Gal Oya National Park

Gal Oya national park is 230 miles on the Colombo, Kandy, Mahiyangana, Mahaoya and Ampara road, which is the shortest out of the 3 routes. This National Park declared in 1954 is 25,900 hectares in extent and covers most of the catchment area of the Senanayake Samudra. The areas to visit by Jeep are limited from Ali-wanguwa to Kossapola and from Mullegama to Kebellabokka. The main method of travel is by boat from the Bund of the reservoir to observe wild animals and birds in the open areas along the lake.

Permits and Trackers could be obtained from the Wild Life Office at Inginiyagala close to the Lake. (Check the availability of the boat before sending tourists). Wild Elephants, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambhur, are the main animals. Leopard and Sloth Bear are rare and difficult to see. Many species of birds, specially nesting birds on the dead trees in the water could be seen.