Begin the experience with a guided morning hike through the forested archaeological landscape of Rajagala Thenna, exploring stone steps, forest paths and remains of the ancient monastic complex.

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Rajagala Thenna Hiking
Allow the morning for the guided hike. Wear suitable walking shoes and carry drinking water.

2:45 PM | Arrive at Gal Oya Entrance Office
Arrive at the entrance office 45 minutes before the scheduled boat ride.

3:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Gal Oya Boat Ride
Enjoy an afternoon boat ride across Senanayake Samudraya, looking out for elephants, waterbirds and other wildlife along the forested island shorelines. Elephant sightings are not guaranteed.

Start early with a guided birdwatching safari in Gal Oya, followed by a visit to the Rathugala community and an afternoon wildlife drive through the national park.

5:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Gal Oya Birdwatching Safari
Look for waterbirds and forest species in the varied habitats of the Gal Oya region, which support resident and migratory birds.

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Rathugala Vedda Village Visit
Spend two hours visiting the Rathugala community and learning about local heritage and the relationship between the community and the surrounding forest.

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Gal Oya Jeep Safari
Travel along park tracks through open grassland, scrub forest and reservoir edges in search of elephants, deer and other wildlife. Sightings depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.