Harm

As everywhere in Sri Lanka you are welcomed by friendly people, although only the owner, Mr. Aku, speaks English well. Aku will do his best to provide you with the food that you like and runs the place in his own, adaptive manner. If you are a dedicated nature lover with respect for the local environment you will most certainly like the place. These are also the kind of people Aku would like to attract. The location is perfect, just on the edge of the jungle that stretches towards Yale National Park. These border areas are often the best places to see lots of wildlife. I was there at the end of the dry season which is actually the worst period to see animals. Still, I counted a number of 65 birds in just two days. Elephants do not usually visit the farm in this period, but can easily be see near the lake that is only a half-hour walk away. The place has a relaxing atmosphere. The houses have been beautifully designed in the local style. Sleeping in a tree is a different experience and proved wonderful. Occasionally being woken by the sounds of the wild contributes to the true jungle experience. Early morning you will be woken by the Peacocks and crowing cocks of Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl (wild chicken). You can either stay all day around the Farm or Aku can take you on treks in the jungle, accompanied by local farmers (and hunters..). Aku's idea is to provide the local people with alternative living of the forest, to prevent them from hunting or cutting the trees. They know the area well, but are not (yet) experienced guides who will tell you all about the jungle. People who are not familiar with the forest might like to hear more information apart from the fact that elephants, bears and leopards can be dangerous (for those who are afraid of getting gored by a wild animal: the changes of getting a car accident in Sri Lanka are far higher..). But people who know what they are looking for will find this place excellent. Here, you can walk freely around, instead of staying inside a car and being watched by wildlife rangers, such as is the case in most national parks like the nearby Yala.