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Gal Oya National Park

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Gal Oya National Park
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Established in 1954 to protect the catchment area of the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir, Gal Oya National Park is considered to be among the most scenically beautiful landscapes in Sri Lanka. It is the only national park in Sri Lanka where a safari by boat is possible: from which swimming elephants are occasionally spotted!

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    • Overview
    • Bundala National Park
    • Flood Plains National Park
    • Gal Oya National Park
    • Horton Plains National Park
    • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
    • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
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The Senanayake Samudraya reservoir, which is not a part of the national park, is the largest in Sri Lanka. It was developed as part of a scheme to open up around 162,000 hectares of forest for agricultural and industrial purposes. The reservoir supports an important fishery and is a valuable source of water for irrigation.

Gal Oya is located just east of Sri Lanka’s central hills, lying primarily in the Badulla District. Two general zones can be distinguished within the park, with low peneplain, broken by bare rocks known as ‘turtlebacks’ to the east, and with a higher peneplain to the west. There are several cultural sites within the park, with the Digha Vapi Dagoba, built in the 2nd Century to mark the spot where the Lord Buddha is supposed to have sat during his last visit to Sri Lanka. Just to the east of the park, you'll find the Henebedde cave near Wadinagala, containing a Brahmi inscription.

Around 45% of Gal Oya National Park is forested, 33% is savannah, 9% grassland and 2% chena (forest disturbed by shifting agriculture). Around 10% of the park consists of water bodies. The forested areas are generally evergreen and of medium stature with a densely closed-canopy layer. The savannah, found mostly towards the west of the park, houses beautiful tree species and the dominant ground vegetation consists of tall grasses. The grassland zone occurs mostly around the water bodies and is entirely secondary vegetation.

Thirty-two mammalian species have been recorded in the Gal Oya region, with the most prominent being the grey langur, the endemic toque macaque, leopard, sloth bear, elephant, wild boar, water buffalo and three species of deer. More than 150 bird species have been observed in the region including endemic species such as the red-faced malkoha and the spurfowl, and the park is also unique in providing the last breeding refuge for the painted partridge. Reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes and lizards, all can be spotted, too.

Gal Oya itself is largely undeveloped for tourism however, it is possible to visit on a day safari from Tree Tops Jungle Lodge or stay close by at Gal Oya Lodge.

Ask your consultant for more information on visiting Gal Oya National Park or refer to our guide to Sri Lanka for more on the destination.

 

Selected Wildlife Holiday Ideas:

Nature & Wildlife Explorer

Nature & Wildlife Explorer

Gorgeous scenery, birdlife, and the varied animal population that Sri Lanka has to offer, staying in tucked away hotels.

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

Birdlife and Natural Wealth of Sri Lanka

This holiday is ideal for those who love nature, especially birdlife. Visit the beautiful rainforests, coast, and wetlands of Sri Lanka.

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Nature Trails and Cultural Tales

Unique two-day walking trail in the hills with an off-the-beaten-track safari and Sri Lanka's ancient cultural sites.

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Natural & Wild Sri Lanka

Enjoy the incredible wildlife of animals without missing the astonishing scenery, glorious beaches and local life.


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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
      • India
      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
      • Oman
  • Holidays in Sri Lanka
    • Essential Holidays
    • Family Holidays
    • Sri Lanka & Maldives Holidays
    • Luxury Holidays
    • Slow Holidays
    • Nature & Wildlife Holidays
    • Immersive Holidays
  • Guide to Sri Lanka
    • Sri Lanka Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Sri Lanka Travel Blog
  • Places in Sri Lanka
    • Regions of Sri Lanka
      • Overview
      • The Cultural Triangle
      • Colombo, Negombo & Around
      • Kandy and Around
      • The Hill Country
      • West Coast Beaches
      • Galle and Around
      • The South Coast
      • Puttalam & the North West
      • The East Coast
      • Jaffna & The North
    • National Parks & Sancturaries
      • Overview
      • Bundala National Park
      • Flood Plains National Park
      • Gal Oya National Park
      • Horton Plains National Park
      • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
      • Kumana National Park (Yala East)
      • Lahugala National Park
      • Lunugamvehera National Park
      • Maduru Oya National Park
      • Minneriya National Park
      • Somawathiya National Park
      • The Knuckles Range
      • The Sinharaja Rainforest
      • Udawalawe National Park
      • Wasgamuwa National Park
      • Wilpattu National Park
      • Yala National Park
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
    • Newsletter Signup
  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
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  • Immersive Holidays
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    • Immersive Honeymoons
    • Ideas & Inspiration
    • Holidays by month
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    • Download Free Country Guides
  • Sustainability
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