Established in 1954, Gal Oya National Park is the main catchment area for the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, the Senanayake Samudrya. It is surprisingly underrated and largely unheard of, considering it is home to many herds of elephants who can be seen lazing around, at any time of the year. With both land and boat safaris available, it packs a lot of excitement for the naturalist, soul-searcher and adrenaline seeker.
Safari at Gal Oya:
Gal Oya National Park can be reached from Colombo via Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Udawalawe, Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, or Moneragala and then north from Siyambalanduwa to Inginiyagala. The park entrance is located 20km west from Ampara at Inginiyagala, from where you could book a boat trip around the Senanayake Samudra reservoir, to properly take in the spectacular view of the surrounding. Take your boat all the way to “Bird Island” to enjoy an evening of twitching that brings you up close and personal with the mischievous winged-creatures themselves. The Jeep safaris take you on two tracks of 5km and 13 km, both of which are perfect routes to witness and observe leopards and elephants.
For optimum sightings of wildlife, visit during the months of March to July.
The Terrain, Climate and Vegetation:
Gal Oya National Park spreads over an area of 25,900 hectares, and is part of a wildlife conservation projects which marks over 62,937 hectares, along with the Senanayake Samudra Sanctuary, Gal Oya Valley North-East Sanctuary, and the Gal Oya Valley South-West Sanctuary. The elevation of the park varies from 30m to 900m, Danigala, Nilgala and Ulpotha mountains being the highest peaks. Gal Oya National Park mainly receives its annual rainfall during the North-eastern monsoon. The vegetation of the national park is of three types: forest, shrub and grassland.
Wildlife at Gal Oya National Park:
Gal Oya National Park is a sanctuary to 32 species of terrestrial mammals, such as the common Langur, endemic Toque Macaque, Leopard, sloth bear, Asian Elephant, Wild Boar, three species of deer and Water Buffalo. Like at most other national parks in Sri Lanka, the animals at Gal Oya tend to stay off the beaten track, and retrieve into the forests if threatened or alarmed. So, it is important that you understand their mentality and behaviour as they are not used to having human presence in their habitat.
Birdlife at Gal Oya National Park:
About 150 species of birds are seen at Gal Oya National Park. The Lesser Adjutant, Spot-billed Pelican and Red-faced Malkoha are some of the park’s resident birds, while the Indian Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, and Lesser Whistling Duck are among the common migrant water birds who visit the Senanayake reservoir. The White-bellied Sea Eagle, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle are some of the most notable raptors of the area.
