“Perfectly located for the remote Gal Oya National Park, this tranquil eco-lodge features locally sourced materials & earthy palettes. An atmospheric restaurant and bar sit alongside the pool area, and expert guides are on hand for walking & boat safaris. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!”

Hotel review

Launched in August 2014 this relative newcomer to the Sri Lankan hotel market. Gal Oya Lodge aims to open up tourism in the lesser-explored south-eastern region of the island. Each of its eight airy bungalows are situated with their own private view, meaning you feel as though it is just you and the jungle. Whilst this is a real back to basics property (there is no internet or air-conditioning) you do not miss either and it is made up for with charm in abundance. Design features and attention to detail like elephant-shaped hand-carved taps and beautiful old Sri Lankan rice cleaning bowls used sinks. Did I mention outdoor bathrooms? The national park itself is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts with several means by which to explore: by jeep, boat, foot and even helicopter! The ultimate highlight is swimming elephants which can be spotted paddling in Gal Oya’s (Sri Lanka’s largest) lake.

Recommended for

  • Safari

    • Gal Oya offers the only boat safaris in Sri Lanka - this is an exceptional bird-spotting and elephant-watching experience
  • Birdwatching

    • Spot dazzling endemic bird on a guided walk through the nearby paddy fields which surrounded the reservoir
  • Honeymoons

    • A safari-focused honeymoon escape, with jungle cabins and private candlelit dinners under the stars
  • Back to Nature

    • On the edge of the Gal Oya National Park, this is a fabulous escape for fans of wildlife and hiking
  • Outstanding location

    • In a remote rural setting on Sri Lanka's rarely-visited eastern side, perfect for adventurers
  • Learning

    • Meet the Veddas, Sri Lanka's ancient indigenous people, who still live in this region
  • Other Activities

    • The lodge has its own helicopter pad, and scenic rides can be arranged
  • Exclusive use

    • With less than 10 rooms groups can have use of entire property
  • Wildlife Area

    • Located in the Gal Oya National Park
  • In/by a Nature Reserve

    • Close to the Gal Oya National Park
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Quiet

  • Eco

  • Owner managed

  • Gourmet

  • Remote

  • Views

  • Organic food

  • Trekking

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Restaurant

  • Great walks

  • Boutique

  • Pet friendly

  • Child friendly

  • Retro/Vintage

  • On an island

  • Secluded setting

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    8 rooms in this hotel
  • Bar

  • Cots available

  • Family Suites

  • Parking

  • Safe

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Outdoor dining

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Laundry

  • Suites

  • Restaurant

  • Swimming Pool

  • Garden

  • Pet friendly

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Private villas

  • Concierge

  • Four poster beds

  • Views

  • Games room

Activities

  • Safari

    • Gal Oya offers the only boat safaris in Sri Lanka - this is an exceptional bird-spotting and elephant-watching experience
  • Birdwatching

    • Spot dazzling endemic bird on a guided walk through the nearby paddy fields which surrounded the reservoir
  • Learning

    • Meet the Veddas, Sri Lanka's ancient indigenous people, who still live in this region
  • Other Activities

    • The lodge has its own helicopter pad, and scenic rides can be arranged
  • Wildlife Area

    • Located in the Gal Oya National Park
  • Trekking

  • Great walks

Map & Location

Video

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