A true gem to the island nation: Gal Oya National Park

The southeastern part of the island Sri Lanka is blessed with luxe nature and wildlife, and Gal Oya National Park adds to that luxury with a remarkable blend of life on land, water and air. Unlike in most other wildlife parks, Gal Oya has a significant area covered in water. In fact, the word “Oya” means a water reservoir. This park is probably the only wildlife park that gives us, the visitors, the luxury of exploring the park from the water, which indefinitely is a luxury. Given that we should anyway wait for the dry season and wait close to water holes to witness animal sites in any other park, as the animals have to come to the water holes for water, exploring while in the water in this park is an adventure to count on. 

It is the largest reservoir in the island, the Senanayake Samudraya, that surrounds Gal Oya National Park. This wildlife sanctuary spans over almost 25, 900 hectares, which most of it is covered in water bodies, offering the blissful, untouched nature away from crowded human interactions. 

Wildlife in Gal Oya National Park 

The diversity of the wildlife here is a remarkable blend of elephants, leopards, sloth bears, a variety of deer species, with over 150 bird species including everything from the white-bellied sea eagles to colorful kingfishers. The ecological richness of Gal Oya is also reflected in its aquatic system with crocodiles, freshwater fish, and many other aquatic creatures. 

A unique cultural and spiritual connection is sacredly present in this area covering the Gal Oya National Park. The island nation still holds its indigenous population, the Vedda community around this area, with whom visitors can interact to get educated about their cultural importance, livelihood, and their deep connection with nature. Ancient ruins, pillars and religious sites are also present here extending from Kumana and scattered around the park. 

How to visit Gal Oya

As mentioned before, the park offers a one of a kind boat ride safari experience with wildlife sightings and absolutely stunning lake views, that’s not anything less of an absolute authentic soak up of mother nature. Another way to dive into Gal Oya natural beauty is to join a jeep safari to get more of a traditional safari experience exploring the trails by jeep. Unlike in most other parks, Gal Oya allows trekking with a guide through the lush forest, which could be exciting and chilling at the same time. But discovering the fauna and flora of this land couldn’t be more thrillingly exciting by other means. One more thing previously mentioned was about the indigenous Vedda community with whom you could engage in cultural tours and have more of a communal experience which is mind-opening. 

Given that Gal Oya is located somewhere close to 314 km away from the country’s main city Colombo, you will have to travel that many kilometers to first get to Gal Oya. Anyway, it’s never a one straight ride as tourists mostly enjoy visiting the other parts of this beautiful island just as much they’d love this Southeastern wonders of nature. The ideal time to visit this park like always is the dry season since you can expect the animals to roam around water holes. However, some prefer off-seasons to avoid crowds that scare away all the animals into the jungle. So, you can make your choice there. 

Nature needs preserving

Tourists are so keen to visit Gal Oya National Park, but providing information should never go without feeding some information on how much it is required to preserve these natural wonders. Your respect for this natural wonder is an absolute must. Moreover, the Vedda community has and always will blend with nature and their kindness to offer us, the visitors to get a glimpse of their livelihood is much respected. Therefore, this very promised and unforgettable adventure requires your careful attendance to preserve everything in return as you trek its premises.