When the Gal Oya project began, the area was rich in wildlife, particularly elephants, which thrived in the untouched forests. Established in 1954, Gal Oya National Park serves as the main catchment area for the Senanayake Samudra reservoir, protecting this biodiversity hot spot. The park spans 25,900 hectares and hosts 32 species of mammals, including Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffaloes, and various deer species. Elephants are a highlight, with boat safaris offering views of them swimming from island to island, using their trunks as snorkels, best seen from March to July. Birdlife is abundant, with species including ibises, cormorants, egrets, eagles and many more visible, especially from December to April. The park’s unique feature is its ability to offer both land and water-based wildlife encounters, making it a haven for nature lovers.