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River and a National Park in Sri Lanka ” Gal Oya  ” – By Malsha -eLanka

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River and a National Park in Sri Lanka ” Gal Oya  ” – By Malsha -eLanka

Gal Oya Rajagala 2023 - elanka (1)

Phto Source: Stefan D’silva

Gal Oya is a river and a national park in Sri Lanka. The river is 108 kilometers long and 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 national park is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, bears, and birds.

The Gal Oya 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. The park is also home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals.

Some of the highlights of Gal Oya National Park include:

  • Elephant safaris: The park is home to a large herd of elephants that can be seen throughout the year.
  • Birdwatching: The park is home to over 150 species of birds, including the Sri Lanka junglefowl, the Sri Lanka spurfowl, and the Sri Lanka blue magpie.
  • Boating: The park is also home to a number of lakes and rivers that can be explored by boat.
  • Hiking: The park has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Gal Oya National Park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and offers a number of activities for visitors to enjoy.

 

what is the specialty of gal oya

The specialty of Gal Oya is its natural beauty. The river and national park are home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, bears, and birds. The park is also home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals.

Some of the highlights of Gal Oya National Park include:

  • Elephant safaris: The park is home to a large herd of elephants that can be seen throughout the year.
  • Birdwatching: The park is home to over 150 species of birds, including the Sri Lanka junglefowl, the Sri Lanka spurfowl, and the Sri Lanka blue magpie.
  • Boating: The park is also home to a number of lakes and rivers that can be explored by boat.
  • Hiking: The park has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Gal Oya National Park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and offers a number of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Here are some other things that make Gal Oya special:

  • The Senanayake Samudra, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka, is located in the park.
  • The park is home to a number of waterfalls, including the Bambarakanda Falls, the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
  • The park is also home to a number of historical sites, including the ruins of an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Gal Oya National Park is a beautiful and diverse park that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, nature, or history, you’re sure to find something to enjoy in Gal Oya.

Where is Gal Oya located?

Gal Oya is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the Badulla and Ampara Districts. The national park is 314 kilometers from Colombo.

The Gal Oya river rises in the hills east of Badulla and flows northeast, emptying into the Indian Ocean south of Kalmunai. The national park is located in the floodplain of the river.

The Gal Oya National Park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, bears, and birds. The park is also home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals.

 

What animals are in Gal Oya National Park?

Gal Oya National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including:

  • Elephants
  • Leopards
  • Bears
  • Water buffalo
  • Deer
  • Monkeys
  • Birds
  • Reptiles
  • Amphibians

The park is also home to a number of endemic species of plants and animals. Some of the endemic species found in the park include:

  • Sri Lankan elephant
  • Sri Lankan leopard
  • Sri Lankan sloth bear
  • Sri Lankan water buffalo
  • Sri Lankan sambar deer
  • Sri Lankan toque macaque
  • Sri Lankan blue magpie
  • Sri Lankan junglefowl
  • Sri Lankan spurfowl
  • Sri Lankan grey hornbill

Gal Oya National Park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and to see a variety of wildlife. The park is open to visitors year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (May-September).

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