East coast
Gal Oya
Elephants swimming between islands
Gal Oya is one of the quieter national parks in Sri Lanka, set around the huge Senanayake Samudraya reservoir. The boat safari is the reason to come: you glide between forested islands looking for elephants and, with luck, watch a herd swim from one island to the next. Jeep safaris are possible too. It makes a good detour on the way to or from Arugam Bay.
Gal Oya
- Part of the island
- East coast
- Suggested stay
- 1 night
- Best months
- Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
- Things to do
- Ask us
Weather
When to go
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best months depend on the coast. This is the pattern here.
- Jan: expect rain
- Feb: good
- Mar: best
- Apr: best
- May: best
- Jun: best
- Jul: best
- Aug: best
- Sep: good
- Oct: expect rain
- Nov: expect rain
- Dec: expect rain
Stays
Where to stay
Prices per night for two people sharing, for dates about six weeks away. Yours may differ.
Budget
Clean, simple guesthouses and small hotels
Charitha Rest
$26Guesthouse in Inginiyagala with air-conditioned family rooms and free wifi.
Air conditioning · Wi-Fi · Breakfast · Family rooms
Gal Oya Lake View Inginiyagala
$34Guesthouse at Hida, near Inginiyagala, with air-conditioned family rooms and free parking.
Air conditioning · Family rooms · Parking
Comfort
Mid-range hotels, often with a pool
Rathnapriya Oasis
$46Resort in the Ampara area with an outdoor pool, a children's pool and free wifi.
Pool · Wi-Fi
Terrel Residencies Gal Oya
$52Guesthouse near Inginiyagala with air-conditioned family rooms, a restaurant and free parking.
Air conditioning · Wi-Fi · Restaurant · Breakfast
Superior
The nicest stays that still keep costs sensible
Gal Oya Lake Club
$109Lakeside hotel at Paraganakele, near Inginiyagala, with pools, a restaurant and air-conditioned family rooms.
Pool · Wi-Fi · Air conditioning · Restaurant