Spotting wild elephants near Gal Oya

Asked about 9 hours agoViewed 663 times
J
Jack W.3450 rep2
asked about 9 hours ago

We want to avoid the jeep crowds at Yala. Is Gal Oya National Park a good hidden gem for spotting wild elephants.

7
asked about 9 hours ago
J
Jack W.3450 rep2

8 Answers

Accepted Answer

Gal Oya is the ultimate hidden gem. It is the only national park in Sri Lanka where you do a boat safari instead of a jeep safari. You can watch wild elephants literally swimming between the islands in the massive reservoir to forage for grass. It is incredibly peaceful, with almost zero other tourists around.

6
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answered about 9 hours ago
N
Nimali D.2700 rep1

Also, tons of crocodiles and amazing birdlife there.

47
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answered about 8 hours ago
R
Ruwan P.3410 rep1

Sold. We are booking a lodge near Gal Oya right now.

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answered about 8 hours ago
J
Jack W.3450 rep2

We did this and saw a mother and baby swimming. It was magical.

29
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answered about 9 hours ago
S
Sophie T.2545 rep2

The surrounding area is also home to the indigenous Vedda community.

28
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answered about 9 hours ago
R
Ruwan P.3410 rep1

Yes, you hire the DWC boats at the reservoir edge. Go early morning or late afternoon.

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answered about 8 hours ago
N
Nimali D.2700 rep1

Bring binoculars! The lake is huge and they might be far away.

14
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answered about 8 hours ago
S
Sophie T.2545 rep2

Do you book the boat at the gate.

2
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answered about 8 hours ago
J
Jack W.3450 rep2

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