Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya was created in the 1950s around the Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, and it is the only park in the country where the game viewing is done from a boat. That produces the sight the park is known for: elephants swimming between the islands in the reservoir, crossing open water with trunks raised. The forest around holds the Vedda communities of Rathugala, and birds are abundant on the islands.

Background

The park dates from February 12, 1954 and covers 25,900 hectares, forming the main catchment for the Senanayake Samudraya. That reservoir was created in 1950, when the Gal Oya development project dammed the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala. Three other reserves were set up in 1954 as well, and together the four account for 63,000 ha. Ground in the park rises from 30 m to about 900 m, under a cover of forest, shrub and grassland. Among the plants are the three herbs of the Ayurvedic triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis. Records list 32 terrestrial mammals and more than 150 species of birds. Colombo is 314 km away.

Source: Wikipedia, "Gal Oya National Park"

The landscape

• The swimming elephants - animals crossing open water between reservoir islands.
• The boat safari - the only water-based game viewing in the country.
• The reservoir islands - forested rocks in the middle of the Senanayake Samudraya.
• The Vedda connection - indigenous communities in the forest around the park.

When to go

March to July is the best window here. Elephant crossings are most likely in the drier months. Boats depend on wind and water conditions.

What to expect

Elephants crossing are not guaranteed and many boat trips see them only on the shore. The park is remote and the drive from the west coast is long. Boat operators vary in how closely they approach.

Nearby

Ampara is east, and the east coast is beyond it.

Key facts