You will have the best
Safari experience
Experience a local family stay near Yala National Park, where adventure meets culture with thrilling safaris, immersive village tours, and authentic local cuisine.
Tour Locations
It’s an experience of epic proportions
Have you ever locked eyes with a wild leopard, just for a second, before it disappears into the trees? Yala National Park is one of the best places on Earth to witness such moments. With one of the highest leopard densities in the world, Yala offers a raw and untamed wildlife experience unlike any other.
But there’s more—this vast wilderness is home to elephants, crocodiles, black bears, and hundreds of bird species. Our safaris take you deep into the heart of Yala, where every turn holds the promise of a new discovery. From the elusive leopard to the majestic elephants, you’ll experience the park’s unparalleled biodiversity in its purest form.
- Track the Elusive Leopard
- Watch Herds of Elephants
- Explore Diverse Landscapes
A Journey Through the Wild
Yala National Park is a place where nature moves at its own pace. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be surrounded by wild animals in their natural home? As you travel through the park, you’ll see spotted deer grazing under trees, monkeys jumping between branches, and large flocks of birds taking off from the lakes.
Listen carefully, and you might hear the distant call of a hornbill or the splash of a crocodile slipping into the water. At a waterhole, elephants gather to drink, while a monitor lizard slowly crosses the dusty track. Further ahead, if you’re lucky, you might spot a leopard resting on a rock or quietly stalking its next meal.
Yala’s landscape changes as you go. Some areas are dry and open, while others are thick forests where animals hide from the heat. The park even has beaches, where turtles come to lay their eggs. Every turn offers something new, and no two safaris are ever the same.
A visit to Yala is not just about taking photos—it’s about watching, listening, and understanding the way nature works. What will you discover when you enter the wild?
The Pilgrimage of Yala
Have you ever watched free-roaming elephants on their natural migration path?
Lunugamwehera National Park is a lesser-known gem, offering a quieter but equally exciting wildlife experience. This park connects with Yala, allowing elephants and other animals to move freely between the two areas. Our safaris take you deep into its forests and grasslands, where you can encounter some of Sri Lanka’s most incredible wildlife.
- Spot Leopards
- See Crocodiles and Waterbirds
- Enjoy a Peaceful Safari
Wildlife Wonders of Udawalawe
Lunugamwehera may not be as famous as Yala, but its untouched wilderness makes it a must-visit for nature lovers. Have you ever watched a herd of elephants walk past, completely undisturbed by your presence? In this park, it’s possible.
This park is home to a variety of animals, including sambar deer, wild boars, and the elusive sloth bear. The dense forests provide shelter for many species, while the open grasslands attract grazing animals and their predators. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a leopard moving through the trees.
Water sources play a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem. Crocodiles bask along the riverbanks, waiting patiently for their next meal. Birds like pelicans, storks, and kingfishers gather at the lakes, creating a paradise for birdwatchers.
Lunugamwehera is a place where you can experience the wild without the crowds. Whether you want to observe animals in their natural environment or simply enjoy the peacefulness of untouched nature, this park offers a unique and memorable safari. What will you discover in this hidden corner of Sri Lanka?
The Land of Elephants
Have you ever seen a wild elephant up close, watching as it peacefully grazes just a few meters away? Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Unlike other parks, where elephants can be harder to find, Udawalawe almost guarantees sightings. But there’s more—this vast landscape is home to crocodiles, water buffalo, jackals, and a variety of birds. Our safaris take you deep into the park’s open grasslands and wetlands, where nature thrives all year round.
- See Wild Elephants Up Close
- Discover Diverse Wildlife
- Enjoy Open Landscapes
Wildlife Wonders of Udawalawe
Udawalawe is different from other national parks. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be surrounded by elephants in the wild, watching them interact as a family? In Udawalawe, you’ll see herds of them moving together, drinking at the water’s edge, and even playful young calves learning from their elders.
Beyond elephants, this park is home to a rich variety of animals. Crocodiles rest along the muddy riverbanks, waiting patiently for their next meal. Water buffalo wallow in the shallow pools, cooling off from the midday heat. Overhead, eagles and hawks soar, scanning the ground for prey.
Birdwatchers will love Udawalawe. The park is home to many species, including kingfishers, storks, and even the rare changeable hawk-eagle. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see them, as they are most active when the air is cooler.
Udawalawe’s open landscapes mean you won’t have to search too hard to see wildlife. Every moment in the park offers something new, whether it’s a group of deer darting through the grass or a crocodile slipping silently into the water. What will you experience on your safari?
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Have you ever seen thousands of birds take flight at once, filling the sky like a scene from a wildlife documentary? Bundala National Park is Sri Lanka’s first Ramsar Wetland, a place where nature and water meet, creating the perfect environment for birdlife. But Bundala isn’t just for bird lovers—it’s home to elephants, crocodiles, and even sea turtles nesting on its shores. Our safaris take you through a landscape of shimmering lagoons and golden sand dunes, where every turn offers a new sighting.
- Enjoy the sounds of the birds
- Watch Herds of Elephants
- Explore Diverse Landscapes
Life in the Wetlands
Bundala is different from Yala. It’s quieter, with fewer vehicles, making it the perfect place for those who enjoy peaceful nature experiences. Have you ever seen a flamingo dipping its head in the water, searching for food by moving its beak side to side? Or seen a crocodile sunbathing, motionless, before slipping silently into the lagoon?
This park is a vital stop for migratory birds traveling from as far as Siberia. Painted storks wade in shallow water, spoonbills sweep their beaks side to side, and eagles circle overhead looking for prey. Even the shy fishing cat, a rare nocturnal predator, calls Bundala home.
Along the coastline, sea turtles leave their tracks in the sand as they come to nest. In the background, elephants move between waterholes, and monkeys chatter from the treetops.
A visit to Bundala is about slowing down, observing, and appreciating nature’s small details. What will you discover in this quiet world of water and wildlife?
Our Safari Jeeps – Built for Adventure
We use Toyota Land Cruisers/Hilux, designed for comfort and safety on any terrain. These vehicles are built to handle everything from muddy paths to rocky trails, ensuring a smooth and secure ride during your safari experience.
- Track the Elusive Leopard
- Watch Herds of Elephants
- Explore Diverse Landscapes
Our prices
We offer competitive and transparent pricing for all our safaris and homestay experiences. Whether you choose a short safari or a full-day adventure, you get great value for an unforgettable journey into Sri Lanka’s wildlife.
Normal Safari
Price include the National Park ticket
$65
- 4 hours tour
- Snacks and water
- Binoculars
-
Customized front faced seated
4×4 safari Jeep -
Experienced driver/guide for your
safari tour
Extended Safari tour
Price include the National Park ticket
$76
- 7 hours tour
- Breakfast and water
- Binoculars
-
Customized front faced seated
4×4 safari Jeep -
Experienced driver/guide for your
safari tour
Normal Safari
Price include the National Park ticket
$97
- 12 hours tour
- Breakfast, lunch and water
- Binoculars
-
Customized front faced seated
4×4 safari Jeep -
Experienced driver/guide for your
safari tour
Normal Safari
Price include the National Park ticket
$19
- 4 hours tour
- Snacks and water
- Binoculars
-
Customized front faced seated
4×4 safari Jeep -
Experienced driver/guide for your
safari tour
Image Gallery
Don’t just read about the experience! See how much others enjoyed it!
Our guest said about us
Still hesitating? Check out what those who chose us have to say!
Leisure Villa Yala is an absolute gem! This beautiful place offers a perfect blend of comfort, tranquility, and exceptional hospitality. The rooms are spacious, clean and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. What truly sets this place apart is the warmth and hospitality of the owner, Uchith and his lovely family. Their kindness and genuine care made our experience unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting Yala for a safari or simply looking for a peaceful gateway, Leisure Villa Yala is the ideal choice.
An ideal place to to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities and set off on a safari in Yala Park. The hosts are a wonderful couple who made me feel happy and safe. They organized a fantastic safari in Yala, where I saw many elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, jackals, monkeys, as well as lizards and birds. Additionally, I enjoyed the best Rice & Curry and Sri Lankan Curd I had in all of Sri Lanka. They also have two lovely sons who taught me how to play cricket, and two adorable dogs I played with for hours.
The family was incredibly kind. We stayed for three nights, so we had opportunity to participate in the safari, the village tour, and the cooking class! The family’s kindness and helpfulness exceeded our expectations! The accommodation was very beautiful, clear and well-organized. There is a shared kitchen and a private garden area where you can sit outside!
Very welcoming. Felt like home. The hospitality was amazing. Uchith goes up and beyond to make your stay comfortable. He also organized our Safari which was wonderful. I would definitely come back.
We had an amazing stay at Leisure Villa- Yala! owner and his family were incredibly welcoming, ensuring every detail was perfect. From delightful meals to bird-watching tours, the location near Yala National Park for safaris and he arranged the safari for us, It was an amazing experience, we saw many animals especially a leopard, elephants, crocodiles, deers.
We had an incredible stay at Yala Leisure Villa. We were a family of 6, and we had a very comfortable, easy, and enjoyable stay. The rooms were absolutely perfect!!!! Everything was incredibly clean and the outside areas were very beautifully set out. The villa is run by amazing family, who were extremely helpful throughout our stay. They also provided a huge breakfast meal! We were very impressed and well prepared for our journey ahead. The family offers incredible Yala safari tours and other tours. We would highly recommend!!!!
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info@kottambayala.com
Phone
+94 71 462 5559