/
8.3

107 reviews

Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park

Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park

Yala National Park, Yala, Kataragama, Kataragama, 91400, Sri Lanka

Choose dates to view prices

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Tour desk

Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park

Nestled just 3.3 kilometers from the vibrant heart of Kataragama, the Funky Leopard Safari Lodge offers a charming escape bordering the famous Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. Starting at an incredibly friendly minimum price, this cozy retreat features a range of amenities designed to make your stay memorable, from a refreshing outdoor pool to free Wi-Fi that keeps you connected while immersed in the lush surroundings. Each room boasts air conditioning and a private entrance, ensuring comfort and privacy after a day of safari adventures.

Guests rave about the warm hospitality reflected in the lodge’s 107 reviews, praising its pet-friendly policy (with some extra charges), delicious on-site restaurant, and the inviting garden views that provide a peaceful backdrop for relaxation. The lodge also offers a variety of services including room service, a shuttle and airport transfer options, and a tour desk to help you plan your excursions into the wild landscapes of Yala National Park. Whether you're unwinding on the patio, enjoying the view from your balcony, or having a picnic in the garden, there's a touch of serenity around every corner.

Venture outside, and you’ll find plenty to explore — from the lodge’s picturesque garden and terrace to kid-friendly meals and a kids' area perfect for family fun. The 24-hour front desk and private parking add convenience, making your stay hassle-free. With a bar on-site and non-smoking rooms available, Funky Leopard Safari Lodge delivers a lively yet comfortable base that’s perfect for spotting wildlife and experiencing the adrenaline of Sri Lanka’s famous safari parks.

After a day of thrilling safaris and wildlife watching, unwind at the Funky Leopard Safari Lodge’s inviting outdoor pool, exclusively for adults to enjoy a refreshing dip under the Sri Lankan sun. Whether you’re lounging poolside with a cool drink from the on-site restaurant or soaking in the serene garden views, this oasis provides the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate. The lodge’s vibrant garden and terrace offer picturesque spots where you can sip your morning coffee or enjoy a quiet evening as the colors of sunset dance across the landscape.

Food lovers will feel right at home with the lodge’s diverse dining options. The on-site restaurant showcases a delightful mix of local, European, and grill BBQ cuisines, making every meal an adventure for your taste buds. Family-friendly and modern in ambiance, it’s the ideal place to gather with loved ones, share stories of your safari exploits, or simply indulge in a hearty meal after an exciting day outdoors. Plus, with kid-friendly meals and a dedicated kids' area, the whole family can enjoy the lodge’s welcoming atmosphere.

Getting around is a breeze with convenient amenities like private parking and shuttle services, ensuring your journey is smooth from start to finish. Whether you're arranging a tour through the local landscape or just relaxing at the lodge, you’ll find every detail thoughtfully catered to. The 24-hour front desk and multiple payment options—including Visa and Mastercard—mean you can focus on making wonderful memories without a worry. And if you’re a pet lover, your furry friends are welcome to accompany you on your adventure (extra charges may apply), adding an extra layer of comfort to your Sri Lankan safari experience.

Closest airports

Hambantota International Airport

16.1mi

Most popular amenities

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Garden view

Patio

Picnic area

Garden

View

Balcony

Bidet

Rooms

Guest reviews

8.3

107 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Breakfast

Featured reviews:

🇬🇧

Gemma

10

May 2025

Excellent stay from start to finish! The staff were all so friendly and welcoming. Anton was excellent and catered to our every need- offering tea and snacks in between meal times. Varied and very large breakfast (fruit, toast, omlette, curry, rotis- you get all of these!!!) The safari experience provided by the Funky Leopard team was AMAZING! Aruna was an excellent guide, so passionate and knowledgable. It was great to have him in the back of the Jeep teaching us about the animals. Our driver was fabulous and spotted tracks and we were lucky enough to see leopards and sloth bears! The safari was incredible and great value for money (price includes entrance fees, guide, driver, jeep etc)! Definitely do the safari with Funky Leopard rather than anyone else. The added extras such as the night walk, pool and seeing monkeys in the trees around the lodge really added to the natural atmosphere. You should definitely stay here if you’re planning on visiting Yala national park!

No negatives. Everything was perfect. Please make it more clear on your advert that you run the safari yourselves with your amazing Eco guides! They were so knowledgeable & it was great Aruna sat in the back of the jeep with us, rather than sitting with the driver. Most jeeps we saw had the guide sat with the driver or no guide at all!

🇦🇺

Karen

9.1

April 2025

We loved our two-night stay at Funky Leopard as a family of four. The lodge is very close to the entrance to Yala. Anton, our host, was very welcoming and attentive. He made sure we had everything we needed. The room was fairly basic but great for the price and very clean. Beds super comfortable. Only downside was poor water pressure on shower, but that wasn’t much of an issue. The grounds are lovely with big trees and many visiting grey langur monkeys and peacocks. The pool was great surprise to cool off in at end of hot day. We had breakfast and two dinners there with plentiful food. They organised our full day trip on safari jeep to Yala with packed breakfast and lunch. Yala is so very diverse in landscapes and incredibly beautiful. We paid the small extra fee for a guide, which was a good idea. Driver and guide worked hard to ensure we saw as many animals as possible. Saw elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, water buffalo, many birds, mongoose, hares and the best of all- two leopards. One young male walked right next to our jeep! Highly recommended full day- it’s a long, hot day but worth it to see more.

🇦🇺

Claudia

10

April 2025

One of our favourite stays in all of Sri Lanka. Anton went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and help in any way he could. He lent us money when we didn’t have the right change for the safari on our first day, and thoughtfully provided tea, coffee, and biscuits after our afternoon safari - as well as at 5am before our morning safari - along with packed breakfasts to take with us. He also prepared a delicious three-course meal with two proteins (more generous than most places we ate in Sri Lanka). After we received some sad news from back home, Anton showed such compassion and humility, offering comfort in a way that felt deeply human and sincere. Saying goodbye the next day was unexpectedly emotional. I’d absolutely recommend this place to anyone considering a stay, you wont regret it

nothing

🇬🇧

Robert

9.1

February 2025

On arrival we given complementary tea and each evening before dinner, afternoon tea. The food was excellent, and the staff looking after us were outstanding, so friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable.We also had a night time nature walk which was very interesting.

We were initially booked in to the chalet, which had no air conditioning, and was quite run down with many insects for company😅 We asked to be moved but the management told me over the phone I would be charged extra 20$………… I disputed this, and it was wavered, and we were moved to the main block which was great. Despite this initial issue, we had a great stay and were really happy with our staff, they couldn’t do enough for us 😁

🇬🇧

Sophie

9.1

February 2025

So much! The host Anton was welcoming and friendly and couldn't do enough for myself and the rest of the guests. The food he served was so enjoyable. He gave me ice cream on arrival plus everyday around 5pm he provided all the guests with an afternoon tea (and biscuits) which was such a lovely surprise. Dinner was a bbq feast which was delicious and he provided us with tea and biscuits at 5am the morning of the safari. On the day of safari, he provided me with a takeaway breakfast of a sandwich and fresh fruits, and lunch was also a feast of rice, potatoes and curry, and fresh fruits. He was so accommodating and such a great chef. The Naturist and my guide for safari Aruna was very knowledgeable about everything nature. He and the jeep driver/tracker were so good for my solo safari. I saw 2x leopards, a sloth bear (both of which are very rare to see so was very fortunate to see what I did), an elephant, plus numerous birds, deer and crocodiles, and other wildlife. Yala Park is beautiful. The lodge is clean, comfortable and the A/C is great. The dining and lounge areas made it accessible to.meet and talk with other guests in the lodge, and this was lovely. Meeting the other guests was a highlight for me. Overall, I loved Funky Leopard. Beautiful location surrounded by monkeys and peacocks, amongst other things. My favourite place to have stayed so far in my Sri Lankan trip.

The shower could have been stronger and warmer in the room I was in. Otherwise, nothing else.

🇱🇰

Japbck

10

August 2024

I had an amazing stay at Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Yala! The staff was exceptionally attentive and made sure all our needs were met throughout our stay. The rooms were spacious and well-equipped with all the necessary facilities. The lodge is conveniently close to the entrance of Yala National Park, making it an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts seeking good quality accommodation near the park. The experience was truly value for money. Highly recommend this lodge for anyone visiting Yala!

There was nothing I disliked during my stay at Funky Leopard Safari Lodge. Everything was perfect!

🇱🇰

Anuththara

10

August 2024

The place offered a truly unique experience—well-organized with great, friendly, staff. The food was excellent, and the safari organized by the camp was a fantastic experience. The location and scenery were beautiful, and I especially liked the dinner area with the fire. It's conveniently close to the Yala Park entrance (15-20 minutes) and set in a wilderness setting, right on the park's border. The accommodation was very clean, Overall, it's an excellent value-for-money property.

NOthing.

🇱🇰

Sahan

10

January 2024

I spent a day with 5 family members at this place ( Dec 25 2023 ). This is really nice place and very calm and peaceful. No any crowd noises or vehicle noise. only noises from nature. If you like to calm and relaxing place, this is the place you must stay in the Katharagama area. The working staff is very friendly and careful. I should say a big thank to them. they provided the service very well and Better than I expected. This is the best place for relaxing and enjoying with your family or friends. Thank You

We had a little problem when parking our vehicle due to the dilapidated road with rain. But they informed us they will correct that issue soon. You can call and ask about the parking and road before you book this place.

🇱🇰

Yasantha

9.1

October 2024

The experience at Funky Leopard Safari Lodge sounds like it would be a unique blend of adventure, nature, and relaxation. This lodge seems ideal for travelers who want to explore the wildlife of the region while enjoying comfort and character.

Nothing. All services offered were up to the satisfactory level. The lodge’s location may allow guests to feel part of the wilderness, hearing wildlife sounds like birds or insects, enhancing the sense of immersion.

🇬🇧

Charlotte

10

April 2025

A perfect stay! Anton and Aruna were fantastic hosts and really looked after us. Anton went out of his way to provide gluten free food for me which was so appreciated. Aruna was incredibly passionate about his work and it was great that he shared his thoughts about Sri Lanka and the wildlife that surrounded us at Yala. Can't fault our stay. Thank you!

Points of Interest Around Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park

Airports

Hambantota International Airport

16.1mi

Restaurants

Restaurant #1

Cuisines

  • Local
  • European
  • GrillBbq

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly
  • Modern

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Garden view

Patio

Picnic area

Garden

View

Balcony

Bidet

Stay rules - Funky Leopard Safari Lodge Bordering Yala National Park

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property