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Spotting wild elephants near Gal Oya

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J
Jack W.•11065 rep•2

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

4
wildlife

8 Answers from travellers

✓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.

31
N
Nimali D.•26100 rep•1

Do you book the boat at the gate.

50
J
Jack W.•11065 rep•2

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

34
J
Jack W.•11065 rep•2

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

33
R
Ruwan P.•11440 rep•1

Also, tons of crocodiles and amazing birdlife there.

8
R
Ruwan P.•11440 rep•1

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

5
S
Sophie T.•8750 rep•2

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

2
S
Sophie T.•8750 rep•2

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

1
N
Nimali D.•26100 rep•1

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