A peaceful forest retreat where authentic Sri Lankan village life meets professionally organised safari adventures — just minutes from the park's main entrance.
Travelling from Colombo to Anuradhapura along the Puttalam Road, you reach the beautiful town of Saliyawewa — set beside Wilpattu National Park and close to Kala Oya, the third-longest river in Sri Lanka.
Saliyawewa is the nearest fully serviced town to Wilpattu's main entrance, with banks, fuel stations, supermarkets, pharmacies and restaurants for everything you need before or after a safari. The surrounding land is rich with lakes, ancient temples and the gentle rhythm of farming villages.
Wrapped in lush greenery and natural forest, Saliyawewa Cabins is a hotel, restaurant and bar within walking distance of town — a calm, welcoming base for exploring the park, experiencing authentic village life and discovering the region's cultural and natural wonders.
Plan your visit
Saliyawewa sits right on the route to Wilpattu and Anuradhapura, making it the ideal stopover for explorers arriving from the airport or the capital.
Roughly 15 minutes from the first entrance of Wilpattu National Park via the Colombo–Puttalam Road.
Right on the Colombo–Puttalam highway, perfectly placed between the coast and the ancient cities.
Arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport? Start your Wilpattu adventure on the very same journey.
Banks, fuel, supermarkets and pharmacies are all close by — the only fully serviced town near the park.
Clean, comfortable rooms with the calm of the surrounding jungle just beyond your door — the perfect place to recharge between adventures.
A restful double room with fresh linen, plump pillows and a spotless tiled en-suite — simple, serene and spotlessly kept.
A generous room with wardrobe, vanity and seating, opening to the quiet of the garden — ideal for longer stays and families.
Wake to a tropical breakfast, dine on home-style Sri Lankan curries and toast the evening under the stars — all made with fresh, local produce.
Fresh fruit, string hoppers, eggs and garden juices with a view of the forest.
Served on banana and lotus leaves, just as the village has always done.
Smoky grills and good company beneath the open night sky.
Relax with a chilled Lion beer or a fresh juice after a day in the wild.
From half-day game drives to island-wide journeys, we plan every detail so you can simply enjoy the ride.
Half-day & full-day game drives in search of leopards, elephants, sloth bears and more — with a packed breakfast inside the park.
EnquireStep into the ancient capital — towering stupas, sacred sites and centuries of Sri Lankan history.
EnquireDiscover shimmering lagoons, salt pans and lively coastal towns on a relaxed day by the sea.
EnquireTailor-made island journeys through Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandalama and Nuwara Eliya — your way.
EnquireLand at Katunayake and head straight to the wild with a personalised pick-up and tour package.
EnquireTell us how long you're staying and what you love — we'll craft the perfect itinerary around Wilpattu and beyond.
Talk to us
Slow down and soak up village life. Between safaris, there's a whole world of simple pleasures waiting right here.
Kingfishers, peacocks and countless birds visit the gardens — nature watching without leaving your seat.
Pedal along quiet lanes past paddy fields and bamboo groves to meet the friendly farming community.
Unwind on shaded forest decks beside calm, scenic waters.
Traditional BBQ evenings and meals served on banana & lotus leaves.
Pineapple, papaya, banana and garden juices, picked at their ripest from local farms.
Birdsong, breeze and stillness — surrounded by nature.
After Wilpattu, most travellers continue to Anuradhapura — making Saliyawewa the perfect stopover. From here, the island's treasures are within easy reach.
Sri Lanka's largest national park
The island's third-longest river
Scenic lakeside scenery & birdlife
Vast waters & rural landscapes
UNESCO ancient sacred city
Lagoon, salterns & the coast
Also within reach: Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandalama & Nuwara Eliya.
Weddings, engagements and joyful reunions, set among bamboo groves, fairy lights and birdsong.
Forest, flavour and friendly faces — explore moments captured around the cabins.
Tell us your travel dates and what you'd love to experience — we'll take care of the rest, from your room to your safari.
Saliyawewa, beside Wilpattu National Park, North Western Province, Sri Lanka
Open daily · Airport pick-up available 24/7