Created by friends with a long legacy of luxurious lodge and conservation projects, Gal Oya Lodge offers a rare chance to experience a little-visited corner of rural Sri Lanka. Marked out by lovely food and charming hospitality, this welcoming hideaway has nature as its focus – and is a great place to visit at any time of year. Its thatched bungalows are hidden among jungle, offering an indulgent yet eco-conscious stay at the foot of forested mountains, which works so well for couples, solo travellers and intrepid families with older kids alike.
Gal Oya National Park, 40 minutes’ drive from the Lodge, is famed for its unique boat safaris. With just three vessels operating on the enormous Senanayake Samudraya Lake – fringed by misty hills – the sense of serenity is immense. Spy slinking crocodiles and islands bursting with nesting cormorants and spoonbills as you look out for the star attraction: the elephants who wander to the water’s edge to drink and swim. Shy and more unaccustomed to humans than those at the island’s other national parks, Gal Oya’s elephants are a lucky – rather than certain – sighting. But when they do appear, it’s absolutely magical.
Other activities at the lodge itself include guided nature walks, night safaris, Sri Lankan cooking classes, spectacular sunrise hikes and riverside picnics – many of these are included in the rates. And when you return from your day in the wilderness, there's a beautiful, mountain-framed pool for cooling off in. This is a superbly authentic lodge in a remote park, where sightings may not be guaranteed, but enjoyment is – a really worthwhile addition to your Sri Lankan itinerary – and great all-year
Highs
- Exploring Sri Lanka’s most remote national park – the only one offering boat safaris – is hugely special
- Delicious food, which the kitchen will happily adapt to your tastes
- The team were exceptional, adopting a warm, attentive hosting style; nothing is too much trouble for them (they tracked down my glasses when lost on a hike)
- You're paired with an expert naturalist throughout your stay (included in the rates), whose impressive wildlife knowledge enhances all activities
- The intimate, friendly feel: we loved swapping stories with fellow guests over evening drinks
Lows
- WiFi and signal are almost non-existent, but switching off only adds to the feeling of escapism
- Out of the way location but you'll reap the rewards of being more secluded and away from the crowds
- If you’re wary of creepy-crawlies, this may not be for you; but wildlife lovers will adore it
- Bungalows are not air-conditioned, but they stay cool even when the heat reaches its peak in March/April
- Take care when entering or exiting the pool as the edging tiles are slippery
Best time to go
Gal Oya Lodge is open year-round and there's no bad time of year to come (it is most popular December-January). We recommend travelling between July and March. October and November is a cooler time of year with some monsoon rains, yet the lake at its lowest (and more grass to attract heards of elephants). January-February are best for migratory birds. April is Sri Lanka’s hottest month.
If you’re keen to visit the east coast beaches of Trincomalee or Kalkudah whilst on the island, come to Gal Oya between July and September (as many do with kids during the school summer holidays) – when the east is in season and the Indian Ocean is calmer, although the temperatures can be high but good for seeing the animals near the watering holes.
If you’re keen to visit the east coast beaches of Trincomalee or Kalkudah whilst on the island, come to Gal Oya between July and September (as many do with kids during the school summer holidays) – when the east is in season and the Indian Ocean is calmer, although the temperatures can be high but good for seeing the animals near the watering holes.
Our top tips
If you arrive in the afternoon, a bird walk is a wonderful way to get to grips with the area as the day gives way to evening. We strolled between cultivated fields, past the treehouses used by farmers to keep watch for elephants, and to a tranquil lake where eagles, pelicans, kingfishers and cormorants soar. This is also an excellent chance to meet your naturalist guide, who will accompany you on safaris and hikes, and plan your excursions with him.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests