Viveka Inn Guest and Yala Safari

We really liked the property's location just outside the town, about a 30-minute walk from the bus station. It was lovely to relax in the well-kept garden, surrounded by rice paddies. The owner's daughter, the incredibly kind Viveka, was a great source of information about the area and Sri Lankan culture.

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Such a beautiful setting really peaceful and relaxing. It felt like a home stay. The brother and sister (sorry can’t remember your names now) were lovely and friendly I learnt a lot. The grounds are beautiful. I arrived late on first day and within 15 minutes my safari was booked, was able to order dinner and have a beer. Air conditioning worked well and I even got a bit cold which was a relief from the heat. Loved meeting all the animals and learning from the family.

I needed to travel to Negombo and was told the only option to go with their father. It was a very bad journey he is not a taxi driver and after 5 hours of driving I realised he didn’t know where we were going and he was stopping asking for directions. His English was limited (I do not speak Singhalise) but it made it hard to communicate on the journey and led to misunderstandings and confusion. It was the most expensive drive of my whole trip and he would order food and drink and make me pay. Their dad struggled with using map on his phone and was stopping every minute for directions. The journey took 9 hours and felt really frustrating and began to feel unsafe as it was getting dark. Do not get a lift with the dad.

Verry beautiful location, they have a nice garden where you can see a lot of wildlife, and watch the sunset. The staff is really friendly and willing to help you out with all your needs. They also have great food here. 10/10 would recommend.

Viveka and her family were all very kind and helpful. They offered welcome food and drinks which is lovely. The surroundings are beautiful. There is a shop for water nearby and lots more to be explored than just yala - which we didnt realise before coming to Tissa. We stayed in the budget room with a fan. It wasn't the best, quite small and hot, but it is what it says on the tin. There was a lot of mosquitos in the room, i recommend a plug repellent and that the mosquito net is raised higher as it is kind of in your face a bit. The bathroom is very dated with holes in the wall, but the shower worked well. A shower mat would be useful as water gets everywhere when showering - like most places in sri lanka. There was only 1 plug socket, which isn't ideal. I recommend an extension lead.