can often see animals such as elephants, deer, and wild boar coming to drink from the reservoir. In addition to its wildlife, Gal Oya Valley National Park is also home to a number of important archaeological sites, including ancient rock inscriptions and ruins of Buddhist temples. These sites serve as a reminder of the rich cultural and religious history of Sri Lanka. The park's landscape is characterized by grasslands, forests, and wetlands, providing a variety of habitats for its diverse wildlife. Visitors to the park can explore the park's many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the park's natural beauty. One of the most unique features of Gal Oya Valley National Park is the park's boat safaris. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Senanayake Samudraya to observe the park's wildlife from a unique perspective. The boat safaris also offer the opportunity to observe water birds and other aquatic wildlife. Overall, Gal Oya Valley National Park is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in Sri Lanka's rich cultural and natural heritage. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient archaeological sites, observing the park's diverse wildlife, or taking a boat safari on the Senanayake Samudraya, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful and unique national park.

I recently visited Gal Oya Valley National Park and was blown away by the beauty and serenity of the place. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and many species of birds. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The staff at the park were very friendly and knowledgeable, and the park itself was well-maintained and easy to navigate. I highly recommend a visit to Gal Oya Valley National Park to anyone looking for a peaceful and nature-filled escape. It's a truly special place that shouldn't be missed.

Great view, small shop near by sells nice beli mal drink. Good place to relax

A place for adventures.

(Translated by Google) A boat tour is fun and with a lot of luck you can see different animals. Clothing should protect from the sun. Don't forget your hat! (Original) Eine Bootstour macht Spaß und man sieht mit viel Glück verschiedene Tiere. Kleidung sollte vor Sonne schützen. Kopfbedeckung nicht vergessen !

A well known paradise situated in the dry zone of the Sri Lanka

National park with a lot of verities of wild life.

Nature completes me

Beautyfull

(Translated by Google) Prof (Original) Oll

One of the best place for a wild life lover... but there are no mich animals...

We can see swimming Elephants here

(Translated by Google) The first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, D.S. When Senanayake initiated the Inginiyagala Gal Oya Development Project in 1949, there was a need for a forest area to conserve the forests similar to the loss of forests and to protect the wildlife that lives there. There was also a need for a water catchment area for the Senanayake Samudra which originated from the Gal Oya Valley Development Project. To solve this problem, on February 12, 1954, Gal Oya National Park with 25,900 hectares (64,750 acres) was established. (Original) ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ප්‍රථම අග්‍රාමාත්‍ය, ඩී එස්. සේනානායක මහතා විසින් වසර 1949 දී ඉඟිණියාගල ගල් ඔය සංවර්ධන ව්‍යාපෘතිය ආරම්භ කිරීමෙන් පසු අහිමි වන වනාන්තර ප්‍රමාණයට හා සමානවූ වනාන්තර ප්‍රමාණය සංරක්ෂණය කිරීමටත් හා එහි දිවි ගෙවන වනසතුන් ගේ ආරක්ෂාව සඳහාත් වනාන්තර පෙදෙසක අවශ්‍යතාව මතුවිය. එසේම ගල් ඔය නිම්න සංවර්ධන යෝජනා ක්‍රමයෙන් බිහිවූ සේනානායක සමුද්‍රයට ජලපෝෂක ප්‍රදේෂයක අවශ්‍යතාවද මතුවිය. මෙම ගැටළුව විසඳීමේ අරමුණින් වසර 1954 පෙබරවාරි මස 12 වන දින හෙක්ටයාර 25,900 ක් හෙවත් අක්කර 64,750 කින් යුක්තව ගල් ඔය ජාතික වනෝද්‍යානය පිහිටුවනු ලැබීය.

The palce having rich biodiversity

😘⭐😊🤗🌕

The park established in 1954 surrounds the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka the Senanayaka Samudraya. Visitors can explore the park by boat. Boats can be reserved by contacting the Department of Wildlife. An advance payment is required. Since not many boats are available make sure to reserve yours early. Only the department of wildlife is authorized to operate boats inside the reservation. It is lovely inside the forest. The park is famous for its swimming elephants that swim between many small islands in the big lake to feed on the lush green grass growing there. These islands are home to large flocks of water birds. You can also hire an off road vehicle at the entrance. The place where Gal Oya (name of the river that feeds the lake) joins the lake, is a must see. This place is known as the 'Makare' (dragons mouth} because here, the river disappears underground before reappearing within a few hundred meters from the lake. It take about 7 - 8 hours to get here from Colombo.

Want to find the place inshaALLAH. Soon

Quiet now, not another jeep in sight. Saw elephants, monkeys, deer, birds etc. Also did a boat safari and were lucky enough to see elephants, recommend an early boat as can get a bit hot later in the day. The crew of the boat can spot things that we would have missed. Recommended. Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of the Ayurveda medicine, triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are amongst the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The national park is situated 314 km (195 mi) from Colombo

Natural beauty

This place..you must traval. very pleasure climate

Best place to visit

Good place to safari.

(Translated by Google) Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main watershed for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built as part of the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya in Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of Gal Oya National Park is its herd of elephants that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of Ayurvedic medicine, the triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are part of the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965, the park was administered by the Gal Oya Development Council until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over. The national park is located 314 km (195 mi) from Colombo. The Gal Oya Development Council has established several protected areas to protect the Senanayake Samudraya watersheds and several other reservoirs. [2] This also helped prevent soil erosion caused by the burning of the Thalawa grasslands by the villagers. The protected areas established in 1954 are the Gal Oya National Park, the Senanayake Samudraya Sanctuary, the Gal Oya Sanctuary to the northeast and the Gal Oya Sanctuary to the southeast. Together, these four reserves represent 63,000 ha of land. [3] The administration and protection of the four protected areas, the reduction of human-elephant confrontations and the application of the ordinance on flora and fauna are part of the tasks of the department. The rangers are stationed at four sites: Inginiyagala, Mullegama, Nilgala and Baduluwela. In addition, in 1974, the Buddhangala Shrine was also designated. [2] Buddhangala is a monastery with ruins of a stupa and other buildings in the neighboring region of Malwattai. (Original) Le Sri Lanka a été créé en 1954 et sert de principal bassin versant pour Senanayake Samudraya, le plus grand réservoir du Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya a été construit dans le cadre du projet de développement de Gal Oya en endiguant le Gal Oya à Inginiyagala en 1950. Une caractéristique importante du parc national de Gal Oya est son troupeau d'éléphants que l'on peut voir tout au long de l'année. Trois herbes importantes de la médecine ayurvédique, le triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica et Emblica officinalis font partie de la flore notable de la forêt. De 1954 à 1965, le parc a été administré par le Conseil de développement de Gal Oya jusqu'à ce que le Department of Wildlife Conservation en prenne la direction. Le parc national est situé à 314 km (195 mi) de Colombo. Le Conseil de développement de Gal Oya a établi plusieurs zones protégées pour protéger les bassins versants de Senanayake Samudraya et plusieurs autres réservoirs. [2] Cela a également contribué à prévenir l'érosion des sols causée par le brûlage des prairies de Thalawa par les villageois. Les zones protégées établies en 1954 sont le parc national de Gal Oya, le sanctuaire de Senanayake Samudraya, le sanctuaire de Gal Oya au nord-est et le sanctuaire de Gal Oya au sud-est. Ensemble, ces quatre réserves représentent 63 000 ha de terres. [3] L'administration et la protection des quatre aires protégées, la réduction des affrontements humains-éléphants et l'application de l'ordonnance sur la faune et la flore font partie des tâches du département. Les rangers sont stationnés sur quatre sites: Inginiyagala, Mullegama, Nilgala et Baduluwela. De plus, en 1974, le sanctuaire de Buddhangala a également été désigné. [2] Buddhangala est un monastère avec des ruines d'un stupa et d'autres bâtiments dans la région voisine de Malwattai.

One of must visit plave if you are into Ampara. Can have a wonderful boart safari in Senanayake lake but better to have a booking in advance.

Nice place to visit

Very nice

Had a 3 1/2 hour ride in a safari Jeep. Plenty of wildlife to be seen including hawks, peacocks, foxes, deer, and elephants. But sort of sad to hear that the water level of the Senanayake Samudraya has been rapidly declining for the past 3-4 years, due to insufficient rainfall. Some parts have been drained of water completely, so we were able to go into those parts in the safari jeeps.

Main national park in the eastern part of the SriLanka it is bounded to both eastern and uva provinces Sri Lanka. This is the main catchment area for the Senanayaka samudraya. There are lot of herbal trees within the forest.