GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
3 night wildlife experience from £ 629pp
One of Sri Lanka ’ s hidden gems
Gal Oya is the most untouched of all Sri Lanka ’ s National Parks . It encompasses the country ’ s largest inland body of water , the Senannayaka Samudraya Lake , with lush evergreen forest and open savannahs thriving around the calm waters . The lake ’ s surface is peppered with islands and Gal Oya is the only place in Sri Lanka where safaris are available by boat as well as by jeep . This unique vantage point allows you to watch animals as they come to drink at the water ’ s edge , forage along the shore and perhaps the real highlight is seeing wild elephants swimming from island to island in search of greener pastures . The park ’ s unique ecosystem is also home to wild boar , deer , jackals , sloth bears and crocodiles along with abundant birdlife . No phone or WiFi signals so complete escapism . The forest-dwelling indigenous Vedda people are neighbours of Gal Oya Lodge , and guests can join the village chief for a walk through the jungles of his ancestors . The forest comes alive as he explains his tribe ’ s use of medicinal plants , the location of their ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings , as well as how hunter-gatherers sustained themselves in the jungles of Gal Oya .
Getting there : Gal Oya is around 4 hours drive from Nuwara Eliya , whilst also easily accessible from Kandy , Passikudah and Yala National Park .
Best time to go : Gal Oya is available year-round ; however , June-December is the best time for elephants and January-March for bird watching .
Price : Includes 3 nights accommodation , meals , safaris and tours shown opposite . For complete flexibility the price does not include transfers . Supplements are available to / from a variety of locations within Sri Lanka .
198 SRI LANKA
GAL OYA LODGE unique Gal Oya National Park
Bungalow
Just outside the border of this little-known national park . Simple but stylish bungalows , which draw their character from rural Sri Lankan villages , are each carefully placed with their own private views , giving guests the impression of being alone in the wild . Tables and chairs are handmade by the local craftsmen using teak and mara wood , applying traditional skills passed down from generation to generation . Proximity and synergy with nature goes beyond design , with sustainability practices including recycling , energy conservation and a wildlife training and research facility allows work with local conservation organisations to help protect wildlife . A choice of daily activities are included in your experience as shown below . You also have the chance to visit the forest-dwelling , indigenous Vedda people who have inhabited the island for hundreds of years ( extra expense ). Cuisine is another highlight of lodge life with food locally sourced or grown in the organic garden . Be sure to try delicious national favourites such as curries , sambol and roti .
Features : 9 one bedroom bungalows and 1 two bedroom villa • restaurant • bar • swimming pool • guided jeep and boat safaris • nature walks with a naturalist • chance to meet the indigenous Vedda ( aboriginal people of Sri Lanka )
• mountain bikes • cooking class • wildlife training and research facility
Accommodation : In one bedroom bungalows with king size bed , ceiling fan , indoor and outdoor showers and veranda . There is no air-conditioning , televisions or telephones in the bungalows .
Meals : Á la carte full board ( plus light snacks and tea / coffee all day ).
Activities : Your wildlife experience includes an afternoon guided walking tour through the countryside with a naturalist to see wildlife close up , one morning boat safari on Sri Lanka ’ s largest lake where you may catch a glimpse of elephants swimming between islands , and one morning jeep safari through the jungle to the Nigala section of the park .
Note : There is no WiFi signal at the lodge .
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