Elegant Lake Yala Safari House

I stayed at this accommodation, a small inn built on the grounds of a private home just outside of Tissamaharama, fronting Lake Debarawewa. The inn is run by Randy and his wife Teshara. They have 4 guest rooms- 2 with a bit of a lake view and the other two facing the back and have a garden view. As I was a bit late in booking, I had a garden view room. This was one of my nicest stays in Sri Lanka, not because of the room but because of the fantastic hospitality of the host family. I was lucky enough to arrive before sunset and Randy took me and two other guests on a tour along the lake, padi fields and to see the bats. Before we even got to the bats, we got to see so many kinds of birds and learnt about the village. Even got to see fishermen and buffaloes. Then we reached the bat tree and waited for sunset, for them to start flying. What an amazing spectacle! I saw more in 1 hr than on the safari!! In the front garden, there are two bird feeder tables where Randy puts fruit to attract the animals. I was again lucky and saw a huge hornbill enjoying the fruit as well as green parrots and squirrels. A lovely sight. The next day after my safari, I was served some Sri Lankan treats and later, because I was curious, Teshara showed me the private section of their garden with various spice trees. Ha, ha, I got my spice garden tour which I had decided against doing in Matale cos of hard sell tactics. Unfortunately, my driver came too early to take me to dinner and I had to cut short my “tour”. The grandmothers were in the midst of making fish curry and wanted to show me how it was being prepared. Oh well. The whole family works very hard to ensure guests have a great stay. Randy even drives you to Tissa for dinner at no cost. It is very rare to find this kind of hospitality. And this is what makes this place stand out. If you get a chance and would like this experience, I would recommend staying at least two nights. One is just too rushed if you do a safari- which is the intention of most visitors. I gave the little 3 year old daughter some OS. bears and she was over the moon!

Amazing family, they where absolutely so kindful and the food was an amazing experience. Our best stay in Sri Lanka and i truly recommend this stay for everyone !! We felt like home :) // Spanish family from Malaga

We stayed to nights here great location on a lake The room was very comftable and clean The owners make you very welcome and brought us fruit and and food Can not fault the hospitality relaxing and quite . They have a bird feeding table if your a bird watcher we saw woodpeckers come parakeets lots the highlight was a hornbill no need to go to bird watching n p to see many birds and lots of waterbirds Great place to stay .

We had an amazing stay!! Randy was the best host we had in our 5 month trip to Asia. He welcome us with a drink and snack, helped us with booking a safari, brought breakfast, lunch and snack for the safari. We could do our laundry and he showed us his town with a free tour! We highly recommend Elegant Lake House!

We did a 12 day trip to Sri Lanka, and this was the best accomodation we stayed at, period. Randy and his wonderful family really take the overall experience to a level that is beyond exceptional. I won't repeat all the wonderful things the other reviews state about the location, the wildlife, the food etc. We stayed there for 3 nights, and left wanting to stay there for much longer. There is a sense of peace and calmness that comes over you at the Elegant Lake house from the moment you wake up, go through the day with your ativities, and get to bed in the evening. All of us being avid photographers as well, this was a wonderful location for birding, just sitting in the lawn and taking a small stroll nearby, gives one countless opportunites to spot unique wildlife doing in some unique situations. Do yourself and your near and dear ones a favour and stay here if you ever plan to visit this region including the Yala National Park (about 45 mins drive away). The value is unbeatable, the food is beyond scrumtuous, and Randy and his family will make you want to become better people to the world around you.

There simply aren’t enough words to describe this place. Randy, our host and his family were the most hospitable and caring people we have come across on our extensive travels. The location is peaceful set in a lovely garden by a picturesque lake which is teeming with birds. Randy is very knowledgeable about the natural world and also culture and history. He is very passionate about sharing what he knows with his guests. He gave us a tour of his garden and explained all the herbs, spices and fruits and their health benefits. We went with him on a mini-safari and saw lots of birds, an elephant and monkeys! He also gave us a tour of the surrounding villages and took us to a local potter. He ask so booked us a safari for Yala. All of this, he did without wanting payment, he just enjoys making people happy. Our room was very bright, spotless and spacious with huge windows to enjoy the garden view. The food his wife prepared us for breakfast and dinner was amazing; lots of different dishes and fresh juices made from his own fruits. He also spoilt us with snacks or juices during the day. We extended our stay by a day as we loved it so much; and we felt genuinely sad when we had to leave and say goodbye to Randy and his family. Highly recommend booking Elegant Lake house and enjoying real Sri Lankan hospitality in a calm and beautiful environment. Thanks Randy :-)