Senanayaka Samudraya of Inginiyagala

The Senanayaka Samudraya the largest body of water ever created in Sri Lanka is a pleasing sight at sunset. Cradled between Siyabalanduwa and Ampara this giant reservoir is bordered by the rising mountains of Inginiyagala creating a sight that it majestic and breathtaking.A development of the Gal Oya Project, the reservoir that irrigates the dry lands of the east of Sri Lanka, remains a glorious testament to the most ambitious irrigation development project undertaken immediately after of the Independence. 

A development of the Gal Oya Project, the reservoir that irrigates the dry lands of the east of Sri Lanka, remains a glorious testament to the most ambitious irrigation development project undertaken immediately after of the Independence.Today nearly sixty years after its construction the Senanayaka Samudraya provides relief to man, birds and beast in the area with providing water, habitat and livelihood. Nearly 70,000 families in the East depends on the reservoir for water for their agricultural purposes while nearly 200 elephants roam the Gal Oya sanctuary the catchment area of the reservoir.  The islets within the reservoir are popular nesting grounds with many varieties of local and migrant birds and are best viewed by a boat ride in the reservoir. 

A journey on water towards the Gal Oya reserve falls across the Makara Kata or Makaraya, Dragon mouth in Sinhala. A whirlpool created by water flowing into a natural tunnel,Where Gal Oya falls to the reservoir. The boat safaris during the dry seasonalso bring the unusual sight of elephants swimming from one island to another island in the reservoir in search of food. 

Things To Do: Boat ride, sightseeing, explore, photography and bird watching