Gal Oya Lodge

• Room size: 70 m²/753 ft²
• One double bed
• Alfreso Bathroom
• Private living room
• Wrap-around veranda

Overlooking the pool and with views of the dramatic Viyana Hela mountain, the Gal Oya restaurant and bar is like no other. Each meal is prepared with fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, including produce from local farmers and home-grown vegetables, and the menu is filled with Sri Lankan and Western dishes, prepared by local chefs.

Accompanied by the resident naturalist, drive right into the wild Nilgala region of the national park and spot elephants, leopards and countless bird species unique to this ecosystem. Swim in the river, and enjoy a picnic as you take in the breathtaking views.

Take an afternoon to explore the national park and spot elephants swimming between islands, or resting at the lake’s edge. Spend time on the water to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife in its natural habitat.

Choose to get the morning started with a trek to the top of Monkey Mountain, with 180 degree views of the lush valley below. Or take part in a night walk through the jungle to spot the many different animals, such as the peculiar-looking Frog Mouth bird. Or, do both! Always accompanied by the resident naturalist, you will always be able to explore the natural life around you at Gal Oya Lodge.

Learn how to cook Sri Lankan style! Forage for ingredients in the forest and learn how to prepare and cook them with Chef Premarathna. In the outdoor kitchen just a short walk from the Lodge, be immersed in the beautiful surroundings as you learn traditional Sri Lankan methods of sustainable and nourishing cooking.

Enjoy biking through the forest on shorter trails to the Kiri Oruwa Lake, or take on the longer rides to the beautiful Namal Reservoir. Cycle roads less travelled and explore the national park at your own pace, and even be lucky enough to spot Kingfishers and White-bellied Sea Eagles as previous guests have done. This way you get to see the staggering biodiversity of the Gal Oya National Park up close.

In an effort to better understand and conserve the wildlife around it, the Gal Oya Lodge run an ongoing research and monitoring program. Guests can join the naturalists as they continue their work in recording and tracking animal life, in an effort to better protect the ecosystem around them.

The Gal Oya National Park is home to over 150 migratory and endemic bird species, including the Spot-billed Pelican and the Red-faced Malkoha. Accompanied by an expert taking you along several routes through the trees and around the lake, there are many different bird-watching opportunities – watch birds by the lake go diving for a catch as you enjoy a lovingly prepared picnic.

Every member of staff at the Gal Oya lodge is hired from surrounding towns, which helps to ensure that money stays within the community, and means that authentic Sri Lankan culture and tradition is alive and well.

Every meal at Gal Oya Lodge is prepared with locally-sourced and foraged ingredients, or from vegetables and herbs grown at the lodge.

Each bungalow is built with as many natural and locally-sourced materials  and using historical techniques which are passed down from generation to generation. All the bungalows, as well as the tables and chairs are handmade by village craftsman, and crafted from cajan, wood, illuk grass, teak and mara wood.

Gal Oya Lodge was built on the philosophy of sustainable living. The business is run using the appropriate technology and eco-friendly practices to make sure the nature at the core of your experience remains as untouched as possible. Water and energy saving practices are in place to make sure the Lodge has as small a carbon footprint as possible.