Wild Glamping Gal Oya Wins Best Nature, Eco & Wildlife Award at Tourism Awards 2024

Wild Glamping Gal Oya, a flagship property of Thema Collection, has been honored with the prestigious Best Nature, Eco & Wildlife Award at the Tourism Awards 2024, organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. This recognition highlights the property’s exceptional commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and eco-tourism. The award was received by Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman of Thema Collection, and Mr. Maxime Wickramasinghe, Director of Marketing & Business Development of Thema Collection.

Located in Rathugala, Wild Glamping Gal Oya is a unique property inspired by the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous Vedda community. The property’s construction emphasizes sustainability, utilizing natural materials, solar energy, and a wastewater treatment system to minimize its environmental footprint. Spanning 24 acres, the property also boasts an organic garden that cultivates heirloom rice varieties, vegetables, maize, and a wide range of fruits, including papayas, mangoes, and bananas. This produce is freshly harvested to provide guests with a farm-to-table dining experience.

Wild Glamping Gal Oya offers guests extraordinary experiences, including the renowned Gal Oya Boat Safari, where visitors can witness elephants swimming across the Gal Oya Reservoir—a rare and mesmerizing sight. Another highlight is the “Vedda Walk,” a guided jungle trek led by a member of the indigenous Vedda community. This experience provides fascinating insights into medicinal plants, indigenous rituals, and traditional hunting techniques, creating a meaningful connection between guests and Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

The year 2024 has been a landmark for Wild Glamping Gal Oya, as it also received the Bronze Award at the Presidential Environment Awards 2024 and the Best Sustainable Concept Award at the Sustainable Tourism Awards 2024, jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the UNDP. These accolades reflect the property’s unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and its role in promoting responsible tourism.

Wild Glamping Gal Oya continues to set an example for eco-conscious hospitality, blending cultural authenticity with environmental stewardship. Its success underscores the potential of tourism to support local communities, protect natural ecosystems, and provide transformative experiences for travelers from around the world.