Yala Avian Eye Safari

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).