Yala Avian Eye Safari

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.