Discover an ancient land untouched by time; a haven of serenity in which to reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. Immerse yourself in nature. Soak yourself in local culture. Explore the rich wildlife of Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most remote and least visited wilderness areas.

Gal Oya Lodge is a unique Sri Lanka ecolodge spread across 20 acres of private jungle. Take your time enjoying this natural paradise through the experiences we offer, which include a walk with our Vedda neighbours, one of the last remaining communities of the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka.

Join us at Gal Oya Lodge, and discover why we are so different from other Sri Lanka resorts.

Bungalow bedrooms
The design concept of our Sri Lanka ecolodge follows nature, in contrast to typical Sri Lanka resorts. We have used sustainable and local materials wherever possible. Nestled in the forest and grasslands, every bespoke living space is specially sited to take advantage of the spectacular views.

Each of our nine spacious bungalows and family villa have been created in harmony with the natural features of the landscape. Our large 800 sq. ft. bungalows and villa include a king sized bed and an alfresco bathroom. A private living area with floor to ceiling windows and a garden veranda completes your secluded space in which to relax and unwind in a truly natural environment.


Gal Oya National Park
Gal Oya National Park remains peacefully, untouched by the hand of man. It is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems, yet to be explored. Distinct from other Sri Lankan protected areas, Gal Oya encompasses the country’s largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samudraya Lake. Over 25,000 hectares of lush evergreen forest and open savannahs thrive around the calm waters. The lake’s surface is peppered with islands, a reminder of the earth rising from the depths. Its diverse wildlife is best seen on a boat safari, especially the iconic swimming elephants. Avoiding the crowds, Gal Oya is an opportunity to experience some of the best of Sri Lanka wildlife.


Experiences
Gal Oya comes alive as an intense experience close to nature, an engagement of the senses. Awaken your feeling of wonder, hear every sound, savour the jungle smells and appreciate every texture. We offer tailored experiences that you won’t find in other Sri Lanka resorts. Jeep and boat safaris, hikes with the Vedda tribe, research and conservation activities, and Sri Lankan cooking to name a few.

VEDDA
You may not be familiar with the word Vedda, but it’s an ancient word evocative with Sri Lanka culture and tradition. The Vedda are the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of central Sri Lanka. They have inhabited the island for hundreds of years, living off the land and being at one with nature. Our Gal Oya Lodge neighbours are one of the last remaining communities of the Vedda people. We can invite the village chief to take you on a walk through the jungles of his ancestors. The forest comes alive as he explains his tribe’s use of medicinal plants, the location of their ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings, as well as how hunter-gatherers sustained themselves in the ancient jungles of Gal Oya.

Nature
At Gal Oya Lodge, we have created unique, guided experiences that re-imagine the traditional Sri Lanka safari idea. With one of our expert naturalists, take a boat safari on Sri Lanka’s largest lake and discover wildlife from a whole new perspective. You may be lucky enough to see the elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. Birdlife is exceptional on the lake, and migratory birds swell their ranks during the months of December to April.