Gal Oya boat safari and traditional Vedda wellness remedies
We are heading to Gal Oya. Besides the boat safari to see swimming elephants, is it possible to meet the indigenous Vedda community to learn about their forest medicines and healing traditions.
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4 Answers from travellers
Gal Oya is unique. It is the only park in Sri Lanka where you can do a boat safari to see elephants swimming between islands. Furthermore, you can arrange a respectful village walk with the local Vedda chief. He will take you through the forest and explain their ancient herbal medicines and natural healing remedies derived from tree bark and roots.
Their use of specific indigenous barks for joint pain and inflammation is fascinating and forms the foundation of some local Ayurvedic practices today.
Bring a good zoom lens for the boat safari. The boats are not allowed to get too close to the swimming elephants so they do not disturb them.
Watching the elephants swim with only their trunks out of the water like snorkels is the best wildlife experience I have ever had. It is completely silent on the boat.
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