Read about my relaxing stay at the eco-friendly Wild Glamping, Gal Oya near the Gal Oya National Park, in Sri Lanka and why it is the perfect place to stay when visiting the area.
Surrounded by nature, stunning mountains, lush forests and the nearby Gal Oya National Park, Wild Glamping at Gal Oya is a tranquil haven. It is the perfect place to stay to base yourself while you explore this part of east Sri Lanka.
*This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase without incurring an additional fee yourself.
Thank you for supporting this website. See my disclaimer page for more details.
Tucked away, off the beaten track, Wild Glamping Gal Oya sits on 30 acres of reclaimed land. The area had been abandoned and deforested and has now been transformed into an organic farm. Much of the produce grown on the farm is used in the delicious food at the glamping site.
The campsite is in the village of Rathugala, an area that is also home to Veddahs, the last of Sri Lanka’s indigenous peoples. Wild Glamping supports the Veddahs and 90% of the employees come from the Veddah community.
Let’s have a look at what a stay at the Wild Glamping in Gal Oya is like.
After a welcome ceremony where we were greeted with flower garlands and invited to light a candle, we were given a delicious coriander herbal drink served in a coconut shell cup. Our luggage was taken to our luxury tents, while we sat and enjoyed the tranquillity.
The Luxury Tents at Wild Glamping Gal Oya
Wild Glamping Gal Oya is a bespoke luxury campsite nestled in 30 acres of reclaimed land. With only 10 luxury tents, it is so quiet you can hear the wind gently ruffling the grasses and the frog chorus at night.
There are two different types of luxury tents available at Wild Glamping Gal Oya. Three family tents at the top of a small incline and seven double tents curved around the raised infinity pool.
All of the tents have a verandah area at the front where you can sit and enjoy the views.
Inside the zipped door, the double tents have a large spacious room complete with a comfortable double bed, wardrobe, dressing table and bench. An aircon unit in the corner keeps the room cool and the integral nets make sure you are not disturbed by mosquitos.
Through another zipped door at the rear, each tent has its own en-suite bathroom. Although the bathrooms are outside, they are covered and private. Each one is equipped with a shower, double sink and loo.
The tents are supplied with toiletries, fluffy towels and complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as bottled water on the side tables. The beds have crisp white linen, four plump pillows and throw cushions. These little extras really make you feel like you are staying in a special place.
The beds are over 5′ 7″ wide, yes, I did try lying across mine. The bed was very comfy and after a blissful night’s sleep, it was a struggle to leave it.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Chilling out at the beautiful Frangipani Glamping in Barbuda
The Swimming Pool at Wild Glamping Gal Oya
In the centre of the site is the raised infinity pool. With mirror-like reflections of the surrounding hills, it is perfect for a relaxing swim to cool down after a day’s safari.
Towels are provided by the hotel, and there are sun loungers to relax on under the canopies.
Eating At Wild Glamping Gal Oya
With most of the produce grown on the farm at Wild Glamping or coming from local producers, the menu changes daily.
Breakfast
Our breakfast started with a plate of fresh fruit from the farm; papaya, pineapple and banana. This was followed by a selection of curries. Yes, curry for breakfast is quite normal in Sri Lanka. String hoppers, with potato curry and some sambal were enough for me, but there was toast and jams for people who preferred a more traditional breakfast.
Read about all the delicious food you can eat in Sri Lanka
Our meal was rounded of with kiribath, a traditional Sri Lankan made from rice and coconut milk. There was an extra bit of jaggery, unrefined sweetener made from the juices of sugarcane or palm trees, to give it an extra sweetness.
Dinner
Dinner during our stay was a set menu consisting of 4 courses. The food was extremely delicious and the portions were sized perfectly. I for one had never had Papaya Soup before, but oh, was it good!
Digital Detox
When you get to Wild Glamping Gal Oya it is time to switch off. There is no TV and wifi is limited, as it was found that the wifi was interfering with the bats and other creatures.
This gives you the perfect opportunity to have a digital detox, enjoy the sounds of nature and absorb the sights and sounds around you.
Things to Do Near Gal Oya
Safari
Wild Glamping Gal Oya is perfectly located for visiting the Gal Oya National Park.
Many people miss out on the Gal Oya National Park area and head to Yala or Udawalawe for elephant experiences. The area is also steeped in history and is very tranquil and you can still see plenty of elephants and wildlife.
Gal Oya Boat Safari
For a different type of safari, take to the waters of Senanayake Samudra, Sri Lanka’s largest man-made lake. Senanayake Samudra was built in 1951 and sits in Gal Oya National Park.
From the boat, you get a different perspective on the wildlife. Watch as the elephants wander down for a drink or maybe, if you are lucky, taking a dip in the waters. Other animals you can see include deer, crocodiles and amazing birdlife.
The boat trip takes around 2 hours with a stop for tea or coffee and a traditional snack and a chance to sit quietly and watch the elephants.
Archaeological Site of Rajagala
About an hour’s drive from the campsite is the Archaeological Site of Rajagala. The exact date of the site is not known, but it is believed that monks were inhabiting the site as far back as sometime between the 10th and 3rd centuries BC.
Rajagala stretches over 1,600 acres and is still being excavated and restored. There are nearly 100 ancient stupas – dome-shaped buildings erected as Buddhist shrines – 600 monuments, ruins and artefacts. The site is amazing to visit, with archaeological work still going on. See stupas that are still being excavated as well as fully restored.
On the complex, there are also caves to explore where monks used to live, and a bathing pool, though there is a resident crocodile, so maybe no bathing!
It is also worth taking a moment or two just to sit and take in the views from across the top of the site.
Getting to the site includes climbing up the jungle path. This winds through the jungle for 1.2 km. There is a 2km gentle path with stairs to take you back down (or to walk up if the climb is too strenuous).
Learn more about the Vedda Community
If you would like to learn more about minority indigenous Vedda people, you can arrange a tour with one of the members of the community.
While walking through the jungle, you will be introduced to the Veddah culture and the forest they live in and hear the interesting stories of their lives.
How to get to Wild Glamping Gal Oya
The easiest way to get to Wild Glamping Gal Oya is with a private driver, or drive yourself.
Parking is available free of charge. The car park is at the entrance to Wild Glamping Gal Oya, and a jeep will take you down to the hotel.
Address: Wild Glamping Gal Oya, Inginiyagala Rd, Ampara, Bibile 91040
Thema Collection Resorts in Sri Lanka
Wild Glamping Gal Oya is one of fourteen hotels in nine different locations run by the Thema Group across the south of Sri Lanka.
Try Aliya Resort & Spa,Sigiriya, Kandy, Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa Pasikuda, Parangi Weligama, Scottish Planter Glendevon Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, Mandaram Nuwara, Vis Ta Vie Mirissa, Thissamaharama/Yala and the second glamping site at Wild Glamping Knuckles.
Final thoughts about Wild Glamping Gal Oya by Thema Collection
Wild Glamping Gal Oya is the perfect place to chill out and reconnect with nature.
You can book your stay at Wild Glamping Gal Oya here.
A special thank you to the team at the Wild Glamping Gal Oya for hosting me during my stay and to The Sri Lankan Tourism Board. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
Use this Sri Lanka Travel Tips to plan your adventure!
- Plan your trip with these Sri Lanka Travel Guides.
- Get the best deals on flights with Skyscanner.
- Find the perfect place to stay in Sri Lanka on Booking.com.
- Buy your e-sim before you go with Airalo.
- Explore more about Sri Lanka with local experiences.
- Don’t forget to arrange your travel insurance.
Like it? Pin it for Later
