“A wonderful stay with a wonderful Yala private safari”

Wow, what an amazing experience at Shehan's lovely property. Shehan was such an excellent, attentive host from the start to the end of our stay, we had such a great time. His home cooked food was amazing with Red Snapper on the menu a particular favourite. The room we stayed in had everything we wanted, including AC, and a very comfy bed! Shehan took us on a whole day safari to nearby Yala National Park where, with his expertise, we were able to escape the rest of the jeeps and felt as if most of the time we had the park to ourselves. He was able to show us all the wonderful wildlife that Yala has to offer and we were lucky enough to see a leopard as well as lots of elephants up close plus huge crocodiles and many other animals and birds. He provided a wonderful breakfast and a great spread for lunch, the whole day is something we will remember for a long time. Thank you Shehan!

Sheehan was a fantastic host and gave a great safari. Would highly recommend

“Exceptional host, food and safari”

An amazing host, property, restaurant, safari and experience. We were lucky enough to stay with Shehan recently and experience true Sri Lankan hospitality. Shehan (the owner) showed us the local area, took us to a nearby quiet beach and then to local viewpoints where we could see the sunset and locals fishing. The room was spotless and really clean, well functioning AC and preventative measures for bugs. The cooking is also amazing! Restaurant quality on your doorstep, with excellent choice and always fresh. We also opted to use Shehan for a safari, where he again was an amazing host, talking through everything we could see in the park, keeping away from crowds and genuinely caring for the park/animals. He also prepared an unreal breakfast and lunch. Whilst on our stay, we also managed to meet some of his wider family of which was a nice touch and made you feel at "home" We highly recommend Shehan and Kingfisher, a must for anyone exploring Sri Lanka. Thank you again Shehan, we will never forget our stay with you. Wishing you all the best and hopefully see you again.

“Perfect stay in Yala!”

Great location, right next to the beach and close to the safari park. Very clean room with everything you need. The owner Shehan is absolutely amazing and goes beyond expectations to make your stay perfect. We booked the safari with him too and it was great! We had dinner at the hotel and it was very delicious and all made fresh by Shehan. Breakfast the next day was outstanding during the safari, and a special thanks for making gluten free pancakes for me, they were so good!

“A gem of a property, with the most amazing host for Safari!”

We arrived at Kingfisher lodge and were blown away that we had a beautiful paradise all to ourselves! Shehan welcomed us and went over and above to ensure we had a wonderful time in Yala. Once we arrived we wanted to visit the beach and Shehan took us in his Tuk tuk to a local beach that we could swim at - it was stunning. We had a delicious meal in the evening cooked by him with a hug choice, but we opted for local fresh catch of the day. The following morning we booked a half day safari, and couldn’t have had a better experience. PLEASE book this with Shehan, we skipped the queues, went our own route in the park and saw all the wildlife. This is a the place to stay for a relaxing break in Yala.

“Lovely stay with perfect service”

We had a perfect stay at the Kingfisher Beach Resort. The host makes sure you have everything you need and goes above and beyond to make your stay special. He organised a very nice safari aswell. He has alot of knowledge about the park and the nature and we had a lovely safari which could not have been better. Shehan thought about every detail on our stay anc safari and took really well care of us. The food Shehan cooks is delicious. Every meal tasted good. Really recommend to eat your dinner at his restaurant aswell. Would totally recommend this accomodation for the service, the food and for a Safari. Thank you Shehan!

“Great safari base”

Friendly welcome Room was clean and well provisioned The safari was excellent

“Recommended”

Shenan was an amazing host, always available. The food he cooked was delicious and fresh. We are still dreaming about the coconut pancakes, mango ice cream and cashew chicken. The room was clean and well equipped with everything you need. He made sure no insect entered our room. We also went on a safari with him, it was a great experience and the breakfast he prepared was again fresh and delicious. This is the place to stay for your trip to Kirinda-Yala national park.

“Shehan is a fantastic host — great food, thoughtful touches, and a brilliantly organised safari that made our stay truly”

Shehan was a wonderful host and made our stay feel easy and well looked after from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully organised, and it was clear how much care he puts into the experience. The food was excellent throughout our stay. Both breakfast and lunch were beautifully prepared and generous, and every meal felt relaxed and unrushed. The quality and attention to detail really stood out. Our safari was the highlight of the trip. Shehan was very well organised, knew how to avoid the crowds, and made the day flow smoothly. One moment we’ll always remember was having coffee at the park gate as the sun was rising - we were the only ones there with a coffee, which felt like such a thoughtful and personal touch. It was the small details that made the difference, from the planning to the timing and the genuine hospitality. We had an amazing time and would highly recommend staying with Shehan for anyone looking for a memorable safari and a warm, personal experience.

“Perfect stay with the nicest and most welcoming host, incredible food and amazing safari.”

Incredible stay! Shehan was the best host and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and our stay magical. Lovely, peaceful location with great facilities. All very comfortable and clean. Shehan took us on an amazing safari and prepared the best breakfast and lunch for it. All of the food during our stay was incredible in fact, some of the best we’ve ever tried. He was so helpful and friendly and we had the most wonderful time. Cannot recommend enough!

“Beautiful location”

The peace. Sheehan was very helpful, he gave us a good safari and amazing breakfast. We even had the beach to ourselves. A lovely dog and some kittens find shelter there too

The owner goes above and beyond to make your stay exception. He has lots of contacts and can find experiences others cannot. We had amazing safaris in Yala, which is a very close drive. I cannot recommend highly enough.

The room is beautiful, big and very clean! I really recommend it if you stay in Yala :) Breakfast was very delicious too. Walking distance to a beautiful beach also!

“Incredible stay. Don’t hesitate, and do your yala safari with Shehan at Kingfisher.”

Shehan was a great host. The property was very comfortable, new, spotlessly clean, and so close to a beautiful beach. The food was great and nothing was too much trouble. Not only was Shehan a great host at the accomodation, he also led us on a wonderful full day safari. I’d heard mixed things about Yala, but decided to go for the full day with Shehan after reading reviews. We were not disappointed. He was amazingly organised, endless supplies of water, coke, tea, whatever you need. The lunch was fantastic, as was the breakfast he got up at 4am to prepare. Simple things, like having us buy park tickets online meaning you skip not only the ticket queue, but also have a shorter jeep queue at the entry, made a huge difference. Not many tourists seem to have a guide with such logical tips. We strayed far off the main path, which avoids queues in jeeps and is much more enjoyable. While one man cannot control the wildlife in Yala, he certainly can lead you on the most pleasurable and effective day in the park. Plus it was a pleasure to chat with. A lovely place, and host. Don’t hesitate. P.S remember. Wild animals in Yala are not under anyone’s control, and if you approach the day expecting a fun 4x4 trip with bonus animal sightings, you are less likely to be disappointed. Yala is beautiful whether you see a leopard or not. That being said, we managed to see 3 as luck was on our side.

“A beautiful place in nature with excellent host/chef/guide.”

First of all we loved the location as it was near the ocean and also between 2 national parks so it was surrounded by nature. We absolutely loved Sheehan’s company and his amazing cooking and generosity. It was a pleasure to chat with him and explore his local area together too. The accommodation was clean and comfortable and very spacious.

“A nice place to stay near Yala, the host is the best :)”

The villas are spacious, lovely seating area outside. The place is nice and calm and the beach a few steps away is really beautiful and wild (even though in February the waves were too big to swim there, but the walks in the morning and evening were really nice there). We really enjoyed the breakfasts and especially dinners Shehan prepared for us, lovely seafood and fish paired with good wine which is rare in Sri Lanka. Shehan really took care of us and it felt like a home away from home.

“Our Top Pick in Sri Lanka”

Shehan is truly one of a kind. From the moment we arrived, he went above and beyond in every possible way. The meals were out of this world, the best seafood and accompaniments we've had anywhere in Sri Lanka — all prepared with such care and flavour, it felt like dining in a five-star restaurant with the warmth of home. He catered to our every need with genuine kindness and grace, organising a breathtaking safari and even surprising us with a beautiful celebration for our 20-year anniversary. The attention to detail, the impeccable cleanliness, and the heartfelt service made our stay unforgettable. Shehan himself is a diamond, a truly authentic, soulful host whose spirit shines through everything he does. If you’re someone who values personal, meaningful experiences with exceptional quality and a deep sense of care, this is the place for you. You’ll be wowed from start to finish. We came away not just with incredible memories, but with a deep sense of gratitude for having met someone so special. An A++++ experience.

“Certainly a memorable stay”

Shehan is a wonderful host, like a concierge, butler and personal chef. I'm sure he also gives a good massage! The beach is idyllic

“For amazing wildlife and scenery you can’t go wrong here.”

A large spacious villa very close to an amazing beach. A fantastic host and easy access to Yala and Bundala National parks.

“Friendly host & nice villa”

Very new and clean. Shehan recommended a very experienced Safari tour guide for Yala national park. He organized the whole tour incl tickets.