What to do in Gal Oya National Park

Centred around a large lake, Gal Oya is Sri Lanka's least visited national park, but that only makes it more inviting. Spend your time on the water, gliding between tiny islands filled with curious flora and fauna, and watching the constant flutter of birdlife and herds of elephant swimming from bank to bank. Gal Oya is the home of the Veddha tribe, Sri Lanka's original hunter-gatherers. You'll have the honour of joining the village chief on a walk through the forest, learning about their history, traditions and skills. You can also help out with conservation efforts, go on night hikes in search of pangolin and, for the ultimate view from the top, make the climb up Monkey Mountain.