Overview & Experience
The Gal Oya is a 108 km (67 mi) long river, in southeast Sri Lanka. It is the 16th longest river in Sri Lanka. It begins in the hills east of Badulla and flows northeast, emptying into the Indian Ocean south of Kalmunai.
The river was dammed in 1948 as part of the Gal Oya scheme. The dam created the Senanayake Samudra — the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, at Bintenne. Resettlement of the Tamils and Sinhalese people displaced in this scheme gave rise to among the first ethnic riots in Sri Lanka.
The Gal Oya project resulted in the formation of the 100,000 acre Gal Oya basin. This basin has since been used for cultivating paddy, chillies, sugarcane and potatoes. The Gal Oya National Park in the vicinity has a wide variety of wildlife including bears, leopards and elephants.
Boat Safari timing in Gal Oya National Park Senanayake Samudra located from Arugambay 90 KM
Morning 6 am to 9 am
Evening 3 pm to 6 pm
Rates (Per Person in USD-$) We Accept Card Payment also
• 01 pax-150 US$ All Included
• 02 pax-99 US$ All Included
• 03 pax-65 US$ All Included
• 04 pax-60 US$ All Included
• 05 pax-55 US$ All Included
• 06 pax-49 US$ All Included
What's Included & Excluded
Included In Price
Not Included
Traveler Reviews (7)
Sarah H (Russia)
"There are two safaris at Gal Oya. During the land one we saw elephants from a great distance, jackals, beautiful birds and other animals. The afternoon boat safari took us to an island and hers of elephants were on the opposite bank. Highly recommend these two safaris as you do not chase the animals, you get to observe them in their natural habitat. It was spectacular. Thank you Budget Arugambay Tours owner Ansar"
Richard Siney (America)
"It was a super nice experience. So many elephants in the small islands. Lots of birds as well. And few crocodiles. If you are really Lucky could see elephants swimming across to the islands. Have to book a boat at the wildlife department prior to the safari. Thxs Ansa"
ingrid d (Japan)
"Not to be missed. Unique experience A boat safari with guides. Very beautiful! Many elephants and birds. Even monkeys and crocodiles. We stayed until sunset. Which was amazing to see."
Michael W. (Italy)
"I went on a water safari over the Gal Oya Lake Club. These impressions were absolutely worthwhile. It comes as it comes you are lucky that you happen to see animals or not. We happened to watch an elephant for a long time and see a crocodile. Our company took a lot of time. Thank you. It was a special result for me"
Josh Papi (Franch)
"Please book directly through Budget Arugambay Tours a Gal Oya National Park for the boat safaris. We turned up on the morning (around 6:15am) and were able to find a slot. Had an amazing experience with a really knowledgeable guide and driver. We saw an elephant swimming! Highly Recommended this tour agent"
Andrea (Russia)
"We organised our boat tour through oBudget Arugambay Tours so we had no dealings with this office, but the boat tour itself was great. We saw quite a few elephants including 2 having a swim, wil buffalo, baby crocs and many species of birds. Remember to use sunscreen and cover up as the sun can be intense and there is no cover. Very good guides. Oh and it rained on our way back so we got drenched! But all fun. Thanks Ansa"
Mark McLaughlan (Germany)
"Had an incredible experience on the Inginiyagala boat safari! We were lucky to spot so many wild animals, including elephants drinking at the water's edge, crocodiles basking in the sun, jackals along the shoreline, and an amazing variety of birdlife around Bird Island. The reservoir scenery is breathtaking, making it a peaceful yet thrilling way to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. The boat operators were skilled, respectful of nature, and knew exactly where to navigate for the best sightings. A must-do experience if you're visiting Gal Oya—highly recommended for nature lovers and photographers! highly recommended for Budget Arugambay tours"
Leave a Review for this Tour
- Instant confirmation via WhatsApp
- No cancellation fee up to 24h before
- Hotel pick-up & drop included
- High quality equipment provided