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Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya Lodge is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Eco Retreats.

Just beyond the remote and little-visited Gal Oya National Park, deep within 20 acres of untouched wilderness, lies the beautiful Gal Oya Lodge, an eco-luxe retreat that pairs adventure with quiet sophistication. Since opening in 2014, it has remained one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets, offering a deeply immersive and off-the-grid experience with a wonderfully exclusive feel. It is one of our favourite wilderness eco-lodges in Sri Lanka, we love it for its authenticity, style and total immersion in nature.

As the first hotel to open in this south-eastern region of the island, Gal Oya Lodge is thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Striking thatched architecture and natural materials create an immediate sense of place, and the soaring lobby leads to an open-air restaurant and lounge area, from where lantern-lit paths wind towards 10 spacious villas, each tucked into its own private clearing. Inside, floor-to-ceiling glass windows invite nature in, blurring the line between indoors and out.

The interiors combine a calming, neutral palette with pops of colour from botanical prints and handwoven textiles. Luxury is found in the details, from four-poster beds draped in crisp linens to al fresco bathrooms equipped with soft towels, hand-carved taps and antique Sri Lankan rice bowls for sinks. There’s no A/C, but highly effective ceiling fans and clever cross-ventilation make this a non-issue.

The lodge’s swimming pool is a real highlight, shimmering turquoise by day against the green hills, and glowing warmly at night as it reflects the flickering lanterns - it’s an idyllic place to unwind with a book or a cocktail in hand. The open-sided lounge is perfect for sundowners, while the restaurant serves up outstanding Sri Lankan and international cuisine - the egg hoppers at breakfast are delicious!

Gal Oya National Park, just a short drive away, is a must-visit. It’s one of the only places in Sri Lanka where you can spot swimming elephants on a boat safari, and the area also offers jungle drives, nature walks and excellent birding. For a deeper connection to the land, take a walk with a Veddha chief, leader of one of Sri Lanka’s last indigenous forest-dwelling communities, and learn about medicinal plants and ancient hunter-gatherer traditions. Adventurous guests can tackle the hike up Monkey Mountain for phenomenal panoramic views, though be warned, it is more of a scramble than a climb!

A stay at Gal Oya Lodge is a chance to disconnect, not only from the digital world (there’s no Wi-Fi), but from the noise and pace of modern life. It’s a place that rewards those with a spirit of curiosity and a love for nature, offering a truly memorable escape into Sri Lanka’s most spellbinding wilderness.

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When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller

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Client Testimonials

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya National Park

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Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya National Park