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GBP (£)

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US DOLLARS ($)

+44 207 384 2332 Plan Your Trip

+44 207 384 2332 Plan your trip

Luxury Eco-Lodge
Sri Lanka

Gal Oya Lodge
Ampara

Pool & Restaurant, Gal Oya Lodge, Ampara, Sri Lanka

HIGHLIGHTS
GALLERY
GOOD TO KNOW
ENQUIRE

Elephant, Gal Oya Lodge, Ampara, Sri Lanka

Highlights

Unique National Park Experience: The only lodge offering boat safaris in Gal Oya National Park, where guests can spot elephants swimming between islands.
Immersive Jungle Setting: Surrounded by untouched wilderness, the lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with nature, providing a truly remote and tranquil experience.
Sustainability at Its Core: Constructed from natural materials by local artisans, with solar power and minimal environmental impact.
Indigenous Cultural Encounters: Exclusive opportunities to meet and learn from the Vedda people, one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining indigenous communities.
Expert-Led Wildlife Excursions: Guided safaris, birdwatching walks, and night drives led by naturalists provide deep insights into the region’s biodiversity.
Secluded and Private Villas: Spacious bungalows built from locally sourced wood and stone, each with open-air bathrooms and panoramic jungle views.

Gallery

Good to know

How to get there

The lodge is approximately a four-hour drive from both Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). Private road transfers can be arranged. For a more scenic and time-efficient option, guests can charter a domestic flight to Ampara or Batticaloa, followed by a short drive to the lodge.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Gal Oya Lodge. The lodge offers family-friendly experiences, including nature walks and wildlife excursions tailored to younger explorers.

Giving back

Gal Oya Lodge minimises its ecological footprint by sourcing water from an on-site deep bore well, eliminating reliance on municipal supplies. Energy needs are met through solar power, and the lodge’s architecture utilizes locally sourced materials, reflecting traditional design while promoting sustainability.

In supporting the local community, the lodge employs residents from nearby villages, providing training and career opportunities in hospitality. Collaborations with the indigenous Vedda people facilitate cultural preservation and offer guests authentic experiences, such as guided walks showcasing traditional knowledge of the forest.

The lodge actively participates in wildlife conservation efforts, conducting research projects to monitor and protect local species, including studies on elephant movement patterns and biodiversity assessments within Gal Oya National Park.

Wildlife you are likely to see

Gal Oya National Park boasts a rich array of wildlife, including 32 species of mammals such as Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, and three species of deer. Primates like the endemic toque macaque and grey langur are also prevalent. The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 150 recorded species, including endemic birds like the crimson-fronted barbet and Sri Lanka grey hornbill. Reptile sightings may include the mugger crocodile basking along the reservoir’s edge.

Why we love Gal Oya Lodge

Exploring Gal Oya by boat is an experience unlike any other in Sri Lanka. Watching elephants swim between islands as the sun sets over the water makes for an unforgettable moment in one of the country’s least-visited national parks.