Gal Oya Jungle & Boat Safari
Discover the island’s most secluded wildlife sanctuary on a unique Gal Oya Jungle & Boat Safari: Cruise across the largest inland reservoir, the Senanayake Samudraya, where you may witness the extraordinary spectacle of wild elephants swimming between islands, explore dense forests and tranquil waterways rich with diverse fauna including deer, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife.
Unique Boat Safari on Senanayake Samudraya
Enjoy Sri Lanka’s only boat safari through the country’s largest inland lake, offering rare views of wildlife swimming between islands or drinking along the shores.
Swimming Elephants (if lucky)
Witness the incredible sight of elephants swimming from island to island, a behaviour seen almost nowhere else in Sri Lanka.
Untouched Wilderness
Explore the remote and pristine landscapes of Gal Oya National Park, rich in forests, grasslands, and waterways, with very low tourist traffic.
Diverse Wildlife Sightings
Spot a variety of animals including elephants, mugger crocodiles, spotted deer, water buffalo, and troops of Toque macaques.
Birdwatching Haven
Gal Oya is home to over 150 species of birds, including white-bellied sea eagles, grey-headed fish eagles, egrets, and kingfishers, making it a haven for bird lovers.
Jungle Jeep Trails (Optional)
Complement your boat safari with a guided 4×4 jungle drive, offering deeper access into the forest and more chances for mammal sightings.
Indigenous Vedda Community Experience (Optional)
Visit a Vedda village, home to one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining forest-dwelling Indigenous communities, and learn about their ancestral connection to the land.
Peaceful and Crowd-Free
With very few visitors, Gal Oya offers one of the quietest and most exclusive wildlife experiences in the country, ideal for photographers and nature enthusiasts.