Airport shuttle

The Backwaters Lodge

Hotel Road, Aluth Eluwankulam, Eluwankulam, 19979 Wilpattu, Sri Lanka
–Excellent location - show map
+37 photos

The Backwaters Lodge

Lock in a great price for The Backwaters Lodge - rated 9.2 by recent guests.

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Lock in a great price for The Backwaters Lodge - rated 9.2 by recent guests. to get started.
Scored 9.2
9.2
Rated superb
Superb
221 reviews

You might be eligible for a Genius discount at The Backwaters Lodge. To check if a Genius discount is available for your selected dates sign in.

Genius discounts at this property are subject to book dates, stay dates and other available deals.

Set in Wilpattu, The Backwaters Lodge offers accommodation with seating area. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. There is a sun terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi, free private parking and an electric vehicle charging station. Accessible via private entrance, all units have air conditioning, soundproofing, desk and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. A balcony with outdoor furniture and garden views is offered in each unit. At the guest house, the units have bed linen and towels. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes continental, Asian and vegetarian options. At the property, there is an on-site family-friendly restaurant serving dinner and a selection of vegetarian options. You can play darts at the guest house, and the area is popular for hiking. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at The Backwaters Lodge, while cycling and fishing can be enjoyed nearby. Bandaranaike International Airport is 134 km away, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular facilities

  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Free parking
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Breakfast

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Breakfast info

Continental, Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Asian

Free private parking available on-site

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Room type
Number of guests
 
2 single beds
and
1 futon bed
1 large double bed
1 large double bed
1 single bed
and
1 extra-large double bed
and
1 futon bed
or
3 single beds
and
2 futon beds
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.8
Facilities
9.1
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.2
Value for money
8.6
Location
9.6
Free WiFi
7.1
High score for Wilpattu

Select topics to read reviews:

Guests who stayed here loved

  • Pauline
    Netherlands Netherlands
    “Location in the middle of nature was beautiful, right by the lake and the site was very idyllic. The friendly staff was great, always keen to help. They helped us arrange a great pick-up from the airport and a safari and boattrip which were great...”
  • India
    Belgium Belgium
    “The Backwaters lodge has everything that a naturelover is looking for. We really had the best time here in the middle of nowhere close to the Wilpattu National Park. The staff is really helpfull and very friendly, the rooms are right into nature...”
  • Sarah
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Lovely little cabin in the jungle. Hosts were amazing, food delicious and bed very comfy ! They also helped with the safari & got to see a leopard :) Also let me check out later - thank you!!”
  • Esmee
    Netherlands Netherlands
    “We spend two nights here in September 2024 and had a really lovely stay! The staff gave us a really warm welcome and we loved the venue and food. We went for the sunset boat safari with a local villager, which was really nice. He didn’t speak much...”
  • Helen
    Canada Canada
    “This is a stunning and unique hotel close to Wilpattu Nationalpark and perfect for doing a safari there. Loved their sustainability concept and eye for detail in everything! The hotel grounds are perfect for staying here for a couple of days. The...”
  • Achala
    Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
    “Everything… attention to detail and excellent service.”
  • Hilahoresh
    Greece Greece
    “We couldn't have asked for a better landing in Sri Lanka. The owners were warming and so kind, they explained about the food and the culture and helped us to arrange everything. We had BBQ dinner and safari experience that we enjoyed a lot. Also...”
  • Ciara
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “Beautiful location, surrounded by nature. The food was delicious and the staff were really helpful and lovely. We were greeted by monkeys when we arrived - very special.”
  • Maddison
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    “We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Backwaters lodge. From the minute we arrived the staff were so accommodating and friendly. Rooms spotless. Serene location right in the middle of nature, very close to the National park. A safari was easily...”
  • Nina
    Netherlands Netherlands
    “Lovely tranquil place in the middle of nature. Really allows you to switch off and relax. The hosts are friendly and helpful in making arrangements for activities etc, my full day safari in Wilpattu was just amazing! The home-cooked food is superb.”

Quality rating

Booking.com rated the quality of this property as 3 out of 5 based on factors such as facilities, size, location and services provided.

Managed by Tarique Omar

Company review score: 9.8Based on 221 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company information

Our relationship with the wild began in the early 80’s. we wanted to offer something accessible to everyone. We fused our years of experience with modern comforts to provide a luxury experience but with simplicity in mind, so as not to take away from the experience of being in a jungle.

Property information

Our concept is built around upcycling items that would usually end up in a junk yard and utilized in harmony with nature and the desire to conserve. Used containers have been converted to elevated en-suite guest rooms with private decks, 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! Our goal was to create a facility where you could step outside onto your deck and see a butterfly within the range of a foot, to be surrounded by a forest thicket teeming with wildlife, but at the same time, curl up in a comfortable bed. And so, The Backwaters was born.

Neighbourhood information

Situated in the village of Eluwankulama (formerly Pulliyadukulam) within the district of Puttalam . Pulliyadukulam meaning ‘the dwelling place of leopards’. Eluwankulama village is the entrance to the Western front of the Wilpattu National Wildlife Park. We are situated alongside the Uppu Aru ( Salt River).

Language spoken

English

Property surroundings

Restaurants
1 restaurant on site

  • Restaurant #1
    • Open for
      Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
    • Ambiance
      Family friendly • Traditional • Romantic
    • Dietary options
      Halal • Vegetarian • Vegan

Facilities of The Backwaters Lodge
Great facilities! Review score, 9.1

Most popular facilities

  • Airport shuttle
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Restaurant
  • Free parking
  • Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
  • Breakfast

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bidet
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Bedroom

  • Linen
  • Extra long beds (> 2 metres)

View

  • Garden view
  • View

Outdoors

  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • BBQ facilities
  • Balcony
  • Terrace
  • Garden

Kitchen

  • Electric kettle

Room Amenities

  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack

Activities

  • Bicycle rental
    Additional charge
  • Bike tours
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Water sport facilities on site
    Additional charge
  • Cycling
  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Living Area

  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink

  • Fruits
  • Wine/champagne
    Additional charge
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Restaurant
  • Tea/Coffee maker

Internet
Basic free WiFi 7 Mbps. Suitable for streaming content and making video calls. Speed test carried out by the host.

Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Accessible parking

Reception services

  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Luggage storage
  • Tour desk
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour front desk

Entertainment and family services

  • Board games/puzzles
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Child safety socket covers

Cleaning services

  • Ironing service
    Additional charge
  • Laundry
    Additional charge

Safety & security

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access
  • Safety deposit box

General

  • Shuttle service
    Additional charge
  • Mosquito net
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Soundproofing
  • Private entrance
  • Car hire
  • Packed lunches
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Airport shuttle
    Additional charge
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Air conditioning

Wellness

  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Public Bath
  • Open-air bath

Languages spoken

  • English

House rules
The Backwaters Lodge takes special requests - add in the next step!

Check-in
From 13:00
You'll need to let the property know in advance what time you'll arrive.
Check-out
Until 10:00
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Children and beds

Child policies

Children of any age are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

Cot and extra bed policies

Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.

No age restriction
There is no age requirement for check-in
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
VisaMastercardCash
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.

The fine print
Need-to-know information for guests at this property

Please inform The Backwaters Lodge in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

FAQs about The Backwaters Lodge

  • Guests staying at The Backwaters Lodge can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 10.0).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Continental
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • Halal
    • Asian

  • Room options at The Backwaters Lodge include:

    • Twin
    • Double
    • Triple

  • The Backwaters Lodge is 15.5 miles from the centre of Wilpattu. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

  • The Backwaters Lodge offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

    • Cycling
    • Hiking
    • Fishing
    • Canoeing
    • Darts
    • Open-air bath
    • Walking tours
    • Bicycle rental
    • Public Bath
    • Water sport facilities on site
    • Bike tours

  • The prices at The Backwaters Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

  • Check-in at The Backwaters Lodge is from 13:00, and check-out is until 10:00.

  • The Backwaters Lodge has 1 restaurant:

    • Restaurant #1