Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
We offer something accessible to everyone in harmony with nature at the boundary of Wilpattu Wildlife Park. Our concept is built around up-cycling containers into en-suite rooms, discarded pallets transformed into masterpieces of furniture, we have taken extra care to bring you comfort but not at the cost of cutting more trees for it! We arrange wildlife Safaris, Boat rides, Trekking and Whale/Dolphin watching
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Location
Hotel Road, Wilpattu National Park ,, Eluwankulam 19979 Sri Lanka
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The Backwaters hotel emerges as a tranquil oasis, highly praised for its clean, well-equipped rooms that offer stunning views and excellent birdwatching opportunities, according to guests. Reviewers rave about the diverse activities, such as kayaking and safaris, enhancing the serene, nature-centric experience.
Nestled by a scenic river near Wilpattu, the location is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts seeking relaxation. Travelers consistently commend the attentive service and the comfortable, jungle-like atmosphere that defines the hotel's unique charm.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Abundant
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Liked · NO TREES were taken down or damaged in the construction of The Backwaters Lodge!! How many places can claim that? I travelled here with my mother for her 70th birthday. We received a warm welcome from the owner 'Tarique' and his team the moment we arrived. They carried our bags, brought us drink and ice cold flannels as soon as we turn up. Then they came out singing 'Happy birthday' to my Mum with a huge chocolate cake that they had had make especially. When they showed us our room I couldn't believe what a wonderful place you could make from a shipping container. It felt modern and luxurious. Our room was situated in fairly dense forest. It was great because we had giant squirrels jumping so close to our balcony and lots and lots of birds and butterflies. I felt like Snow White with all the nature around me. Tarique and his team do everything possible to reduce the use of plastic. They actually filter water so you do not need to drink out of plastic bottles or even buy your own water. I was worried about this at first as I have a very delicate stomach but I was absolutely fine and it tasted so good. The portion sizes at The Backwaters are very generous. Everything is cooked from fresh and local produce. Everything we ate tasted amazing. We would often eat while watching an iguana slowly climb out of a tree. Nothing was too much trouble. A couple of times we asked for things that were not on the menu and they always got it. The staff work so hard and they a lot of them speak good english and they'll always ask about your day. Mum and I laughed as we actually saw more nature in our three nights here than we had anywhere else. It is teaming with life and the beautiful sounds of it. There are so many excursions you can do and there is a fixed price so none of that awkward bartering. The boat trip and the safari are a must.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Every room has a great view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters L, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Jan 2, 2020
Thank you very much Jo for your detailed and inspairing comments,it makes us feel proud and want to do more. It was indeed a pleasure having you and you Mum as our guests and lovely meeting you. Hope you will visit us again sometime. Kind regards from the backwaters staff.
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Finding the location was easy and painless and we entered an open spacious car park. A short walk through dense dry zone forest opened up into the main dining area and hangout. We were met by Tarique, the affable and genial manager and owner of the property. It was immediately apparent to my wife and I that this was Tarique's Labour of Love. We felt right at home within a few minutes of our arrival. The entire thrust and drive of this unique Lodge has been one of care of the environment immediately around it and in general. Recycling and upcycling of a great variety of items and resources with almost no value has been carefully thought out and implemented; the end result defies explanation! The accommodation is by way of two 40ft containers conjoined and the furnishing is entirely of wooden shipping pallets tastefully and artfully converted into excellent furniture. The food throughout our two nights' stay was nothing short of sensational and the kitchen department must be commended on an extraordinary effort. The entire property was very well maintained and the friendly staff only added to our sense of well being. The creek running at the edge of the property afforded us endless fun and enjoyment with regular dips in the cool waters with our drinks out on a floating tray no less! Tarique even arranged a boat trip down the creek and we were punted along silently (no noisy engine) giving us the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the forest and the many many birds in the area. We also embarked on a safari into the nearby National Park and to our astonishment we were privileged for ovwr 20 minutes by the sight of a majestic Leopard in his prime a few metres away from the vehicle, seemingly totally oblivious to us humans. Back at the Lodge into the evening Tarique kept us entertained with his amazing sense of humour and wit, and it would not be an exaggeration to state that our two days and nights with Tarique at the Backwaters was one of the most enjoyable, if not THE most enjoyable trip we have ever had! Needless to mention, it was with great reluctance we said our goodbyes to Tarique and his amazing Lodge. We surely will return! Our rating out of 5 stars is a 10! Three thumbs up to Tarique!"
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Sep 21, 2020
Thank you for your detail review of Backwaters Lodge . we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay . We look forward to see you again soon.
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Spent 4 nights at The Backwaters. Great peaceful setting. The ride on the adjoining waterway early morning was just great as no outboard motor disturbed the peace or polluted the water. Superb bird life. Another boat trip from the fishing village of Gangewadiya out on to Dutch Bay had its own delights and a dip in the lagoon to cool off. Visited the two gigantic Baobab trees too. Superb. Congratulations to Tarique and his crew. Compliments to the chefs!! each meal was a delight and had a surprise! Courteous smiling staff all round. The local contacts (through Tarique) delivered fresh lagoon crabs and prawns (on our request) which was a special treat on two occasions. Great place to relax and enjoy the surrounds. An afternoon in Wilpattu NP was not great as persistent rain kep the big cats away! Well done Tarique.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:don't bring excess baggage
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Aug 25, 2022
Thank you for your review . we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay . We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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The Backwaters Lodge is a beautiful eco friendly hotel situated at brim of Uppu Aru which is a tributary of Kala Oya. This place has a small distance from Wilpaththu-Eluwankulama gate. We have visited the place following a morning safari of Wilpaththu. Their accommodation options are container boxes and it was arranged in very pleasant way. The river bank of Uppu Aru is used by Backwaters to make their guest more comfort. We loved sun decks, benches and swings placed at bank of Uppu Aru. They arrange different activities related to Uppu Aru, Kala Oya and Wilpaththu National Park. We sailed along Uppu Aru in view of sun set. The hospitality of Backwater staff was excellent (special thanks to Daas-caretaker )Their foods were delicious. I really appreciate the work of Backwaters Lodge done to make relax environment at this hotel.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Dec 14, 2021
Thank you for your review . we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay . We look forward to see you again soon.
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3 1/2 hours from the airport located just 10 minutes from the Entrance a very private base to visit the National Park. Each cottage is secluded and house keeping is of a very high standard. The staff very friendly , obliging and efficient. Nice body of water is you fancy a dip.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Apr 24, 2021
Thank you very much for your review . we are so pleased that you enjoyed the stay . We look forward to see you again soon.
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We had an incredible experience staying at The Backwaters. The co-owners went above and beyond in making our experience a memorable one. They helped us arrange activities on their property (like kayaking), in the area (like transfers and a safari in Wilpattu), and beyond (like PCR tests before our flight home). The rest of the staff was also kind, caring, and attentive. The meals were fresh, authentic, and tasty. The rooms comfortable and modern yet thoughtfully designed to feel part of the natural environment. Overall we’re very happy we choose to spend three nights of our Sri Lankan adventure at such a delightful place — and one that deeply believes in making a positive impact on the local environment and community.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Sep 20, 2021
Thank you for your detail review . we are so pleased that you'll enjoyed the stay . We look forward to see you again soon.
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Two years since it opened to the public and achieved so much! The Backwaters lies on the bank of the river, yet secluded in the tangle of the forest. The ambiance is great! My room sits amongst the tree tops, where monkeys frolic, birds chatter at my doorstep and the rising sun peeps through thick branches. The food is very local, very tasty and very wholesome. This is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves water, solitude and adventure.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:If you have trouble climbing/walking, request for an appropriate room.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters L, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Jan 28, 2020
Thanks for your review. We are pleased to note that you had a great stay at The backwaters lodge. Would love to have you back.
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If you're planning on visiting Wilpattu National Park then this is a fabulous tranquil spot by the river close to the western gate of the park.
We visited Wilpattu before staying near the main gate to the park. Without any doubt choosing to stay at the west gate makes for a far better experience. There are fewer jeeps and less people at the west gate so the experience is far more relaxed . We went for two hours without seeing another jeep .
The Backwaters consists of a small number of creatively designed living units made from shipping containers and placed on stilts. Our cabin was set completely surrounded by jungle with an easy walk to the river. The accommodation is very comfortable, air conditioned with attached bathroom and hot water.
It is a very quiet tranquil setting. All you hear is birdsong and passing monkeys.
Tarique and the staff were very welcoming friendly and helpful. We had some delicious Sri Lankan breakfasts and dinners and they even made special local snacks for us to take into the park. They were happy to be flexible to meet our particular wishes .
We had a wonderful river journey to view birds early one morning and two visits to Wilpattu all organised efficiently by the staff. There is also a beautiful tank/lake about 2 or 3 kilometres away to which we walked to see wonderful birds.
We have no hesitation in highly recommending this place to anyone and if ever we return to Wilpattu we will certainly stay at The Backwaters. Thank you to all the staff for making our 4 days stay such a great experience.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Feb 10, 2022
Thank you very much for your detail review . we are so pleased that you enjoyed the stay . We look forward to see you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed 2 nights here and had a great experience, except few minor issues. Tarique and the team provided a very good service. They were all friendly and helpful. This was build on the edge of a lake which has a amazing views. The rooms are on elevated containers and built on eco friendly concept. Food is OK but nothing exceptional. We enjoyed the dinner very much, but breakfast was very basic. Both days, same experience. Had a evening safari tour to Wilpattu National Park, but not seen much animals except deer & birds. Room was very clean & tidy. Bathrooms are OK and provide the basics. This place has a different check-out time which is 10 a.m compared to the standard 12 p.m at all other hotels. I was not aware about this and had to change our plan. If you're looking for relax & calm environment near Wilpattu National Park(Eluwankulama Entrance), this is a ideal place.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Mar 16, 2020
Thank you for your review. we are so pleased that you enjoyed the stay with us . We look forward to see you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What an amazing surprise this place was. The staff were great with attention to detail and ensuring your stay was the best it could be.
The accommodation itself was great, but it was the location that was what made it memorable.
Our daughter loved the paths, the swings and the wildlife.
What was really a pleasant surprise was the food. A lot of thought went into breakfast and dinner, and the outdoor dining location was so relaxing.
With the small number of rooms here, you could always find a location to yourself.
We also loved that the staff arranged our safari, including a picnic breakfast and lunch. They could not have made it any easier.
You won't be disappointed.
One tip (not a criticism) there is no fridge in the room so don't bring food or drinks that need refrigeration. This place is very "eco" and the lack of fridge is part of this approach.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:There is no fridge in the room. They have limited alcohol so maybe pick some up on the way if...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Sep 6, 2023
Thank you for your detailed review. we are happy that you enjoyed your stay at Backwaters. We don't have fridges in the room is we do not want guests to have food in the room since the rooms are surrounded by forests and wild animals. but however, we are happy to keep them in our kitchen fridge. thank you and We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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Hello Dolfen, we thank you for your inquiry, following is our room arrangements, we trust this may fit your requirement.
1,Children below Age of 06 years can share the room with parents and will be not charged for meals in the SET MENU.
Children between 7 Yrs to 10 Yrs, sharing parent’s room will be charged Rs. 1,100/= extra per child for meals in the Set Menu
Children above 10 Yrs will have to stay in a Triple Room with 02 Adults
2, we can arrange for air port pick up, the cost will be Rs 9000/- by car from the air port to the backwaters.
3, we can arrange a car with driver when you leave our place.
4, Our prices per person are breakfast Rs 450/- Lunch and Dinners Rs 600/-
5, we can prepare vegetarian meals of your choice.
Trust this answers all your questions.
for further inquiries please be kind enough to email
Cheers
tarique
There are more places to choose from in the Eluwankulam area.
PRICE RANGE
$98 - $136 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaNorth Western ProvinceEluwankulam
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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