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Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya National Park

Sitting in splendid isolation on the edge of Gal Oya National Park, stays at Gal Oya Lodge are all about escaping the crowds, reconnecting with nature and getting to know the local wildlife.

Surrounded on all sides by lush countryside, Gal Oya Lodge comprises just nine spacious bungalows with thatched roofs, wooden furnishings and private verandas. Locally designed and built from sustainable materials, the property has a dedicated conservation focus, with six resident naturalists who are all extremely knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife.

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. 

Gal Oya Lodge, at a glance

  • Comfortable eco-lodge set on 20 acres of private forest at the edge of Gal Oya National Park 
  • Nine spacious bungalows nestled beneath the forest canopy
  • A two-bedroom family villa is perched at the highest point of the lodge 
  • Wonderful jungle and mountain views through floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Private verandas
  • Ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers
  • Thatched roofs and wood furnishings by local craftsmen 
  • Excellent restaurant offering a choice of regional and international dishes made using home-grown and locally sourced produce 

For leisure and pleasure 

  • Swimming pool with a mountain backdrop 
  • Jeep excursions to encounter the wildlife of Gal Oya National Park
  • Boat safaris on Sri Lanka’s largest lake
  • Wildlife research station on site
  • Trips to the Nigala River flowing beneath a boulder field 
  • Scenic piverbank picnics
  • Countryside nature walks with expert guides
  • Brilliant birdwatching
  • Organic farm growing chillies and spices
  • Forest walks with the Veddas – Sri Lanka’s indigenous people
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  • What was particularly impressive was the way in which Catherine listened to what we like to do and combined all of this in a destination we would not have considered - a truly terrific effort.

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    OL, Caribbean