Gal Oya National Park
Where Nature Thrives In Its Purest Form.
South East, Sri Lanka
259 sqkm
Est.1954
About The Park
Gal Oya National Park is renowned for its year-round elephant gatherings and rich Ayurvedic biodiversity, home to the prized triphala trio: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis
History & Heritage
Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration.
Geography & Climate
Gal Oya National Park Sri Lanka is located in the Uva Province, which is in the south-east part of Sri Lanka.
The elevation of the park varies from 30 m to about 900 m. Danigala, Nilgala, and Ulpotha are the mountains of the park.Rain is received during the North-eastern monsoon with average annual rainfall of 1,700 millimetres (66.93 in).
Rich Ecosystems
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Rich Ecosystems
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Rich Ecosystems
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Rich Ecosystems
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Discover the incredible variety of life that calls our park home. From majestic mammals to vibrant birdlife,
reptiles, and unique plant species.
Mammals
Leopard
Excellent climber, a big cat that reigns gracefully as the island’s most elusive predator.
Birds
Yellow footed Green Pigeon
Admired for its soft green and yellow plumage, bright yellow legs, and vivid purple-ringed eyes, giving it a beautifully vibrant and elegant appearance among the foliage.
Mammals
Sambar Deer
Sri Lankan sambar deer is the largest sambar subspecies and representative of the Rusa genus, with the largest antlers both in size and in body proportions.
Mammals
Spotted Deer
The Ceylon spotted deer is among the indigenous species of mammals in Sri Lanka.
Birds
Flamingo
The largest species of flamingo, known for their distinctive appearance and social behaviors.
Birds
Blue Tailed Bee Eater
The blue tailed bee eater is a slender, colorful bird with green plumage, a bright blue tail, a black eye-stripe, and a yellow-brown throat, often seen catching insects in flight near open areas and water bodies.
Visitor Information
Plan your perfect visit with all the essential information you need for an unforgettable experience
Open Hours
Opening Hours- daily from 6.00 A.M to 6.00 P.M
Morning Safari: Around 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM/11:00 AM
Afternoon Safari: Around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Annual Closure: Does not have a permanent annual closure it’s generally open year-round.
Entry Fees
• Entrance Fee :
Foreign Adults: USD 15
Foreign Children: USD 8
SAARC Adults: USD 10
SAARC Children: USD 5
Local Adults: LKR 150
Local Children: LKR 30
• Jeep Hire: ~LKR 11,000 for the entire Jeep ride (full day)
Accommodations
• Accommodation available only outside the park.
• Options include eco‑lodges, tented camps, and nearby stays that range from rustic to comfortable and immersive nature experiences: Gal Oya Lodge, Wild Glamping Gal Oya
• No lodging inside the park.
• Visitors must hire a jeep to enter and spot wildlife.
Experience & Activities
Immerse yourself in nature through a variety of adventures tailored for all interests and fitness levels.
Wildlife Safari
Wild Glamping
Boat Safari
Gallery & Media
Explore stunning moments captured in the park – from breathtaking landscapes to intimate wildlife encounters.
Contact us
Get in touch with us for inquiries, or to learn more about how you can support our conservation efforts.
Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya National Park is a diverse wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka, centered on the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir. It features forests, grasslands, and waterways, home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and over 150 bird species. Visitors can enjoy unique boat safaris for an immersive wildlife experience.