Gal Oya Lodge, Sri Lanka | Wayfairer Travel

Why we love it

As it is nestled into the heart of Sri Lanka’s bustling jungle, Gal Oya Lodge doesn’t have Wi-Fi or mobile phone signal. This helps you to become fully immersed into the country’s wilds, relieving your work-related worries and transporting you from the non-stop buzz of social media.

Shelley Cross
Luxury Travel Specialist

Cost Per Night : £ £ £

Perfect For : Couples, Families & Honeymoons

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Discover the purity of this glorious luxury lodge and bond with Sri Lanka’s wildlife on a conservation journey.

Gal Oya Lodge is a luxurious wildlife lodge on the edge of Gal Oya National Park, one of the best Sri Lanka national parks and also the least visited! Located in 25 acres of private forest, this remote property is ideal for those who yearn for time with nature. 

Two wooden chairs sit under a shelter, facing the lodge's outdoor pool and the mountains which rise behind it.

One of the bungalows at the lodge opens up onto a spacious veranda, where two wooden chairs are placed beside a table with two cocktails.

A four-poster bed sits in the centre of one of the bedrooms, dressed in crisp white sheets and a pillow printed with an image of an Asian elephant.

The bathrooms at the lodge have tiled floors and stone walls, equipped with huge walk-in showers.

The poolside bar is in a thatched-roof hut. Steps lead down to the outdoor pool, encased by foliage.

The bungalows at Gal Oya Lodge are adorned in local hardwoods and decorated with traditional pieces, including a hand-woven rug.

A man gives a cooking lesson at the lodge.

A lookout point in Gal Oya National Park provides an astonishing panorama of the lush green landscapes.

One of the thatched-roof huts peaks out from the trees during a clear, sunny day.

A view of Gal Oya Park shows the sprawling lake and a large tree on a sunny day.

The sheltered patio at Dunkeld Cottage is lit by a gentle log fire during the early evening.

Dive into the splendour of Sri Lanka's wilderness during a stay at Gal Oya Lodge

Gal Oya National Park was inaccessible to tourists for many years due to civil war and it is often referred to as ‘Sri Lanka’s forgotten national park’. This breathtaking park is blanketed by lush evergreen forest, open savannas and homes the sprawling Senanayake Samudra Lake.

Your daylight adventures at Gal Oya Lodge introduce you to large number of Asian elephants which can be seen swimming in the lake, as well as a myriad of other awe-inspiring mammals. Meanwhile, a wide variety of exotic birdlife, including peacocks and parakeets, flutter amidst the treetops. Your sights at the park enrich your Sri Lanka Safari Tour, allowing you to cover your wildlife checklist with ticks!

Adventurous souls prosper during a stay at Gal Oya Lodge, as the lodge’s personable guides lead you on various treks and hikes. You can also meet the local Vedda Tribe – the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of central Sri Lanka - which is a fascinating cultural experience.

Three adorable elephant calves play on the greens of Gal Oya National Park.

A huge crocodile snarls amidst the greens of Gal Oya National Park.

The Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge was designed to blend in with its surroundings and was constructed using locally-sourced materials, also being dressed with furniture made by local craftsmen. The traditional thatched-roof style of the lodge's huts and bungalows align with Sri Lankan heritage and enhance your stay as especially authentic.

The guest accommodation at Gal Oya Lodge comprises of nine bungalows and a family villa. Each accommodation has spectacular floor to ceiling glass windows and doors which open onto private verandas, the perfect spot to sit back and sip on a crisp glass of wine.

Facilities

Gal Oya Lodge offers an unmatched selection of activities and excursions, from riverside picnics to birdwatching trails. The highlight of these of course is the guided safaris around the iconic national park.

The comfortable spaces of the lodge make the perfect soft landing to complete a Sri Lanka safari tour packed with adventures. The lodge’s outdoor pool is surrounded by cosy sun loungers, an idyllic spot to recline beneath Sri Lanka’s beating sun during a summer holiday.

Dining

The restaurant is located on the mezzanine level of the main lodge. It serves simple yet delicious meals, including traditional Sri Lankan curries and international dishes. Indulge in the fruits of this beautiful region of Sri Lanka, discovering the bursting flavours which root in a dedication to fresh and local produce.

How this lodge makes your trip more responsible

We’ve chosen to work with Gal Oya Lodge as they’re committed to environmentally responsible tourism. The bungalows were built using sustainable and local materials, and the tables and chairs in the lodge’s restaurant were handmade by craftsmen from the local village.

Gal Oya Lodge is devoted to recycling and energy conservation, with regards to recycling and energy conservation. For example, the showers are solar-powered and fans are used in the rooms rather than air-conditioning. The lodge also grows its own herbs and vegetables and utilises locally sourced food from neighbouring village farmers and local fishermen.

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