Fleewinter
Stunning Rural Location
Incredible Flora & Fauna
Unique Accommodation
Free Excursions & Activities
Traditional Local Cuisine
Private Lakes (suitable for swimming)
No Mains Electricity
Bird Watching
"We spent two nights at The Mudhouse and it was a unique and special experience, from every point of view. We loved the attention to detail, from the shell-chimes to the private cat and the under-the-stars shower. The food was excellent, and the huts comfortable and clean. Molli was a quiet, unobtrusive, knowledgeable guide and companion, interested in and enthusiastic about everything. All the members of staff were friendly and helpful. The birdlife was quite astounding: on our first morning we identified 41 species before breakfast! With very few people around, and surrounded by absolutely quiet apart from the murmurings of nature, this was the perfect antidote to our busy and stressful lives in Dhaka." KG
The Mud House is located in the rural Puttalam district of Sri Lanka, with access to the ancient sites of the Cultural Triangle, Wilpattu National Park and the beaches at Kalapitya. It is a very authentic region of Sri Lanka and the Mud House was established as a project to open up the area to tourism and exhibit what the region has to offer.
The retreat consists of uniquely designed mud huts spread throughout 60 acres of forest land. There are four clusters of huts, containing 5 huts, which have been built in a traditional village style. Each cluster is allotted privately to a set of guests and can accommodate between 1 and12 people. Each hut has access to outdoor 'jungle' showers and indoor bathrooms with sinks and western toilets. The 'extra bathroom' is the lake adjacent to the land which is great for swimming and bathing!
There is no mains electricity at The Mudhouse. Lighting at night is provided by plentiful candles and lanterns. The staff hut is equipped with solar panels and has a limited supply of both ac and dc power for charging batteries of any kind.
Each hut has a private dining pavilion and the menu is a variety of hearty Sri Lankan cuisine. The Mudhouse has its own organic farm, where the majority of the fruits and vegetables used are grown. Guests are welcome to get involved if they like, be it planting, watering or picking the produce. While at The Mudhouse we tried tank fish from the lake, curried okra, string hoppers and kiri bhat. We were fed excellently with mountains of food to go around.
Within a short bicycle ride from The Mudhouse you can find the little known Thonigala Rock inscription, thought to be one of the longest in Asia. Day trips can be taken to the former capitals of Yapahuwa and Panduwasnuwara, with their fine examples of Sinhala rock carving.
Being a dry zone area the region is also excellent for wildlife and covered in man made lakes, known as tanks. Often a picture of splendid serenity, the tanks support a varied array of bird and wildlife as well as supporting human habitation. Great for swimming and picnic stops, the staff at the Mudhouse take great pleasure in introducing you to the many tanks within the surrounding area. Trips can also be organised to the bird sanctuary at Anawilundawa or the vast Puttalam lagoon.
So, spend your days in sublime surroundings watching the birds and buffalo on the bordering lake. Go for a walk or take a bike ride and get a glimpse of life in rural Sri Lanka with all its vibrant warmth and colour. Swim amongst the lilies or doze all day. Visit vast wetlands and ancient temples far away from the beaten track or simply laze in a hammock and observe the beauty of the tropical countryside.