Getting to Gal Oya, ideas on where to stay, and suggestions for your visit…
Getting to Gal Oya National Park…
Gal Oya national park is located in Uva Province on the Eastern side of the island. Nearby towns are Bible and Ampara.
There are 2 domestic airports suitable for Gal Oya, one in Batticaloa (3.5 hours drive) and one in Ampara (45 mins drive).
From Colombo
A drive of some 300km from Colombo. Journey times from 6-8 hours. The extended Southern Expressway can in fact lessen the journey time - but increases the mileage!
From Kandy
A beautiful drive from Kandy takes you up over Hunasgiriya and down the famed hair-pin bends the other side. In total a drive of around 3-4 hours.
From the East Coast
Along relatively quiet roads from the likes of Arugam Bay you can reach Gal Oya National Park in a little over two hours.
One of our favourite places to stay is Gal Oya Loge - a beautiful eco-lodge on the fringes of the national park.
Tips on visiting Gal Oya National Park
Best time of year
Any time is a good time to visit Gal Oya! For birdwatching the migratory season from November to April offers the best sightings.
In June to October the water level is lowest meaning there’s the best chance of seeing good numbers of elephant and other animals grazing along the shore.
Getting into the Park
To enter the Park you will need a permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, available at offices at park entrances. Tickets can be bought on arrival but if you are staying with a nearby lodge all will be arranged for you in advance.
Picking a guide
Park rules state that you will need to have a licensed guide with you when you enter the Park.
Having a good, professional guide can add hugely to your Gal Oya experience. Some nearby lodges and camps can provide excellent guides for your visit.
