Gal Oya Lodge
Scenic spot,
Sublime swimming pool,
Amazing activities
Families,
Couples
The gorgeous Gal Oya Lodge takes its name from the sprawling National Park on its doorstep. Close to Sri Lanka’s largest inland lake, where wild elephants swim and birds chirp, this is an immersive and comfortable stay in a remote corner of the island.
For those looking for a tranquil retreat in the heart of the jungle without sacrificing comfort, we think this is a great choice. Getting there requires some effort, so if you’re short on time, save this exceptional experience for when you feel like you have a little more. You’ll want to stay a few nights to soak it all up.
The lodge’s open-plan design, with teak and mara wood furniture crafted by local villagers, feels light and airy and makes the most of the mountain views. Inside, the high ceilings and polished cement floors give the interiors a calm and refined feel.
You can choose how active or relaxed your stay is.
Explore the jungle and lake on boat and jeep safaris, go trekking and forage with a Veddha chief, or simply unwind by the pool and soak up the sounds of the forest.
The Rooms
There are just 10 thatched bungalows, each with a king-size bed, private living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, lovely en suite bathroom, and a veranda overlooking the forest.
For families or groups of friends, the two-bedroom villa is the best bet. It even has private plunge pool.
What You’ll Find:
Why You'll Love It:
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Sri Lanka
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory.
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