Discover the Wonders of Gal Oya Valley National Park
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Gal Oya Valley National Park, a serene escape into Sri Lanka's natural beauty.
A brief summary to Gal Oya Valley National Park
- 6FHC+CP4, Henebadda, LK
- +94632242002
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Gal Oya Valley National Park is a hidden gem located in the eastern region of Sri Lanka, renowned for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. Covering a vast area, this national park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can look forward to spotting elephants, leopards, and a multitude of bird species, some of which are endemic to the island. The park's serene Oya Lake, which is perfect for boat safaris, allows tourists to get closer to nature while enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings. In addition to its wildlife, Gal Oya Valley offers a unique cultural experience. The park is situated near the indigenous Veddah community, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes in Sri Lanka. This offers visitors a glimpse into their traditional way of life, further enriching the experience. The park is also an ideal spot for hiking and exploring the scenic trails that wind through its diverse landscapes. With its relatively low tourist traffic, Gal Oya Valley provides a peaceful alternative to more crowded national parks, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Gal Oya Valley National Park promises an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty and wildlife encounters. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this national park is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s incredible wilderness.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience and provide insights into the park's ecosystems.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching as the park is home to many unique bird species.
- Stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes for hiking along the park's trails.
- Respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance while enjoying animal sightings.
Getting There
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Car
From Minneriya National Park, head south on the A1 road towards Polonnaruwa. Continue for approximately 29 km until you reach the town of Polonnaruwa. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the A11 road. Follow the A11 for about 39 km until you reach the turn-off for Gal Oya Valley National Park, which will be on your left. Follow the signs to the park entrance. The total journey is approximately 70 km and will take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
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Public Transportation
From Minneriya National Park, you can take a bus to Polonnaruwa. Board a bus at the nearest bus stop heading towards Polonnaruwa; this may take about 30 minutes. Once in Polonnaruwa, you will need to transfer to a bus heading towards Gal Oya Valley. Buses for Gal Oya Valley may not run frequently, so it's advisable to check the local schedule beforehand. The entire journey by public transport may take around 2.5 to 3 hours, including waiting times. The cost of the bus fare is typically around 100-150 LKR.
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Taxi or Ride-Sharing
If you prefer a more direct route without the hassle of public transport, consider hiring a taxi or using a ride-sharing app. From Minneriya National Park, you can negotiate a fare with the taxi driver to take you directly to Gal Oya Valley National Park. The journey will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and may cost around 5000-8000 LKR depending on the driver and vehicle type.
Attractions Nearby to Gal Oya Valley National Park
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Senanayaka Samudra
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Senanayake Samudraya සේනානායක සමුද්රය சேனாநாயக்க சமுத்திரம்
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Galoya Forest View Place
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Jayanthi Wewa Hot Spring
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Green Park - Ampara
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Gal oya safari
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Nuwaragala Mountain
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GreenBees Nature Farm
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Deegawapi Raja Maha Vihara
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Galabedda Biso Pond ගලබැද්ද බිසෝ පොකුණ
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Maha Oya Lake
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Karadi Kulam
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Galabedda Archiological Site
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Mini Worlds End (Madulsima) pitamaruwa
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Maha Oya Hot Water Springs
Landmarks nearby to Gal Oya Valley National Park
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Gal Oya Lake Club
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Gal Oya Lodge
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Hotel Lake Jay
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Govinda Hela (Westminster Abbey) - ගෝවින්ද හෙල
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මාණික්කමඩු විහාරය | Manikkamadu Buddhist Temple
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Kehellanda Wewa
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Cave with ancient paintings (ඉපැරණි බිතුසිතුවම් සහිත ලෙන)
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Inscription of King Sena ll (දෙවන සේන රජුගේ ශිලාලේඛණය)
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Ancient Ponds
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Mayuragiri Len Sthoopa
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Tharulengala Aranya Senasanaya (Karadahela Viharaya-කරදහෙළ විහාරය)
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Mayuragiriya Ancient Temple
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Siripathula Mountain, Moneragala
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Seethakanda Ancient Monastery at Monaragala
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Sri Sambodhi Viharaya, ශ්රි සම්බෝධි යෝගාශ්රමය