Gal Oya is the most untouched of all of Sri Lanka’s national parks and is the only one where you can take a boat safari. Take to the water on Watawanna Lake to see elephants swimming, crocodiles hunting and birdlife up close.

Sri Lanka undiscovered

An essential guide to seeing Sri Lanka's non-touristy side

From ancient ruins to a vibrant and welcoming contemporary culture; from lazy afternoons on glorious beaches, to hikes through the rolling hills of tea country and wild elephant spotting in untouched national parks; Sri Lanka is a destination that truly has it all. Despite having its hard-won stability rocked by the tragic events of Easter 2019, Sri Lanka's tourism infrastructure is developing in leaps and bounds. Hospitality is warm and abundant, transport is convenient, and accommodation – particularly in the independent boutique sector – is world-class...read more

Sri Lanka undiscovered

An essential guide to seeing Sri Lanka's non-touristy side

By Vidya Balachander

17 days

Nature and wildlife explorer

The best of rural Sri Lanka

View itinerary

View all Gal Oya National Park itineraries

Gal Oya National Park Tours

Off the Beaten Track Sri Lanka Tour

17 day tour exploring the Sri Lankan outskirts

daysFrom $3,275

	Kandy, Gal Oya National Park, Anuradhapura, Ella
	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
	Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Walking, Biking, Culinary, Food

Read more Visit site

Visit profile

Destinations	Kandy, Gal Oya National Park, Anuradhapura, Ella
Activity	Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Walking, Biking, Culinary, Food
Tour Type	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
Physical Level	Moderate

For those wanting to seek out Sri Lanka’s less chartered territory, this itinerary stitches together amazing experiences, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who really want to get underneath the skin of Sri Lanka, while enjoying wildlife experiences and hiking trails in some of the island’s most beautiful countryside. In 17 days, you will be able to zig-zag your way across the island’s west coast, into the northern cultural triangle winding your way down through tea country into forests and rivers, waterfalls and ancient cities in the plains. See wild elephants in Gal Oya National Park on a boating safari, traverse the iconic Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, discover little visited rural enclaves where life maintains its traditional village is little changed. This is a chance to experience some of the best off beat hidden gems that Sri Lanka has to offer.

	Accommodation
	Guided excursions
	Breakfast
	Ground transfers

Sri Lanka Wildlife Wonders

21 day tour exploring the national parks of Sri lanka

21 daysFrom £3,800

	Tangalle, Yala National Park, Galle, Gal Oya National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Bundala National Park
	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
	Safari, Luxury, Beach, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Spiritual, Cities, Indigenous Tourism, Culinary, Food

Read more Visit site

Visit site

Destinations	Tangalle, Yala National Park, Galle, Gal Oya National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Bundala National Park
Activity	Safari, Luxury, Beach, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Spiritual, Cities, Indigenous Tourism, Culinary, Food
Tour Type	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
Physical Level	Mild

Sri Lanka’s national parks are a joy for wildlife lovers. This amazing itinerary takes in the island’s most exhilarating national parks, Gal Oya, the Horton Plains, Yala, Uda Walawe and Bundula, before finishing on a tropical beach near Galle’s old fort.

With 26 national parks, 492 species of birds identified and 125 species of mammals, a tour of Sri Lanka is high on any nature lover’s bucket list. When it comes to wildlife holidays, Sri Lanka is clearly at the top of the food chain, above its often larger Asian neighbours.

	Accommodation	All nights in carefully-selected and exclusive hotels and boutique properties, offering the very finest service, style and comfort.
	Guided excursions	Guided excursions in each location with your very own private guide, giving you a unique local insight into Indian life and history.
	International flights	Price includes international flights from UK - please get in touch for details on other departure countries.
	Breakfast	Full, freshly-prepared breakfast in all hotels. Your guide will happily offer recommendations for lunch and evening meals.
	Ground transfers	First class train tickets, all airport collections, hotel pickups and ground transfers in a private car.

Family Summer Holiday Sri Lanka Tour

14 day family friendly summer holiday tour in Sri Lanka

14 daysFrom £2,900

	Tangalle, Kandy, Gal Oya National Park, Arugam Bay
	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
	Safari, Beach, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Spiritual, Indigenous Tourism

Read more Visit site

Visit site

Destinations	Tangalle, Kandy, Gal Oya National Park, Arugam Bay
Activity	Safari, Beach, Family, Adventure, Water Sports, Active, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Spiritual, Indigenous Tourism
Tour Type	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
Physical Level	Mild

A family holiday in Sri Lanka means that the response to the inevitable question of ‘what are we doing today?’ is met with excited eyes. Our Family Holiday to Sri Lanka itinerary combines safari and beach along with a number of super-fun child focused activities for the whole family to enjoy. Trekking up Mini Adam’s Peak, cycling through villages and paddy fields and we even manage to get a little culture in to broaden your little darlings’ horizons. And of of this, of course, with a carefully selected experiential hotels that cater for youngsters.

	Accommodation	All nights in carefully-selected and exclusive hotels and boutique properties, offering the very finest service, style and comfort.
	Guided excursions	Guided excursions in each location with your very own private guide, giving you a unique local insight into Indian life and history.
	International flights	Price includes international flights from UK - please get in touch for details on other departure countries.
	Breakfast	Full, freshly-prepared breakfast in all hotels. Your guide will happily offer recommendations for lunch and evening meals.
	Ground transfers	First class train tickets, all airport collections, hotel pickups and ground transfers in a private car.

Birds of Sri Lanka

Natural wildlife and birdwatching in Sri Lanka

17 daysFrom £3,000

	Tangalle, Yala National Park, Colombo, Knuckles Mountain Range, Gal Oya National Park, Paramakanda Rock temple
	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
	Luxury, Beach, Family, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities, History, Culinary, Food

Read more Visit site

Visit site

Destinations	Tangalle, Yala National Park, Colombo, Knuckles Mountain Range, Gal Oya National Park, Paramakanda Rock temple
Activity	Luxury, Beach, Family, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities, History, Culinary, Food
Tour Type	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
Physical Level	Mild

Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka including tropical rainforests, soaring hillsides, and coastal wetlands. This fantastic 3-week itinerary provides the opportunity to observe the scenery and rich culture of the island while keeping watch for an extraordinary wealth of birds. Accommodation is always comfortable and ranges from magical eco-lodges to a unique beach treat. As with all our holidays, this itinerary is for inspiration, and we can tailor it to suit your preferred travel pace or style.

	Accommodation	All nights in hand-chosen hotels and carefully selected guesthouses. All hotels can be adjusted according to budget and preference.
	Guided excursions	Expert, English-speaking guides and fully escorted tours in every destination.
	International flights	International flights are included in the price (can be removed if required).
	Insurance	Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding).
	Ground transfers	All airport collections, hotel transfers and other ground transfers.

Browse all tours & trips

Gal Oya National Park Travel Companies

Yonder

Tailor-made luxury holidays to Asia

	South Asia, Southeast Asia
	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
	Safari, Luxury, Beach, Family, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Spiritual

+44 (0) 203 880 8585

View profile Visit site

Experience Travel Group

Boutique holidays for curious travellers

	South Asia, Southeast Asia
	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
	Safari, Luxury, Beach, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Culture

(+44) 020 7924 7133

View profile Visit site

Bespoke India Travel

Making India incredible!

	South Asia
	Custom itinerary, Private guided tour
	Safari, Luxury, Honeymoon, Beach, Family, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Spiritual, Festivals, Cities, Museums & Galleries, Indigenous Tourism, History, Culinary, Food, Wine