“beautiful, serene, bucolic experience”

I loved the location. I went running by the lake right next door with the dogs in the mornings, treated to a free breakfast, and had absolute silence to read my book in the afternoons, and then was fed yummy home cooked meals in the evenings. One evening we also went swimming in a nearby river - which was the highlight of the trip. I love Bhagya's work ethic, and his warm welcome to his life, home and family.

“Amazing accommodation in the middle of the jungle!”

This place is unique - it was our best accommodation in Sri Lanka! We loved everything about it - privacy, comfortable house with everything needed in the middle of the jungle area. Fantastic host who has done a great private safari for us. Unbelievable homecooking from his mum. It was an amazing stay, and we loved every bit of it! Thank you!

“Calm, very comfortable, delicious and surrounded by nature!”

Bhagya welcomed us very well and is an extremely friendly host. I honestly think the pictures do not do this guesthouse justice. You have a very comfortable bed, really nice hot shower, great airconditioning and plenty of space in the room itself. Besides, you are completely surrounded by nature. We even ate jackfruit, mangos, coconut and bananas which Bhagya all cut from his own garden and which his mother prepared for us. She made us the most delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner! The safari in this part of the park is very enjoyable too, there were only about 10 jeeps during our morning safari. I hear from others that the other entrances have 50+ jeeps at the same spot looking at the animals... Either way, this place is a must visit for people that want to get away from busy spots and want to be surrounded by nature. Keep your eye out during the evening for flying foxes, elephants and much more wildlife! Thank you Bhagya (and family)!!

“Amazing place!”

Bhagya was a great host, and the safari was great! The homestay was really comfortable and the garden was very cool! Also the food was incredible!!!

The host Bhagya was very friendly and helpful. He took us on a great safari for almost 4 hours. Afterwards we had a great dinner and then breakfast prepared by his mum. We were a little early and it was no problem to check in earlier. Even managed to get some washing done. Bhagya also speaks German as his wife is German. https://youtu.be/jpzGe5QDtWk?si=cyu-tzFoAsO6B6R8

“Excellent value for money, friendly family who look after you, definitely recommend for access to safari in Yala.”

We had a 2 night stay. Rural setting with a small local minimart opposite for drinks, ice creams and snacks. 5 minute walk to a small lake with a few friendly locals, small wildlife and a beautiful sunset if you go at that time. Easy access to the national Yala park. The owner Bhagya took us out the first evening for a short impromptu drive that parallels the park area. We actually glimpsed a leopard on this trip and a couple of elephants and deer. This was a nice way to start exploring the area. Early the next morning at 6am we entered the national park for a 4 hour safari. We saw various birds and wildlife and it is a beautiful trek, but not lucky enough to spot the elephants or leopards this time. Back at the lodge we had a local delicious breakfast waiting for us. The food provided was delicious, varied and in small dishes but plentiful, we did not go hungry between meals. There is a fridge stocked with various drinks and water, and also a tiny pantry with biscuits and crackers where you can help yourself and an honesty box to cover the payments. A really useful set up. As long term travellers we made use of the washing machine, so handy and clothes dried overnight outside. There is also a few games to hand like cards, a dart board and also an area for badminton which is such a thoughtful addition to this rural home stay. Our lodge was very modest but the bed was comfortable and the bathroom spacious, plenty of hot water but the controls were tricky to adjust. Air conditioning was quite low level and needed to be on all the time, however a floor fan was also provided which made up when we really needed to cool down.

“highlight was the safari with Bhagya where we saw a leopard and even a bear!!”

The dinner and breakfast were both beautiful home cooked traditional Sri Lanka meals, and were some of the best we have had on our trip. bhagya and his family were welcoming hosts and the rooms were also very comfortable with air con and a mosquito net. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants an authentic experience.

“Loved it!”

Very nice! The host was very nice, the food was more than delicious, the room was clean and comfortable and the safari was amazing!

“Fabulous!”

Fabulous home stay at Yala Avian Eye Safari with Bhagya & his family. Both rooms are spacious and comfortable and equipped with comfortable double beds, aircon, mosquito net & fan. Big bathrooms with hot water shower & toilet. Lots of wildlife around the home and some friendly dogs. If you are a nature and animal lover you will love this homestay. Bhagya took us to the river to swim and to see some elephants and on a jeep safari and we were lucky enough to see a leopard. Bhagya's mother cooked delicious meals for us during our visit. Bhagya and his family were wonderful hosts and i would highly recommend their homestay and jeep safari services. Thank you for a very enjoyable & memorable stay and i will return here again.

“A wonderful stay”

Great location, very close to the Yala park entrance and nice and quiet. Delicious food cooked fresh for every meal- really tasty traditional dishes. Comfortable and clean rooms with good AC, powerful and hot shower (best one we’ve had so far on our trip). Friendly and responsive hosts. Great safari tours too! Just for info as cost breakdown not written elsewhere on booking.com: We paid base of 70,000 LKR for 2 nights stay for 2 people including x2 breakfast, lunch and dinner, one 4 hour safari into the park and a bonus couple hour drive out to see elephants out on the nearby roads. We then paid an additional 42,000 for an extra 4 hour safari.

“Paradise in the jungle”

In the jungle, just outside Yala NP, you can find this little paradise. On the property of the family, Bahgya made a fantastic accommodation with 2 big ensuite bedrooms (with AC), a kitchen area which provides cold drinks, coffee and snacks, and a wonderful porch where you can sit and relax. The 'jungle garden' is well maintained and full of beautiful birds and small wildlife. In the evening you can sit here and listen to the sounds of the jungle. His mother cooks the best food you have tasted in Sri Lanka and also a fantastic Breakfast. And to top it all off, Bahgya takes you on a safari in his jeep, to the less visited area of Yala NP, so you're not in the middle of 50 jeeps and he knows the best spots. He managed to get us a leopard and much more! Also many elephants on the road. Beautiful, clean, friendly, special, good price and much more! I absolutely recommend this amazing place!

“Amazing”

They have everything what whe needed. Hairdryer, clean room, ac etc… and very nice breakfast

“2 night stay”

My daughter and I loved our stay at Yala Avian Eye. We arrived in the afternoon, were welcomed by Bhagya and felt right at home. We were able to relax in our private area. We each had our own bedroom and a great verandah to relax, play darts, and have a beer from "honesty" fridge. That evening, we had the most delicious dinner cooked by Sriyani. The next morning, we awoke early for the morning safari (6 - 10 am). We joined approximately 6 other jeeps and had a wonderful experience. We rarely saw another group. We spotted many animals, including crocodile, water buffalo, deer, boar, horn bills, owl, storks, eagles, peacocks with the help of Bhagya's skills. The highlight being a leopard and elephants - we felt very lucky. It was special to meet the whole talented family as well as being shown how to make coconut oil by dad. Our second dinner and breakfasts at the property was again a highlight. All meals catered for our vegan diet! We will never forget our time at Yala Avian Eye and would definitely recommend staying here during your time in Sri Lanka!

“I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to go on safari in Sri Lanka or just have amazing meals.”

Staying at Yala Avian Eye Safari was one of the highlights of our trip in Sri Lanka. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to go on safari in Sri Lanka or just have amazing meals. On the day we arrived, Bhagya (the owner) took us on a evening safari in Yala block 5 where we where lucky to see a leopard, plenty of elephants and other animals. Bhagya is very nice and a skilled safari guide. After the safari, Bhagya’s mother served us the most tasty, authentic dinner we have had in Sri Lanka. It’s worth visiting Yala Avian Eye Safari just for the food. The next day, we went on another safari through Yala Block 5 to Yala Block 6 where we saw several big crocodiles, beautiful rare birds and plenty of other wildlife. After the morning safari, we were served another amazing meal by Bhagya’s mother for breakfast. Then, Bhagya’s father showed us how they made coconut oil and Bhagya’s mother showed us her tailoring. On the afternoon, Bhagya showed us the neighbourhood and the nearby lake.

Real nice place! In a real nice location, the owner offers great tours, and all the amenities are there. Lovely outing away from the crowds.

“Great stay in the forest”

An excellent stay right in the middle of the forest. Very spacious and well equipped rooms. The rooms had additional amenities which were at chargeable basis but should be included in the room tariff. Hot water is available in the bath rooms. WiFi was very functional.The food prepared by Bhagya's mother was tasty and authentic.

“Magical and at one with nature.”

Yala Avian Eye Safari truly was amazing. The accommodation is so spacious with a large bedroom and bathroom, a kitchenette and generous outdoor space. It was an oasis. We had an amazing stay. The bed was super comfortable with a fan and AC. Bhagya’s mother prepared dinner for us after an afternoon safari and breakfast before we headed off. Both were extremely generous portions and very tasty. We enjoyed our private safari with Bhagya and got to see many animals and birds. I even got to eat a fresh mango fallen from his mango tree.

A Real nice "jungle" cottage !

“Tranquility and relaxation in good company”

The family atmosphere, the privacy of having a house all to yourself, the breakfasts, being in a natural environment, and those dinners with Mom. "Mom's kitchen." Thank you very much, family, for everything.

“a classic Sri Lankan homestay with a safari as well.”

I really liked the cold beers in the fridge when I got back from an awesome safari with Bhagya, also I loved being able to make coffee and tea anytime, also Bhagya’s mum makes awesome Sri Lankan dinners, loved the shower room , basically a great professional homestay.