East · Uva–Eastern border
Gal Oya
Safari by boat on Sri Lanka's largest reservoir, where elephants swim between the islands, set in rolling grassland and forest.
Gal Oya is one of the few places in Asia where you can watch wild elephants swim. The safari is by boat on Senanayake Samudra, the island’s largest reservoir, as herds cross between the islands.
The surrounding forest and grassland are home to leopards and sloth bears, and the park sees very few visitors.
When to go
The drier months from April to September are best for the swimming herds.
What you’ll see
Elephants in and around the water, crocodiles, fish eagles and cormorants, with the chance of a leopard on the shore.
Expeditions that visit Gal Oya
Free guide
Planning Gal Oya? Start with our field guide
Every park, the best months for each and how to plan a first safari. Or tell us your dates and we'll build a route.