Gal Oya Lodge is set on the outskirts of Gal Oya National Park towards Sri Lanka's east coast. Built from locally-sourced natural materials with furniture made by local craftsmen, the nine-bedroom lodge really gives guests a sense of its surroundings.
A 9-room wildlife lodge in Gal Oya national park, one of Sri Lanka's least visited parks
See the wildlife by boat safari, rather than from a car
The best place to see elephants swimming in Sri Lanka
The lodge fits in beautifully with its surroundings, with grass roofs and use of wood in the construction
Built from local materials, including woods of teak and mara, and 'illuk' grass roofs, Gal Oya Lodge brings ecological luxury to Sri Lanka's little-visited Gal Oya National Park. With nine spacious bungalows, and a two-bedroom villa, this is the ideal accommodation option for guests looking to relax in a spectacular setting, while feeling secluded.
The bungalows measure 800 square foot in size, and have spacious bedrooms with king-size beds, as well as a sitting room and en-suite bathrooms including indoor and outdoor showers. The huge windows give the bungalows spectacular views, and they also have a private veranda. The two-bedroom villa is ideal for families or friends travelling together, with a spacious sitting room connecting the two bedrooms.
Enabling guests to get back to nature, Gal Oya Lodge is simple in design and amenities, and facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant with an a la carte menu and a bar. The lodge also has its own vegetable garden
Gal Oya National Park boasts Sri Lanka's largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samudraya Lake, meaning that wildlife safaris can be taken by boat rather than solely by jeep, which is unique for a Sri Lankan national park. Covered by jungle, with a beautiful mountain backdrop, the scenery is breath-taking and the wildlife experience completely different to any other throughout the country. The national park is home to plenty of Asian elephants, which can be seen swimming in the lake; a marvellous spectacle. Among the species of animals that can be seen in the park are deer, water buffalo, Sri Lankan leopard and monkeys, as well as a whole host of birdlife.
Guests can also spend their time walking in the national park with a naturalist, going for picnics, or even meeting the Veddas, Sri Lanka's indegenous people. Please note due to the unique location in the heart of the jungle, Gal Oya does not have wifi nor mobile phone service, which we think really allows you to immerse in your incredible surroundings. However, due to this aspect of the property we recommend that you bring cash with you for your stay in case there are any connection issues for credit card machines.
When to visit
Don't miss a safari by boat as you will have the opportunity to see the elephants swimming.
Plan your trip
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Enquire NowGal Oya Lodge is located close to Gal Oya National Park on Sri Lanka's central east coast, to the east of the hill country.
Epic Sri Lanka
Enjoy the very best that Sri Lanka can offer on this carefully curated itinerary, taking in everything from the verdant Hill Country plantations, to the cobbled streets of Galle and the cultural sites of Kandy. With an interesting heritage, Sri Lanka offers beautiful boutique properties full of character and charm which you can enjoy throughout your trip. This itinerary is perfect for anyone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time and wants to explore this island in true epic style.
Sri Lanka Safari
Experience wild Sri Lanka on this off-the-beaten track itinerary. This journey takes you through the length and breadth of this diverse teardrop isle. Through undulating hills, low grasslands and golden coast, enjoy incredible wildlife and culture throughout. With hundreds of species of endemic birds as well as a growing number of leopard sightings in Yala and Wilpattu National Park among others,
Gal Oya Lodge - Boat Safari
Gal Oya National Park is home to Sri Lanka's largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samudraya Lake. The jetty for the boat safari is a drive of about an hour from the lodge, but offers a unique experience unlike anything else in Sri Lanka.
Gal Oya Lodge - Climb Monkey Mountain
Enjoy this truly off-the-beaten track experience climbing Monkey Mountain. Located close to Gal Oya Lodge, this is the perfect experience for adventurous guests wishing to get outside. After a two-hour trek, you will be rewarded with outstanding views.
Gal Oya Lodge - Jeep Safari and Walk through Nilgala
As it is Sri Lanka's most untouched national park, Gal Oya is a fantastic location to see wildlife with very few other visitors. On this experience you will enjoy a jeep safari coupled with a walk through the unspoilt Nilgala section of the park.
Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
Enjoy a jeep safari to Yala National Park, the most famous National Park in Sri Lanka.
Temple of the Tooth
This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
