Undiscovered East Coast of Sri Lanka
Negombo - Gal Oya - Passekudah - TrincomaleeThe East Coast of Sri Lanka is slowly opening up to tourism. Combine a spot of wildlife in Gal Oya with a visit to Passekudah and ending in Trincomalee.
At a Glance
- 8 spacious and luxurious fully enclosed bungalows constructed with local materials
- Boat safaris, the best way to experience the local wildlife, especially the swimming elephants
- Game drives through the forests
- Walks with the Veddahs – indigenous tribesman who will guide you through the local flora and fauna
- Gorgeous pool to relax by
The Detail
This small but perfectly formed luxury safari lodge is located in Gal Oya national park in the east of the country, 3.5 hours from Kandy and 2.5 hours from the beaches of Passekudah. The remote location offers some unique wildlife experiences in untouched jungle and the experts guides show you the natural wonders of the area, including the stunning Nigala River, the amazing swimming elephants and the abundant birdlife. A real highlight is a walk with the Veddahs, local indigenous people who have lived in the area for hundreds of years and can explain the mysteries of the forests. The bungalows are large and private with high quality fittings and comfortable bedding and there is a lovely pool to relax by if you want to just soak up the atmosphere. As there are only a small number of guests staying at any one time, dining is often all together so you can swap stories of your day’s adventures over a delicious dinner.
Millis Potter Insight
Although there are many more well known national parks in Sri Lanka where you can enjoy a safari, the long trip to Gal Oya really is well worth it. As the only lodge in the park, you get unrivalled access to the nature on offer and you don’t end up in queues of jeeps like you can do down in Yala. The park is home to the largest inland body of water in Sri Lanka, with hundreds of tiny islands that can be explored by boat safari and here you are very likely to see Asian elephants in their natural habitat.. often swimming! The walks with the local Veddahs are a real highlight and give you an insight into Sri Lanka’s ancient history and love of the land and is not an experience you can easily find elsewhere. Considering the remote location, the standards of accommodation, food and service are exceptional although the journey here is long and the roads often quite bumpy and it is really worth a 3 night visit to get the most out of your stay.
Gal Oya Itineraries
Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.
Experiences
Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.
