Yala Avian Eye Safari

Lovely, comfortable stay and very nice hosts who took us on a great morning safari and made a lovely dinner for us!

We didn’t mind but the wifi didn’t work very well

Super friendly host and family. Also, doing the Safari. Mum is cooking delicious food! The rooms are spacy and have a nice terrasse for relaxation. Fridge with cold bear and drinks is available. Nice, relaxing atmosphere.

nothing, all good

Our favourite stay on the trip. The place was big, two rooms with ensuites, clean and beautiful. Bhagya took us for am evening safari and an early morning safari. We saw elephants, buffalo, leopards, amazing birds and Bhagya was exceptionally knowledgeable on the park and the wildlife as he has grown up around the park. We had dinner at the guesthouse which was prepared by his mum while we were on a safari - it was really delicious.

Nothing. Would recommend to all.

Sehr schön. Nette Leute. Gutes Essen. Top Safari!

Ein wenig nahe an der Strasse

Wat een fijn verblijf! De host doet er alles aan om je een fijn verblijf te bezorgen. We reizen met onze 2 kinderen en hij kwam steeds met nieuwe ideeen: honing proeven met de imker, zwemmen in de nabij gelegen rivier, suikerriet proeven, een verlaten tempel bezoeken, baby eekhoorns kijken en natuurlijk op Safari in Yala nationaal park. Een compleet verblijf waar we hebben genoten van het echte Sri Lanka van het gebaande pad af. Wij komen graag terug.

Absolutamente todo! Las habitaciones eran cómodas, amplias y equipadas con aire y además una zona de nevera y lavadora. El propietario y su madre preparan una cena y unos desayunos deliciosos! Además, súper recomendable hacer el safari de Yala con él. La diferencia entre un buen safari o una mala experiencia está en el driver y fue una mañana espectacular. Empezando por la tarde anterior, cuando Baghya nos insistió amablemente en llevarnos a dar una vuelta por la carretera (sin pedir nada) para ver si veíamos elefantes… pues vimos un Leopardo! Al día siguiente, el safari fue ideal en la zona 5, prácticamente nos cruzamos con 3 o 4 jeeps en toda la mañana y conseguimos ver el oso y otro leopardo. No puedo recomendar más este pequeño alojamiento familiar, es como estar en casa.

Nada

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.

Perfetta sistemazione a due passi dall'ingresso del parco nazionale di Yala. La camera è grande e comoda e circondata da un bellissimo giardino. L'host organizza safari nel parco, consigliatissimo abbiamo visto un sacco di animali e lui è una persona calma e gentile. Consiglio vivamente 🎉

Bhagya und seine Familie sind unglaublich herzlich und haben uns vom ersten Moment wie zuhause fühlen lassen. Gleichzeitig wird die Privatsphäre der Gäste vollkommen respektiert – eine wirklich angenehme Kombination. Die Unterkunft selbst ist bestens ausgestattet und bietet absolute Privatsphäre. Das Zimmer war sehr sauber, das Bett bequem und die Klimaanlage funktionierte einwandfrei. Das Badezimmer war ebenfalls blitzeblank sauber und hat eine warme Dusche. Zusätzlich gibt es einen großzügige Terrasse mit Kühlschrank, Wasserkocher und sogar einer Waschmaschine. Auch Getränke und Snacks stehen zur Verfügung. Das Essen war ein absolutes Highlight. Sowohl das Frühstück als auch das Abendessen waren sehr lecker und reichhaltig. Die von Bhagyas Mutter zubereiteten Gerichte waren köstlich und boten authentische sri-lankische Küche, deren Schärfe perfekt auf uns abgestimmt war. Ein besonderes Erlebnis war die Nachmittagssafari mit Bhagya im Yala National Park. Wir konnten eine beeindruckende Vielfalt an Tieren sehen, darunter Krokodile, Elefanten und sogar einen Lippenbären (wirklich selten!). Bhagya erklärt die Lebensweise der Tiere, erkennt Spuren im Sand und deutet Tierlaute, alles mit großer Leidenschaft für die Tiere und Natur. Zudem findet die Safari im weniger überlaufenen nördlichen Teil des Parks statt. Insgesamt war es eine wundervolle Erfahrung, die wir nicht vergessen werden. Unsere Erwartungen wurden bei diesem Aufenthalt mehr als übertroffen. Wir können sowohl das Homestay als auch die Safaris mit Bhagya wärmstens weiterempfehlen.

Nichts

Bhagya und seine Familie sind sagenhafte Gastgeber. Ich war zum wiederholten Male dort und fühle mich wie in meinem zweiten Zuhause. Wir haben eine Safari gemacht und dabei Elefanten, einen Bären, Krokodile und viele andere exotische Tiere gesehen. Das Essen von Sriyani ist ein Traum. Alles immer super frisch und köstlich! Die Gegend um Gonaganara ist mein absoluter Lieblingsort in Sri Lanka. Super idyllisch, tolle Menschen und für mich das wahre Sri Lanka.

Das ich wieder gehen musste 😭

L’accueil, le cadre superbe et la cuisine de la maman qui est juste exceptionnelle ! Bhagya notre hôte nous a extrêmement bien reçu et nous a fait vivre des découvertes incroyables. Une très belle rencontre ! Il faut y aller absolument si vous passez par là !

Rien

Wir hatten eine absolut wunderbare Zeit bei Bhagya im Homestay von Yala Avian Eye Safari und können es von Herzen empfehlen! Schon bei der Ankunft haben wir uns unglaublich willkommen gefühlt. Bhagya ist ein außergewöhnlich herzlicher Gastgeber, der sich wirklich um alles kümmert und dafür sorgt, dass man sich wie zu Hause fühlt. Der Service war perfekt, immer aufmerksam und freundlich. Das Essen war das Beste, das wir während unserer Reise hatten. Jede Mahlzeit wurde frisch für uns gekocht und war unglaublich lecker. Viele verschiedene Curries! Das Frühstück war auch sehr lecker mit Brot, Marmelade, Omelett, Pancakes und frischen Früchten. Das Homestay selbst war sehr sauber, gepflegt und komfortabel. Man merkt sofort, dass Bhagya es den Gästen so angenehm wie möglich machen möchte: man hat eine eigene kleine "Küche" mit Kühlschrank, diversen Getränken und Snacks, Wasserkocher und eine Waschmaschine. Die Terrasse liegt schön im Schatten und man kann bequem ein Buch lesen oder einfach der Natur lauschen. Die Safari im Yala Block 5 war einfach fantastisch. Bhagya kennt sich extrem gut aus und hat uns eine unvergessliche Erfahrung ermöglicht. Man merkt, wie viel Leidenschaft und Wissen dahintersteckt. Die ruhige Atmosphäre in Block 5 war perfekt, um Tiere zu beobachten und die Natur zu genießen. Wir haben sehr spontan gebucht und wären gerne länger geblieben, aber Bhagya war leider schon ausgebucht! Das nächste Mal buchen wir früher und bleiben definitiv länger! Insgesamt eine der besten Unterkünfte und Safari-Erfahrungen, die wir je hatten.

Nichts!

Ich habe aufgrund der vielen guten Bewertungen hier gebucht und meine Erwartungen wurden sogar übertroffen! Bhagya und seine Familie haben mich herzlich willkommen geheißen und sind einfach tolle Menschen. Das Zimmer war sehr sauber und das Bett wirklich bequem. Die Klimaanlage funktioniert einwandfrei und kühlt sehr gut. Jedes Zimmer hat ein eigenes Badezimmer mit warmer Dusche. Zwischen den beiden Zimmern ist ein kleiner Küchenbereich mit Kühlschrank, Wasserkocher und neuer Waschmaschine. Bhagya stellt auch diverse Getränke und Snacks gegen Einkaufspreis zur Verfügung. Das Frühstück war sehr lecker und reichhaltig, Bhagyas Mutter hat für mich auch Abendessen gekocht und war einfach nur köstlich! Sehr authentisches Sri Lankisches Essen und von der Schärfe her, genau wie ich es mag. Ich habe eine Morgen-Safari mit Bhagya gemacht. Wir haben viele verschiedene Tiere gesehen und ich hatte sogar das Glück einen Leoparden zu beobachten. Bhagya hat mir viel über die Tiere, ihre Lebensweise und Spuren im Sand & Tierlaute erklärt. Er weiß unglaublich viel und man spürt seine Leidenschaft. Der Jeep selbst ist sehr komfortabel, vor allem bei meiner Größe hatte ich genug Beinfreiheit (habe schon andere unbequeme Safaris gemacht!). Wir waren im nördlichen Yala-Park, hier war es nicht überlaufen. Alles in allem eine wundervolle Erfahrung. Ich kann das Homestay und auch die Safari nur wärmstens weiterempfehlen. Bhagya's Homestay steht definitiv auf meiner Liste, wenn ich nächstes Jahr wieder nach Sri Lanka komme.

Nichts

Einfach alles! Am meisten gefallen hat uns die Herzlichkeit von Bhagya und seiner gesamten Familie. Die beiden Zimmer mit jeweils privatem Badezimmer waren blitzeblank sauber, haben ein bequemes Bett und die Klimaanlage läuft super. Zwischen den beiden Zimmern befindet sich eine kleine "Küche" mit Kühlschrank, Wasserkocher und Waschmaschine. Man kann sich gegen Einkaufspreis mit Wasser, Snacks etc bedienen und seine Wäsche waschen. Bhagya hat sich viel Zeit für uns genommen und ist rund um die Uhr für uns da gewesen. Die Safaris von ihm waren klasse, aber die Gegend bietet noch so viel mehr. Wir waren im Fluss baden, mit dem Traktor auf dem Land unterwegs und haben den See erkundet. Zum Schluss möchten wir noch das ausgiebige und vor allem köstliche Essen hervorheben. Ich vermisse jetzt schon die leckeren Curries!

Nichts

Prachtige locatie, wat afgelegen van voorzieningen maar de eigenaar is safari gids en heeft een uitstekende jeep safari. Bovendien maakt de moeder fantastisch lekker eten dus geen reden om ergens anders te boeken. Met de middag safari zijn we naast de vele herten, vogels, krokodillen ook de olifant en de luipaard tegen gekomen! Geen massa tourisme maar lekker kleinschalig. Ik zou deze plek iedereen aanbevelen, kamer met AC, fantastische en unieke safari in blok 5 van Yala national park. Wat wil je nog meer? Unieke ervaring!

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

Nothing

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.

Overall we throughly enjoyed the time here, I guess the only feedback would be to consider further the practicalities in the space of the room. For example more surface area so that we can unpack our items; hooks and shelving we find are so useful.

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.

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

Everything was perfect

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.

Nothing

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.

Bhagya ist ein sehr aufmerksamer, offener und hilfsbereiter Host. Wir haben uns direkt wie zuhause gefühlt. Danke für das leckere Frühstück und Abendessen und die wunderbare Safari. Wir hatten sehr viel Spaß und würden diese Unterkunft jederzeit weiterempfehlen!

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!

De eigenaar is heel behulpzaam en aardig. Hij wilt het verblijf zo leuk mogelijk maken voor zijn gasten. Hij neemt je mee naar mooie plekjes in de buurt (als je dit vraagt) en het is ook tof om een safari bij hem te boeken! De accommodatie is erg hygiënisch met een fijne airco. Daarnaast is het ontbijt en avondeten ook erg lekker bij de accommodatie. Zeker een aanrader!

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!

Highly recommended for the tasty Sri Lankan home cooking and the nice private safari into the less crowded part of Yala park. Cannot beat this for the price especially with good AC and hot water shower. Worth going a bit out of the way for.

Everything was great

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.

The breakfast was a bit limited

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.

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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.

Nothing not to love !!

A Real nice "jungle" cottage !

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.

Nothing. Everything was perfect. Well, what we didn't like was having to leave.

The place is incredibly well built and you can see the love in every detail! Baghya, the host, took us with his PickUp to find elephants and with the tractor to a swimming spot at a river. The food, the family cooks for the guests, is amazing. Everything is clean and well maintained. Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nothing, what more can you ask for that price???

What an amazing experience and such a beautiful Homestay one of the highlights in our Sr Lanka Tour. Host and his family very welcoming with excellent food and service. Room very clean and comfortable. Great knowledge of the area and its wildlife.

Nothing to not like

Bhagya made us feel so welcome at this wonderful homestay. We had our own space with outside table, terrace and access to a kitchenette with snacks and drinks we could buy at cost. It meant we could sit out and read while enjoying the local wildlife and sounds of nature around us. Our room was very comfortable with excellent a/c. As well as a safari around the beautiful block five of Yalla park with Bhagya he also took us for a walk around the local lake and had a drive along the park boundary to see the elephant security. We saw how his dad makes coconut oil too. We had two delicious dinners, cooked by his mum, plenty of rice and curry, all really lovely and good value. An excellent place to stay! 100% recommend.

Travelling as a senior couple who had been referred by a friend, we could not have been happier with this accommodation, comfortable and adequate. Bhagaya and his family really made us welcome. Bhagaya is highly recommended for his safari tour in his own jeep. He is passionate and very knowledgeable about Yala national park and it’s animals and bird life of which we saw numerous on our 3.5 hour late afternoon safari tour. Their breakfast and dinners were deliciously made with great care by Bhagaya’s mother. We spent two nights, could take a local walk and we relaxed.

There wasn’t anything we didn’t like.

I've been here for the 4th time and will always choose Yala Avian Eye Safari again. As a nature lover, you'll find your place to be. The room is clean, the bed very comfortable. Oh the shower is the best in Sri Lanka, perfect pressure! Bhagya and his family became like a second family to me and they make you feel home from the moment you arrive. You can really dig into culture, drive around the area by tractor, swim in the river, go to the temple, see wild elephants (and sometimes even leopards) on/near the road...and all this beside the safari into the northern side of Yala National Park. The food of Bhagyas mum is so delicious. Always sad to leave this beautiful place, I call home. And always happy to come back again ❤️

I had to leave after my wonderful stay there. See you again in September!

Bhagya was the perfect host. His accommodation is ideal for those who like a genuine home stay in a beautiful natural environment. The home cooked food from his mum was excellent. Bhagya looked after us and showed us around the local area. We also booked a safari into Yala national park with Bhagya and were very lucky to see lots of wild life including 2 leopards- thanks to his keen eyesight. Over all an excellent 3 night stay.

Family home in the country. Home cooked meals :) Super close to Yala NP and did an excellent tour with the host.

Nothing, loved everything.

Lovely peaceful cabin near the national park. Bhagya is a great host and the accommodation is ideal. The vain is private and comes with kitchenette loaded with snacks and cold drinks (even beer) and a washing machine for your clothes! The location is next to the national park, making it perfect for a safari trip. The food prepared by Bhagya’s mum is some of the best I’ve had in a two week trip in Sri Lanka!

Not much to complain about. The safari trip itself was extremely busy with other tourists because it had been raining and some of the other gates to the park were closed. This was disappointing (and obviously not in Bhagya’s control) as at one point, all the jeeps clustered into one spot because a leopard had been sighted in that area. Bhagya pointed out that this was unusual but worth bearing in mind. He made a concerted effort to get away from the other jeeps and was excellent at pointing out some of the animals, which I would never have spotted on my own! Especially the crocs!! Well worth the money and much better than going on one of the mega touristy safaris advertised around.

Bhagya is a super guide who really knows the area and animals and thanks to him we saw two Leopards in the park ❤️ Also saw Elephants with baby, Mongoose, Crocodile, numerous Birds and lots of other creatures too. The safari is very reasonably priced and excellent value for money. The accommodation itself is rustic and no frills but perfectly fine for a short stay while you're on safari. Wi-fi worked pretty well, the shower was surprisingly good (hot and great pressure) and the room had air-con and was comfortable. Plus there is a well stocked fridge with cold beers and soft drinks which are great after the safari. Dinner is cooked by Bhagya's mother who made us a delicious selection of curry. Breakfast was also great and we had honey coconut roti, again homemade, that was again delicious. Plus fresh fruits and a well made omelette. Respect to the cook! This place is an amazing, authentic, rustic experience and if you want to experience the real Sri Lanka and see some amazing animals I would fully recommend staying here!

We were welcomed very warmly from Bhagya. He showed us how coconut oil is produced and we enjoyed a fresh coconut from the tree. Our safari guide Bhagya is truly passionate about the nature and animals. He offered us a free mini safari tour on the evening we arrived. After some minutes we already got to see an ELEPHANT and a LEOPARD. The next morning we entered the Nationalpark. Our guide was very patient and smart about choosing the right location. There were about 10 safari trucks and we were the ONLY ONES that got to see the leopard. Our guide set up chairs and a table for us to have breakfast in nature. He is extremely knowledgeable about animals and shares his insights with us. After sunset we had an authentic sri lanka dinner at his home. It was fabulous. The whole experience was fantastic and very affordable.

Very welcoming host who took us for a drive on his jeep to see the elephants on the day we arrived. Mama makes the best food! And the safari drive into the park was worth it. Would definitely recommend! Very homely location on a farm

This place is amazing. Bhagya build a chalet in the backyard of his family house to accomodate a maximum of 4 people. You will be the only guests this place and Bhagya and his jeep is at your full disposal the entire time. Bhagya took us to the river for swimming, a monastery and, of course, twice on safari. Bhagya did his utmost to ensure that we saw all sorts of animals including a leopard. Bhagya is a really nice guy. Food was also really good, with breakfast included at lunch and dinner at a fair price. The safari was also good value for money. The chalet also had a fridge full of drinks and snacks which you can buy against the same price as in the store. I would not hesitate to stay here again. It is truly a unique experience in Sri Lanka.

There are two rooms that connect via a small outdoor hallway. This might not be ideal if you are traveling with very young kids unless both parents share a bed with a kid which we did and it was fine. It's really a veryminor thing compared to everything else.

Bhaga was an incredible host. We stayed here as a family of four adults, and all really enjoyed our time here. The rooms were very well equipped and clean, with aircon, mosquito nets, a fridge, free bottled water, a decent bathroom. As soon as we arrived Bhagya took us out to a lovely river to swim, then drove us out to do some elephant spotting on the roads next to Yala with one of his friends. He clearly loves this area and knows it well. All free of charge. The next day he took us on a safari in his jeep from the Northern gate into Yala at half the price quoted by other drivers (at a rate which included entry). Only saw two other vans which was a massive bonus and very special to have the place to ourselves. The southern gates of Yala are mobbed. We saw water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, and fresh leopard prints (but not leopards this time). Our delicious dinner and breakfast was cooked by Bhagya’s smiling mum, and we also met his Dad and sister. Indeed it was one of the highlights of our two week stay, and that’s saying a lot as we visited some incredible places. Highly recommended.

Nothing.

This was the most amazing place to stay. It was such good value that we were expecting it to be very basic but in fact the facilities were great - air conditioning, washing machine, fridge, tea and coffee we could make for ourselves whenever we wanted. The location is beautiful, but more than anything, this place is made by Bhagya, the host. He took us on safari in the Northern part of Yala National Park which is really peaceful and wild. His knowledge of wildlife is second to none and we saw an elephant, turtles, crocodiles, water buffaloes and a leopard as well as a plethora of beautiful birds. He also drove us everywhere we wanted to go in his jeep, including to the river to swim and to a magical deserted lake near the mountains where we saw two wild elephants washing themselves. We had lots of fun with him, playing in the river, playing catch with elephant poo (!) and he taught us a Sri Lankan game called Carrom which was hilarious, mainly because we were so bad at it 😆. Also, his mother cooked delicious and varied meals for us every day and sewed up my son's ripped shorts. It was truly like staying with family. We hope we can come back here one day and would advise anyone coming to Sri Lanka to book this place 💗

Everything was fantastic and we wouldn't change a thing!

We had a wonderful stay and time with Bhaghya and his nice Familie here. We felt warmly welcome and really enjoyed our time with the Avian Eye Safari-Tour. Bhaghya took us for a long tour with his jeep and showed us many lovely places in Yala NT Park where we discovered elephants, crocodiles and even a leopard! Thanks a lot Bhaghya and thanks for the really tasty food for dinner and breakfast!! Kisses to Tuk-Tuk :)

Very friendly owners. We had safari and Bag knew all the places so we managed to see two leopards, a crocodile, plenty of deers and a bear. They advised us to go to a different safari site closer to the property where it was less crowded, more calm and the entrance ticket is less expensive. The homemade dinner and breakfast were authentic and delicious. We even saw coconut oil being pressed by the father of the family.

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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.

The owner is so friendly and helpful. He knows a lot about the nature in Yala. Also his mom cooks so amazing!!! Big love for the family. We had a great stay and a great Safari, we came across only 2 other jeeps. Thank you for everything.

This is absolutely really comfortable homestay run by bhagya and mother .This is my second time and Bhagya is really helpful nice person, he make a safari with his own jeep and his mama made tasty foods. hope to come again as a third time .

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Quiet location near the park Friendly host

Bhagya the host built the homestay himself - it is a traditional style house with a wide verandah set in his family garden. very peaceful and private - we went to the garden of the family house to have breakfast and dinner cooked by his Mum (very good food) and ate in a separate area in the garden - and briefly met his lovely family. Bhagya took us on a safari and that was incredible. He has adapted a safari vehicle ( a large jeep - comfy with front facing seats ) so that he can talk to guests through the cab rear window and has erected a kind of viewing platform so the you can stand up to look around while still having protection overhead, He is an amazing guide with an extensive knowledge and love of the animals at Yala. Yala Avian Eye is near the Galge entrance which is one of the quieter parts of Yala. With a combination of luck and Bhagya's tracking skills we saw lots of wildlife including crocodiles. deer and wild boar and then amazingly a leopard eating a dead deer it had dragged up a tree - so close you could hear the crunch of its teeth on bone - and just us watching. We saw only 3 other vehicles on our safari which made it very special. And then as we drove out two sloth bears appeared - apparently they are rarer than leopards! The next day Bhagya walked us around the nearby lake and we saw how local people make a living on the land. It was a very special few days.

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Very nice homestay at the quiet side of Yala National Park. Lots of nature and wildlife around and the host Bhagye is an excellent guide for a tour in Zone 5 (we were the only jeep that day). Abd his mother will prepare tasty original Sri Lankan dishes. And even airco and the best hot shower.

This homestay we choose just because we want a full day safari in Yala NP block 5 and 6 (without crowd). We know that is a basic accommodation but there are not a lot of hotels so we stay in Yala avian safari eye for two nights. Accomodation is very basic, but clean, with AC and hot water. You must adore the homestay which was builded from the hands of Bhagya and his father. Bhagya is nice and kind and we have good safari. We saw a lot of different kinds of birds. I don't like rice and curry and his mother prepared noodles with vegetables and delicious roti with coconut and honey.

We travel with our van and driver and guide. Will be nice if accommodation can arrange a room for those people (nearby with local prices).

Nice homestay, good location, lovely family, nice room, delicious food, great hospitality, great afternoon safari with experienced staff. Its like jungle life. Go there!

To leave after 1 night

The host Bhagya is amazing! Very friendly and talkative. He took us on a tractor ride to a nearby river to swim (if you do as well, bring Moskito repellent :D ). Dinner, prepared by his Mom, was very very yummy (Rice and Curry). Perfect stop to see the elephants on the road of B35 if you are heading toward Katagarama. Bhagya also offers a tour into the park away from the main entrance!

Breakfast was delicious but simple

May be the price of the dinner

The Homestay is very clean in the middle of the jungle. Bhagya showed us around his beautiful home and afterwards hist mother cooked us the best curry we've had in Sri Lanka. We only stayed one night but he made us feel at home!

Bhagya and his family are truly lovely people. They'll make you immediately feel like home but still respect your need of privacy. The room is well equipped and has an A/C, a great shower and a comfy bed. Bhagya's mum is a great chief and she prepared delicious breakfasts and dinners. The whole family take care about the environment and animals, which is soooo great! We went twice on a safari with Bhagya and can really recommend to do safaris with him. He spotted so many animals, which we'd never have spotted. We saw a great variety of species and even had the chance to see a leopard. Bhagya takes care of the animal welfare, so he is turning of the engine to not stress the animals and you'll find yourself listening to the wildlife sounds. Bhagya also took us to a nearby river, which was such a great experience. It was really relaxing and so much fun. If you plan to visit Yala Nationalpark, please come here and experience this little place of paradise.

Nothing, everything was great!