Wilpattu National Park · Sri Lanka

The Gateway to Wilpattu

A peaceful forest sanctuary where authentic village life meets thrilling safari adventures, just minutes from the wild.

Welcome to Saliyawewa

Where the Wilderness Begins

Journey along the scenic Puttalam Road and discover Saliyawewa, a vibrant town set against the borders of Wilpattu National Park and the winding Kala Oya river.

As the closest fully-equipped town to the park's main entrance, Saliyawewa provides seamless access to modern conveniences without sacrificing its rural charm. Here, ancient temples, tranquil lakes and the gentle rhythm of farming communities set the tone for your stay.

Tucked into lush, natural woodlands, Saliyawewa Cabins offers a welcoming hideaway. Whether you're here to track leopards, cycle through village paths or simply unwind with a cold drink, our retreat is your perfect basecamp for exploration.

Start Your Journey
Decorated entrance archway at Saliyawewa Cabins
Open-air restaurant seating among the trees
Open-air dining with hand-painted mural and brick walls
15 min to WilpattuThe nearest serviced town to the park
Minutes to Wilpattu entrance
Signature tour experiences
+
Natural & cultural attractions
Of a kind forest hideaway
Location & Accessibility

Effortlessly Connected, Deeply Secluded

Saliyawewa sits right on the route to Wilpattu and Anuradhapura, making it the ideal stopover for explorers arriving from the airport or the Cultural Triangle.

15 Minutes to the Wild

Only a short drive to Wilpattu's main gates, ensuring you are first in line for morning safaris.

On the Main Route

Conveniently situated on the Colombo–Puttalam highway, bridging the pristine coastline and the ancient cities.

Direct Airport Transit

Arriving at Bandaranaike International? Your journey to the jungle can begin the moment you land with our direct transfer service.

Town Conveniences

Enjoy the rustic charm of the wild with the comfort of having ATMs, fuel and pharmacies just around the corner.

Your Stay

Rest in Comfort, Wrapped in Nature

Unwind in clean, comfortable spaces designed to let the sounds of the jungle lull you to sleep. The perfect place to recharge between adventures.

Comfortable double room with crisp white bedding and red cushions
Comfort Cabin

Cosy double retreat

A serene, restful room featuring fresh linens, plump pillows and a pristine en-suite bathroom. Simple, cooling and exceptionally kept.

  • Double bed
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Fresh linen & towels
  • Fan cooled
Spacious room with wardrobe, dressing table and mirror
Garden Room

Space to settle in

A spacious haven complete with a wardrobe, vanity and lounge seating. Opening directly out to the quiet gardens, it's ideal for families and extended stays.

  • Wardrobe & vanity
  • Seating area
  • Drinking water
  • Garden surrounds
Restaurant & Bar
Safari Travel Desk
Family Friendly
Free Parking
Garden & Nature
Packed Breakfast

View Room Details

Wooden dining tables in the open-air restaurant
Dining & Bar

The True Flavours of the Village

Start your day with a tropical harvest and end it under the stars. We take pride in serving fresh, locally sourced Sri Lankan cuisine.

Breakfast

Fresh fruit, classic string hoppers, farm eggs and garden juices, enjoyed with a view of the forest canopy.

Authentic curries

Traditional village recipes served beautifully on banana and lotus leaves.

Starlit BBQs

Smoky grills and good company shared in the cool evening breeze.

Restaurant & bar

Relax with a chilled Lion beer or a fresh juice after a long day in the wild.

Drinks at the bar counter Stocked bar with a range of bottles Covered dining pavilion among the trees
Tours We Organise

Adventures from Your Doorstep

From half-day game drives to island-wide journeys, we plan every detail so you can simply enjoy the ride.

01

Wilpattu Safari Tours

Half-day and full-day game drives in search of leopards, elephants and sloth bears, complete with a packed breakfast for the park.

Plan Your Safari
02

Anuradhapura Heritage

Step into the ancient capital to witness towering stupas, sacred sites and centuries of history.

Explore Heritage
03

Puttalam & Negombo

Discover shimmering lagoons, salt pans and lively coastal towns on a relaxed day by the sea.

Plan Day Trip
04

Customised Round Tours

Tailor-made island journeys through Dambulla, Sigiriya and Nuwara Eliya, crafted your way.

Craft Your Journey
05

Airport Packages

Land at Katunayake and head straight into the wild with a personalised pick-up and tour itinerary.

Start Your Journey

Not sure where to start?

Tell us how long you're staying and what you love, and we'll craft the perfect itinerary around Wilpattu and beyond.

Talk to us
Our Specialty

Unforgettable Wilpattu safaris

Game drives are what we do best. Choose a half-day or full-day safari, and every guest receives a freshly packed breakfast to enjoy inside the park while exploring the wilderness.

Reserve a safari
Forest surrounding Saliyawewa Cabins
At the Cabins

Life at Saliyawewa

Slow down and soak up the rhythm of the village. Between safaris, there is a whole world of simple pleasures waiting right outside your door.

Lake with water lilies near the property

Wildlife at your doorstep

Watch kingfishers, peacocks and countless native birds visit the gardens while you relax.

Quiet forest path through the grounds

Cycle the village lanes

Pedal past paddy fields and bamboo groves, meeting the friendly local farming community along the way.

Calm lake waters near the cabins

Riverside solitude

Unwind on shaded forest decks beside scenic, calming waterways.

Shady tree on the lawn at dusk

A peaceful rural escape

Let the birdsong, the gentle breeze and the stillness of the surrounding forest completely recharge you.

Explore the Region

An ideal base for discovery

After Wilpattu, most travellers continue to Anuradhapura, making Saliyawewa the perfect stopover. From here, the island's treasures are within easy reach.

~15 min

Wilpattu National Park

Sri Lanka's largest national park

Nearby

Kala Oya

The island's third-longest river

Local

Neelabemma Reservoir

Scenic lakeside scenery & birdlife

Day trip

Rajanganaya Reservoir

Vast waters & rural landscapes

Onward

Anuradhapura

UNESCO ancient sacred city

Day trip

Puttalam

Lagoon, salterns & the coast

Also within reach: Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandalama & Nuwara Eliya.

Guest Words

Loved by travellers

★★★★★

“The perfect base before Wilpattu. We woke to birdsong, ate the freshest fruit and our full-day safari was beautifully organised, packed breakfast and all.”

Emma & Lars
Netherlands
★★★★★

“A magical little place hidden in the forest. The murals, the painted ceiling and the warm hospitality made it feel like staying with friends.”

The Becker Family
Germany
★★★★★

“Authentic Sri Lankan food served on banana leaves, a cold Lion beer at sunset and a kingfisher on the railing. We didn't want to leave.”

Sophie
United Kingdom
Get in Touch

Plan your Wilpattu adventure

Tell us your travel dates and what you'd love to experience, and we'll take care of the rest, from your room to your safari.

Find us

Samurdhi Mawatha, Puttalam Road, Saliyawewa, beside Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Sumedha Ruwan Wijenayaka

Owner · Open daily · Airport pick-up available 24/7

Get directions to Saliyawewa Cabins

We'll reply by email or WhatsApp, usually within a few hours.