Black Panther Yala

Our host was very nice and so helpful! He organized the safari to Yala for us with a breakfast, lunch and a snack. His wife made dinner for us and it was very tasty local food. Wish we could have stayed longer.

10/10!! I can’t recommend it more 😊 Nalin will do everything to make your stay better He is always trying to add more value to your stay offering new activities, recommendations and experiences He arranged a dinner in the jungle where I could cook rotti with the locals and even spot some crocodiles and elephants!! Super clean and spaciousious rooms Wifi works perfectly Delicious fresh and home-made food I will never forget Black Panther Yala, thank you so much 😊

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Nalin was an AMAZING host!! He did everything possible to ensure we had a good stay, his property is clean and comfortable and his wife made us some of the best food we’ve had so far in Sri Lanka. He also organised our safari ahead of time with an excellent guide and sent us off with the biggest breakfast too. He also picked us up from the bus and helped us get to our next destination. Thank you Nalin!

Everything was perfect - from the organisation to communication to the accommodation itself. Very clean, new and pretty rooms! Bed is super comfortable and one big plus was discovery channel. Mr. Nalin and his family are very welcoming and super kind. He organised our (amazing!) safari, picked us up and helped us to get to our bus stop. The included dinner is extraordinary, his wife is an excellent cook and the meals are rich in flavours and ingredients from local markets. We also learned a lot about the food and cooking, because Mr. Nalin was so kind to explain all the different food. We had additional breakfast and lunch for the day after our safari and it was a very big portion of super tasty food for a fair price. I really liked how they always made sure to serve different food, so we could try a lot of different things. And on the day of the safari he served us tea early in the morning and his wife prepared a huge breakfast for the safari! He helped us with all the questions we had and even showed us on the map places in Sri Lanka, which are well worth a visit! We can definitely recommend black panther and hope to come again one day!

The room and the whole homestay was incredably clean. Nalin was a great host, we got a welcome drink and the dinner which is included in the cheap price was amazing. Best food we had so far. A great value for the money. Since I read in the reviews that you can book a Safari Tour through the homestay I texted Nalin already before arrival and he organisied a great driver who was animalfriendly and cheap (7hour half-day-tour was 19.000 p.p). On top Nalin woke up before us and prepared breakfast for us that we took on the tour, it was so much food that it was hard work to finish all of it and it was also included in the Safari price. Absolutely recommend staying at this place.

Exceeded any expectation we could have had on every level, and really was so much more! An experience in and of itself!! Nalin and his wife and their two adorable boys were a highlight of our trip to Sri Lanka. Beautiful people so willing to offer above and beyond service, and something even harder to find- a truly Sri Lankan experience! I certainly don’t want to promise than Nalin and his friends will always have the time and availability to take others to monasteries and numerous caves for Buddhist meditation, some with impeccable views. And they’re def a hike up! And I think some of these experience they shared were built upon a sincere desire and appreciation for Buddhism and meditation, and my actively wanting to meditate. The first night we came, we went with two french gals who were staying at Black Panther Yala to a monastery and hiked up to a big open cave, and after I was able to meditate with a monk chanting down at the main shrine. I think a big part of what worked out for many of these experiences was timing. The next day we were able to go in the morning with Nalin and his wife to bring food to a monk with them, who they offer food to twice a month. It was very key to be respectful and wear respectful clothing, and ask about the customs and follow Nalin’s instruction. And to have a sincere and genuine interest in learning about Sri Lankan culture and Buddhism. Let me be clear that I think BlackPanther is a lovely place to stay- with new, nice, very clean AC rooms with the grounds all well kept. And Nalin will help arrange a safari, and they’ll make amazing breakfast, and you’ll be in an ideal spot we found to walk the local streets that are clam. It’s a nice area to walk and cycle- and to see the local crocodiles in the lake and the fruit bats and the water monitors, etc. I think it’s a great place for anyone to stay, regardless of interest in culture and Buddhism, cooking and/or meditation.

Everything was beyond wonderful. Maybe some citronella candles in park mosquito season for dining could be a nice addition, but that would help at any hotel. It’s all lovely.

This homestay not only stands out for its exceptional service, earning a well-deserved 10/10 rating, but also for its stunning location. Nestled by a lake teeming with birds and wildlife, it offers guests an immersive nature experience, accentuated by astonishing sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors. The kindness and generosity of the staff further elevate the stay; the host's offer of a free bicycle enabled delightful explorations of the scenic surroundings. The culinary experience was a highlight, featuring a sumptuous dinner with a variety of dishes that showcased the best of Sri Lankan cuisine—truly the finest meal one could enjoy in Sri Lanka. With its blend of warm hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty, and unmatched culinary delights, this homestay comes highly recommended for those seeking an unforgettable and authentic experience.

Host was amazing! Went above and beyond for us. Price also included a delicious dinner and breakfast - worth the money just for that alone. Host also sorted out our safari and let us check out late after this. Would 100% recommend this property.

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This is a new accomodation, we had such a great time staying! The host goes great lengths to make sure you have everything you need. He arranged our safari to Yala NP (we saw a leopard thanks to our driver!), pick up and drop off to our busstop and his wife cooked the most amazing dinner we had so far in Sri Lanka! Beds and room very comfy and clean. Nice outside area to hangout. Just outside the accommodation it's also a nice neighbourhood and it's very close to a beautiful lake where you can take a nice walk, so many animals and very friendly people.

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Extremely enthusiastic owner ready to bend over backwards to make the client happy. Able to arrange safari trips, scooter rentals, take you to bus station etc. Excellent home cooked dinner by owner's wife, a true masterchef, food for two could feed six, worth the value of the stay alone. Awesome Welcome & Farewell drinks, take away breakfast ready at 5:30 for our early morning safari trip, couldn't ask for more. Would rate 11 out of 10!!

Few infrequent electricity and water hiccups due to weather conditions (not owner's fault)