Wild Wonder: A Safari Adventure in the Heart of Sri Lanka at Gal Oya National Park

 Gal-Oya national park

About

History 

It is believed that King Tissa fled to Digavapi in the second century BC. Lord Buddha is said to have visited this place, which continues to draw thousands of pilgrims every year.

Established in 1954, the Park's administration was turned over to The Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1965. Since then, great efforts have been made to safeguard the Park's animal populations as well as the habitats that serve as their homes and are frequently threatened by illegal logging and grass burning.  

Despite being off-limits for the majority of Sri Lanka's civil conflict, the Park has seen an increase in interest and visitors since the early 2000s

Geography

Gal Oya National Park features a rich and varied topography along with a wide range of habitats, with elevations ranging from 30 meters to 900 meters. 

Large water reservoirs, evergreen valleys, and granite hills provide a serene and beautiful landscape. 

The entire 64,000 hectare protected area, which includes the Sanctuaries of Senanayake Samudraya, Gal Oya Valley North-East, and Gal Oya Valley South-East, is covered in magnificent meadows and old trees. The Park spans somewhat less than 26,000 hectares.

Threats and conservation

Similar to other unspoiled ecosystems, Gal Oya encounters unique difficulties in preserving its abundant biodiversity. There have been reports of illegal logging and the trading in endangered medicinal plants in the area. In order to preserve the area's natural ecosystems, a careful balance must be struck between the financial requirements of the surrounding towns. 

Burning tall grassland ecosystems to sow grain crops is a widespread practice, as is encroachment into the Park for cow grazing.The Department for Wildlife Conservation is taking action to mitigate the potential irreversible damage that could result from tampering with habitats within Gal Oya National Park.It has been suggested to create a wildlife corridor connecting Madhur Oya Place to ensure the safety of elephant and other animal movements.

How to reach gal-oya national park

Reaching Gal Oya National Park from Colombo typically involves a combination of train and road travel. Here's a step-by-step guide:

By Train:

1. Colombo to Badulla:
• Take a train from Colombo to Badulla. This train journey offers scenic views of the central highlands and tea plantations.
• The train ride may take around 8-10 hours, depending on the type of train and the schedule.
2. Badulla to Ampara:
• From Badulla, take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Ampara. Ampara is a major town and a transportation hub in the Eastern Province, and it's relatively close to Gal Oya National Park.

By Road:

1. Ampara to Gal Oya National Park:
• From Ampara, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gal Oya National Park. The park is approximately 30-40 kilometers from Ampara, and the journey may take around 1-1.5 hours by road.

Things to do in Gal-oya National park

Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka offers a unique and diverse range of activities for nature enthusiasts. Here are some things to do in Gal Oya National Park:

1. Boat Safari on Senanayake Samudraya:
• Take a boat safari on Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, to observe wildlife along the shores and islands. It's an excellent opportunity for birdwatching and spotting elephants swimming between islands.
2. Wildlife Safaris:
• Embark on a jeep safari through the national park to witness diverse wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, deer, and various bird species. Gal Oya National Park is known for having one of the highest elephant densities in Sri Lanka.
3. Birdwatching:
• Gal Oya National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Bring your binoculars to spot a variety of bird species, including the iconic grey-headed fish eagle, Sri Lanka junglefowl, and more.
4. Hiking and Nature Walks:
• Explore the park on foot with guided nature walks and hiking trails. This allows you to appreciate the smaller details of the flora and fauna while enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.
5. Visit Vedda Villages:
• Experience the culture of the indigenous Vedda people by visiting nearby villages. Learn about their traditional lifestyle, customs, and practices.
6. Boat Safari to Bird Island:
• Take a boat safari to Bird Island in Senanayake Samudraya, a nesting site for various bird species. This excursion offers a close-up view of nesting birds and their habitats.
7. Visit Nilgala Forest Reserve:
• Explore the nearby Nilgala Forest Reserve, which is part of the larger Gal Oya complex. This reserve is known for its biodiversity, including different species of mammals and reptiles.
8. Photography:
• Capture the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife with your camera. The park's diverse ecosystems provide ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
9. Camping:
• Some tour operators offer camping experiences within the national park, allowing you to spend a night surrounded by nature. Make sure to check and adhere to park regulations for camping.
10. Elephant Watching:
• Enjoy unique elephant-watching experiences, as Gal Oya is one of the few places in the world where you can observe elephants swimming between islands.

Before engaging in any activities, it's advisable to check with local authorities, guides, or tour operators for the latest information and guidance on park regulations.

picture gallery 

How Gal-Oya can create as a major tourist attraction highlighted on sustainability

Transforming Gal Oya into a major tourist attraction with a focus on sustainability involves careful planning, community involvement, and environmental conservation. Here are some strategies to highlight sustainability:

Community-Based Tourism:

Develop community-based tourism initiatives that involve the local communities surrounding Gal Oya. This can include homestays, cultural experiences, and traditional craftsmanship, providing economic benefits to local residents.

Educational Programs:

Implement educational programs for tourists, highlighting the importance of conservation and sustainable practices. This could include guided tours with an emphasis on the unique biodiversity and ecosystems of Gal Oya.

Limited Access and Permits: 

Implement a system of limited daily permits to control the number of visitors. This helps manage the environmental impact and ensures a more sustainable tourism model.

Eco-Friendly Infrastructure:

Develop eco-friendly infrastructure, such as walking trails, viewing platforms, and visitor centers, using sustainable materials and construction practices. Ensure that developments adhere to environmental standards and guidelines.

Waste Management:

Implement a robust waste management system within the park, including proper waste disposal facilities and recycling initiatives. Encourage visitors to practice responsible waste disposal.

Wildlife Conservation:

Collaborate with conservation organizations to implement measures for wildlife protection. Create buffer zones and educate visitors on the importance of respecting the natural habitats of the local flora and fauna.

Carbon Offsetting Programs:

Establish carbon offset programs to compensate for the carbon footprint generated by tourism activities. This can involve tree planting initiatives or contributions to local conservation projects.

Local Employment Opportunities: 

Provide training and employment opportunities for local residents in tourism-related activities. This ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed within the local community.

Cultural Preservation:

Emphasize the preservation of local culture and traditions. Encourage responsible tourism that respects the cultural heritage of the area and supports local traditions, crafts, and festivals.

Visitor Education Centers:

Establish visitor education centers within the park, offering information about the local ecosystems, wildlife, and sustainable practices. This can enhance the visitor experience while promoting environmental awareness.

bibliography

About the Park (no date) Gal Oya National Park. Available at: https://www.galoyanationalpark.com/about-the-park (Accessed: 15 November 2023).

Thilinahewage and Esala Full Moon Poya Day Sri Lanka (2023) Gal oya national park: A Best Wildlife Haven in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Travel Hub. Available at: https://blog.srilankatravelhub.com/gal-oya-national-park/ (Accessed: 15 November 2023).

Gal oya national park - sri lanka national parks (2017) Gal Oya Lodge. Available at: https://www.galoyalodge.com/gal-oya-national-park/ (Accessed: 15 November 2023).

 Ishwaran, N. (1983) ‘Elephant and woody-plant relationships in Gal Oya, Sri Lanka’, Biological Conservation, 26(3), pp. 255–270. doi:10.1016/0006-3207(83)90077-0.

Travel, E. (no date) Gal oya national park, Experience Travel Group. Available at: https://www.experiencetravelgroup.com/sri_lanka/info/galoya (Accessed: 15 November 2023).