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Nilgala Wildlife Safari and Guided Nature Walk
Take a journey back into Gal Oya National Park for a jeep safari through the Nilgala section, an area known for its long association with traditional medicine and its wide range of birdlife. The landscape here is a mix of evergreen forest and open grasslands, once used as a royal hunting ground and now protected for its ecological value. As you travel through the park, your guide will help you look for elephants moving between feeding areas, water buffalo near the streams, and, with some luck, the more elusive leopard that occasionally appears in this part of Sri Lanka. The quiet surroundings and varied habitats make Nilgala a rewarding location for observing wildlife in its natural setting. In the afternoon, you can choose to continue with another jeep safari or combine your experience with a guided nature walk led by a specialist. The walk follows gentle paths and offers a closer view of plants, insects, and smaller animals that are often overlooked during vehicle-based safaris. It also provides insight into the park’s importance as a conservation area and the ways local communities interact with the landscape. Both options offer a balanced and informative look at one of Sri Lanka’s lesser-known national parks.