GAL OYA LODGE, GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK

Scattered across 20 acres of private jungle, the secluded lodge is comprised of just nine thatched bungalows and one two-bedroom villa. Designed to blend into its natural surroundings and built from sustainable materials, Gal Oya Lodge has not compromised on comfort. The nine spacious bungalows are equipped with luxurious four-poster beds, an indoor-outdoor en-suite bathroom, a spacious living room and a private veranda overlooking the jungle beyond. For those travelling on a group or family holiday to Sri Lanka, the Lodge Villa combines two bungalows and features a large 680ft² living area as well as four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms.

For off-the-beaten-track wildlife viewing, it doesn’t get much more remote than Gal Oya National Park. Home to Sri Lanka’s largest lake, boat safaris take you almost up alongside elephants that swim and gamble in the clear waters, whilst game drives will transport you deep inside the park for brilliant birdwatching and more wildlife encounters. Those feeling adventurous can even enjoy a pre-breakfast hike up Monkey Mountain. Back at the lodge you can swim, relax and arrange to meet the Veddas – one of the last remaining communities of the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka.