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Gal Oya National Park
Farther off the beaten tourist track, Gal Oya National Park is one of the best preserved and least visited of all of Sri Lanka’s national parks, rich in biodiversity and aquatic life on the lake. Established in 1954, it serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. The 25,900 hectare park has about 32 species of mammals including elephants, wild boar, deer, jackals, sloth bears, marsh mugger crocodiles and an array of rare exotic birds. One of the aspects that makes this park truly special is that it is the only place where you can take a boat safari in Sri Lanka and, if you are lucky, see the Asian elephant swimming in its natural habitat. Enjoy the only experience in Sri Lanka that allows you to spot wildlife from the water. This Boat Safari is made worthwhile and interesting by the presence of many small islands covered with forest and outcrops which are haven to elephants and birds. Often you may see these Elephants grazing happily and freely without any intrusions. If you are lucky, you may even see these mammoths swimming in the lake heading towards an island. The boat safari has many surprises awaiting the bird lovers too. The "Kurulu Dupatha" or the Bird Island is one of the islands that are 'infested' with birds and a great many varieties of birds swarm there.