Galoya(gal oya) - Boat-ride.

The only National Wildlife Sanctuary of Sri Lanka which offers an opportunity to travel through it by boat, is the Galoya Wildlife Sanctuary. The journey may span a minimum of 07 to 08 hours. Between 05 and 10 people could travel in one boat while the amount per person is Rs. 650.00. A fee of Rs. 400.00 is charged generally for the whole group, as service charges. As the distance travelled reduces, the fee decreases. The final destination of the Galoya Boat-ride is the area known as Makara, situated 17 kilometers away.

The extent of the Iginiyagala reservoir is 9324 hectares. The Galoya Wildlife reserve surrounding it is 25,900 hectares in extent. On the South is the Badurawela mountain range, and on the North, the Danigala and Degela wela ranges. Apart from Galoya, the Sellakkaoya and Kaballa bay oya join the reservoir

From the season starting from October, birds are seen almost everywhere. They are seen to build nests on a decayed tree standing in the middle of the Iginiyagala lake and the surrounding islands during this period. One of the places in Sri Lanka where swimming elephants could be observed is Galoya. Apart from tortoises, the types of fish such as Thilapiya, Korali, Rogu and Catalo are present in the reservoir.

Permission is given to rest and cook food at the destination of the trip, "Makara". Apart from this, for such needs, a few "Galgewal" are situated in the surroundings. They are, the galge-poosa, galge-drakapula and the galge-annasi. The best time for the trip is the period from March to October. It is advisable for bird-watchers to carry a telescope and camera.

-Chakrith Koththagoda-

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