The Backwaters
Hotel Road, Wilpattu National Park ,, Eluwankulam 19979 Sri Lanka
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About
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Value
4.9
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
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Lazy river
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Boating
Hiking
Bicycle tours
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Walking tours
Car hire
Taxi service
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Seating area
Coffee / tea maker
Extra long beds
Bath / shower
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Electric kettle
Complimentary toiletries
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Room types
Landmark view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Location
Contact
Hotel Road, Wilpattu National Park ,, Eluwankulam 19979 Sri Lanka
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119Reviews1Q+A27Room tips
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This place is simply magical - simple but very comfortable accommodation in a gloriously-unspoilt, authentic corner of the country, teeming with birdlife and a perfect base for visiting Wilpattu National Park. Friendly staff; generous hospitality; a chance properly to switch off and engage with the wonders of nature. Kayaking on the backwaters was a highlight of our three weeks in Sri Lanka - just wonderful!
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Switch off completely - don't miss the opportunity to see nature at its own pace!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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+1
What an amazing hideout this is! So in tune with nature and well integrated with the the village, The Backwaters Lodge is a wonderful holiday destination to relax. It’s proximity to Wilpattu, one of the main wildlife parks is one main reason to check into this unique hotel. Their hospitality is unique, so is their food choices. Rooms are comfortable and many spots to sit and gaze at the still waters
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for your review. we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay at Backwaters lodge. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WorldwideHustle79 wrote a review Jan 2023
Winston Salem, North Carolina77 contributions26 helpful votes
As advertised, the location is the backwaters! The hotel is located on the edge of a small village mere minutes from one of the entrances to Wilpattu National Park. The highlights of our stay include the excellent food (favorites included tuna, beef curry, aubergine, and okra), cold Lion Lager after a day out sightseeing, the kind and attentive staff, and the owner Tarique himself. Tarique showed great care for us before and during our visit. He answered many pre-arrival emails, always checked on how we liked the food (he noticed dishes and ingredients we liked and made sure the kitchen prepared them again during our stay), gave excellent local activity recommendations (birders will love the village walk), loaned us cash until we could get to an ATM, and was able to arrange an unplanned excursion to Anuradhapura on a moment's notice. He also recommended an excellent car service (Airport First) to take us back to Colombo. We stayed for three nights in what was a very rainy stretch of weather for the area. Unfortunately, the weather made some of the property's best features (the dock, swings, and hammocks) unreachable due to very high water on the river (along with the accompanying mosquitos - although the staff kindly let us use the bug spray they kept in their first aid kit). This is not any fault of The Backwaters, of course! Just a bit of bad luck and the positives of our stay far outweigh the negatives.…
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Date of stay: December 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for your review of Backwaters Lodge. we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great eco friendly sustainable resort. Each bungalow is a nicely decorated repurposed shipping container. The food in the restaurant was sensational! The service was outstanding with kind mannered locals employed using locally sourced ingredients! Tarik, the owner lives on site and oversees the quality of service! He ensured each prepared meal was a pleasant culinary experience! He suggested we visit the hill country by train! It was a spectacular train journey through the mountains! Tarik even printed out train times and cities for our custom itinerary! I would highly recommend staying at the Backwaters resort and book a safari in the adjacent Wilpattu National Park!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Book a safari through the resort.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Dec 25, 2022
Thank you for your review of Backwaters Lodge. we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A wonderful and an enchanting stay at the upcycled backwaters hotel that is an asset to preserving the environment. An idyllic setting , next to the backwaters water way . The container rooms on stilts and decked seating areas give the feeling of a tree top house with all the creature comforts surrounded by undisturbed nature. With so much to do from, cycling, swimming , boating and many other exciting activities on the doorstep, the hotel is situated in the perfect location. Wilpattu safari rides with in a short drive away ,from the hotel . It is also a heaven for the quiet reader or writer with many scenic seating areas . The food is just so scrumptious mouthwatering and colorful, locally sourced supporting local businesses and communities. The staff are so obliging and helpful mainly from the local neighborhood. Backwaters is a holiday haven that is suitable for any one who loves the outdoors or looking for a peaceful quiet natural heaven that also sustains nature and the natural habitat. Cannot wait to return and will recommend this idilic holiday resort to friends and family. Thankyou Tariq for your warmth and personal touch to make our holiday so memorable.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Dec 25, 2022
Thank you very much for your detailed review. we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay at Backwaters Lodge. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Re-purposed shipping containers make over 50% of this property...all the bedrooms are contrainers, stylishly & comfortably re-decorated with all the comforts one could ask for Located on the banks of the Uppu Aru, with stunning views, Backwaters is the perfect place to work remotely or to stay when visiting the Wilpattu National Park Backwaters refrains from using any plastic on their premises as much as possible
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Date of stay: October 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: 6 Individually located rooms....a short walk from the main dining area
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
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 see you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The perfect place to do everything or do nothing. It all starts with the welcome by your genial host, Tarique Omar. From the seamless check in to the compact but more than ample rooms to the mouth-watering fusion food, to the lazy hammock-filled afternoons, to the evening punt on the Uppu Aru, to the quiet reflective nights, sipping your favourite poison... it's all there at the Backwaters. Plenty of activities like kayaking or cycling for those that want that. For the quiet , patient birder, it's a birding paradise. For that quiet read, catching up on all the books you promised yourself... the list goes on.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The rooms are spread across the property. The more privacy you seek, the further the room.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Aug 25, 2022
Thank you for your review of Backwaters. we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
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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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As we got to The Backwaters, we were overwhelmed by the passion and attention to detail provided by the founder and manager Tarique Omar and his excellent staff mostly from the adjacent village. Uniquely designed compact villas provide comfortable and impeccably clean accommodation with adequate privacy. The lodge is situated amidst a natural ecosystem bordering the Kala Oya river estuary and Wilpattu National Park. The coastal resources of the estuary include varied habitats such as mangroves, sea grass beds, sand dunes, lagoon systems, reefs etc. The Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary (over 300 Sq Km of coral reef) is situated at the sea mouth of the Kala Oya basin. With this diverse ecosystem, The Backwaters provides wide and varied activities to the traveller. Safari, trekking, kayaking, cycling, boating to see the estuary ecosystems, snorkelling, diving, and birding to name a few. There is plenty to immerse in over a few days of stay. The lodge compound is rich in birdlife with the star attraction being the songstress ‘white-rumped shama’ making its presence felt constantly. We found the cuisine to be unsophisticated yet unique and original in taste, providing more than value for money. All in all, The Backwaters is truly a pleasant place to return to keep exploring the unspoilt surroundings. "Who's there? Who's there? Why have you come?" The shamas sang in their green abode They had for generations known, While the hunter trod the jungle road. "What bird is it that sings so sweet?" The hunter asked his native guide. "The meecha, Sir; it's black and white: The Kala meecha," he replied. They walked along while the singers piped, And mellow the changeful notes they blew. "Show me the bird," the hunter said- But ever the bird evading flew. "Who's there? Who's there? Whom do you seek " Came from the bough the fay retort: From this bough now, from that anon- A glimpse at last - a gun's report! The shama's dead on the mossy grass, They lift it, and speak of the sweet song made By the limber form and the slender beak Of him that piped in the leafy shade. They reach their camp: the shama's sketched, And skinned and brained- “Where's the goodly bird?” Asks the searching guide-" Why need you it? " "He's good to eat, 1've heard it said." And thus, the destiny was wrought Of him who sang with so much glee, And filled the woodland with his notes, So tunefully, so tunefully. And all that day the shamas sang: "Who's there? Who's there?" they asked so free: “It's I am here,” the hunter thought- "The shama's slayer, need you me?" - R. L. SPITTEL…
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Aug 25, 2022
Thank you for your wonderful and detailed review. we are pleased that you enjoyed the stay. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heaven. Just absolute heaven. I felt I could have stayed here forever. They have several acres of grounds that you can wander around and *so* many different places to sit and relax overlooking the backwaters. (If you're looking for peace and quiet you can definitely be sure to find a spot to read with no one else around!). We would have loved more days just to chill out at the lodge, listening to the birdsong and the faint sound of fishermen at work nearby. The lodge organised a full-day jeep safari for us to Wilpattu National Park, which was amazing (we were lucky enough to see elephants and a leopard, as well as tons of peacocks, deer, buffalo, wild boar and beautiful birds) - and also a sunset boat trip along the backwaters (also lovely, especially for bird-watchers). They can arrange boat trips like this leaving from the lodge itself - and if you're interested in the safari at Wilpattu, it's only about a 20-minute tuk-tuk drive from the lodge to the park entrance. (Convenient especially for getting to the park early in the morning!) I loved the (sustainable and environmentally responsible) vision that the owner had for the place, and the fact that the structures, furniture etc were almost all up-cycled. The staff hired to work at the lodge were all from the surrounding villages, including the chefs. And here I absolutely must mention the food. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodge each day - and the breakfast and dinner in particular were undoubtedly the very best that we had had anywhere in our 2.5 weeks in Sri Lanka. High-class restaurant standard. Not only the quality but the creativity - many of the dishes we had involved a degree of fusion between traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and Western/other cuisines, which we loved and thought was really clever. Very reasonable value for such high-quality cooking. We are dreaming of returning to Sri Lanka so we can stay here again someday!…
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Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from The Backwaters Lodge, Owner at The Backwaters
Responded Mar 24, 2022
Thank you very much Kate for your detail review of Backwaters Lodge . we are so pleased that you enjoyed the stay . We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
$92 - $100 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaNorth Western ProvinceEluwankulam
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Claim Your ListingTHE BACKWATERS - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Eluwankulam, Sri Lanka)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Backwaters
What are some of the property amenities at The Backwaters?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at The Backwaters?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, blackout curtains, and extra long beds.
What food & drink options are available at The Backwaters?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at The Backwaters?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Does The Backwaters have airport transportation?
Yes, The Backwaters offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Backwaters?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Tamil, and Sinhala.
Are there any historical sites close to The Backwaters?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Kalpitiya Kite Beach (8.9 miles).