Sri Lanka - coconut grove.jpg Logo Srilanka
Back to Listing

Gal Oya National Park

Buried deep in the middle-eastern wilderness of Sri Lanka, Gal Oya National Park has some of the most striking landscapes in the country. But thanks to its secluded location, it lies blissfully under the tourist radar and has remained almost entirely undeveloped to this day.

Wildlife thrives in this unspoiled idyll as it is home to a vast reservoir - the biggest on the island - as well as evergreen forest and wide open savannas. We highly recommend taking a boat safari across the large lake to experience the environment in all its glory and keeping an eye out for Asian elephants swimming between the little islands - it is truly an incredible experience!

Nature lovers will also appreciate watching flocks of birds flitting around overhead and calling to one another, before dipping and diving down to perch on crooked trees among their nests, on 'Bird Island' (known locally as 'Kurulu Dupatha'). There are said to be more than 150 species of birds here and, if luck is on your side, you may be able to spot deer, wild boar, water buffaloes, crocodiles, leopards and even sloth bears wandering around this rugged terrain. 

Sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular here as they reflect off the mighty body of water and set the sky ablaze, while also emphasising the intricate and unusual shapes of the silhouetted trees. Soak in these views when enjoying a delicious picnic on the shore or atmospheric boulders and savour the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, a million miles away from busy life back home - just heaven.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Gal Oya Lodge is Ampersand’s top choice of hotel in this region. We guarantee that you will have a memorable stay here, for this luxurious property is one of our Top 10 Eco Retreats and offers an array of immersive experiences that mean you will see the national park at its finest.

Gal Oya National Park is roughly a three-hour drive east of Kandy and a three-hour drive north of Arugam Bay. Alternatively, two new airports have opened nearby making it much easier to fly there.

Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 19 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 19
Gal Oya NP (4).jpg Gal Oya NP (4).jpg
Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka 2019 (7).jpg Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka 2019 (7).jpg
Gal Oya NP (3).jpg Gal Oya NP (3).jpg
Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka 2019 (8).jpg Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka 2019 (8).jpg
Gal Oya NP (1).jpg Gal Oya NP (1).jpg
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 7 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 7
Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka 2019 (6).jpg Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka 2019 (6).jpg
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 7 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 7
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 11 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 11
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 5 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 5
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 6 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Sri Lanka 6
Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya National Park Sri Lanka 2 Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya National Park Sri Lanka 2
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Client Testimonials

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

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences