Sri Lankan Guideline

Gal Oya National Park
Boat SafarisSwimming Elephants

Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya National Park offers something no other park in Sri Lanka can: boat safaris where you can watch elephants swimming between islands. Built around the vast Senanayake Samudra reservoir, this remote park provides a unique perspective on Sri Lanka's wildlife.

What makes Gal Oya unique? It's the only national park in Sri Lanka where boat safaris are permitted. During the dry season, elephants swim up to a kilometer between islands in the reservoir - an unforgettable sight. The park also borders indigenous Vedda territory, offering cultural experiences alongside wildlife.

Gal Oya remains one of Sri Lanka's least-visited parks, meaning genuine wilderness encounters without crowds. The combination of boat and jeep safaris, swimming elephants, and Vedda heritage makes it a truly special destination for adventurous travelers.

Wildlife You'll See

Asian Elephant

Famous for swimming between islands

very high

Sri Lankan Leopard

Healthy population

moderate

Sloth Bear

moderate

Water Buffalo

high

Sambar Deer

high

Spotted Deer

very high

Mugger Crocodile

In reservoir

high

Grey-headed Fish Eagle

high

Safari Options

boat safari Safari

$60-80 per person

Unique boat safari on Senanayake Samudra. Best for swimming elephants and water birds.

Duration: 3-4 hoursBest time: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM

jeep safari Safari

$40-60 per person

Traditional jeep safari through forest areas. Good for leopard and land mammals.

Duration: 3-4 hoursBest time: 5:30 AM - 9:30 AM or 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

combined Safari

$100-130 per person

Morning boat safari plus afternoon jeep safari. The complete Gal Oya experience.

Duration: Full dayBest time: 5:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Safari Tips

  • Book the boat safari - it's unique to Gal Oya and unforgettable
  • Visit during dry season (March-September) for swimming elephants
  • Gal Oya Lodge offers the most convenient access and best experience
  • Combine with a Vedda village visit for cultural immersion
  • The journey is long but the reward is a crowd-free wilderness
  • Bring binoculars for spotting elephants on distant islands
  • Morning boat safaris offer the best light and calmest water

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Gal Oya boat safaris?

Gal Oya is the only national park in Sri Lanka offering boat safaris. You can watch elephants swimming between islands in the Senanayake Samudra reservoir - a sight not possible anywhere else in the country. The peaceful boat experience also offers excellent bird watching.

When can I see elephants swimming at Gal Oya?

Swimming elephants are best seen during the dry season from March to September. As water levels drop, elephants swim up to a kilometer between islands to reach fresh grazing. Early morning boat safaris offer the best chances.

Is Gal Oya worth the long journey?

Yes, if you want a unique experience. The boat safari and swimming elephants are unlike anything else in Sri Lanka. The remote location means very few tourists, so you'll have genuine wilderness encounters. It's best combined with visits to the east coast.

Can I visit a Vedda village from Gal Oya?

Yes, the indigenous Vedda people live near Gal Oya National Park. Some lodges and tour operators arrange respectful cultural visits to Vedda communities, offering insight into Sri Lanka's oldest inhabitants.

How do I arrange a boat safari at Gal Oya?

Boat safaris must be arranged in advance through the park or local lodges. Gal Oya Lodge includes boat safaris in their packages. If staying elsewhere, contact the park office or a tour operator beforehand.

Quick Facts

Famous ForBoat Safaris
Unique FeatureSwimming Elephants
Size259 km²
ReservoirSenanayake Samudra
Established1954
Size259 km²

Best Time to Visit

MarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

March to September (dry season) is best for boat safaris and swimming elephants. Water levels drop, elephants swim to islands for grazing, and wildlife concentrates around the reservoir. The wet season makes boat safaris difficult.

Entry Fees

Foreign Adult$25 USD
Foreign Child$15 USD
Vehicle300 LKR

Getting There

From Colombo

320 km (7-8 hours by car)

Nearest Town

Ampara / Inginiyagala

Where to Stay

Gal Oya Lodge
eco lodge$350-500/night
Ampara hotels
mid range$40-70/night
Inginiyagala guesthouses
budget$20-40/night

Resources

Gal Oya National Park - WikipediaBook Park Entry Permits

Explore More Parks

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park

Bird Nesting Colony

Pigeon Island National Park

Pigeon Island National Park

Snorkeling

Yala National Park

Yala National Park

Leopards