Location

The Mud House is a rustic eco-retreat nestled at the foot of an ancient rock temple in Anamaduwa in the remote north-west district of Puttalam. Set amidst 60 acres of wilderness and tranquil lake, a stay at the Mud House is an escapist experience of Sri Lanka's rural splendour. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about 2.5 hours. The ancient temples of Anuradhapura, Yapahuwa, Panduwasnuwara as well as the Wilpattu National Park can be accessed from here.

Why you should book with us

The Mud House finds joy from simplicity. It lies in a remote rural village, off a gravel road amidst a jungle thicket shaded by Tamarind trees. In this simple settlement, guests stay in wattle and daub huts, eat traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry cooked over a hearth, bathe at the well, and share the surroundings wilderness with birds and butterflies. All the living and dining areas are built using indigenous materials and traditional village construction methods. Walls and floors are of clay and tree barks are used as columns to support the roofs thatched with coconut palms. A few essential pieces of furniture are available, some made of driftwood. Mud House has no electricity. The glow of lanterns and candles helps to light up the huts and the pathways. The surrounding wilderness is a naturalist’s dream. Many hours can be spent in a hammock or lounging by the river – a tranquil setting enlivened only by the sounds of nature. The Mud House is a true experience of typical Sri Lankan village life where the hostswelcome you with open hearts, share their simple lifestyle, and impart their knowledge of this ancient land with pride.

There are four accommodation options to choose fromranging from a simple village mud house to huts built on stilts. They are spread throughout the property and open on to the wilderness giving a feel of living amidst nature. All the huts are made of wattle and daub and have thatched roofs. Interior layouts differ, but facilities are the same with beds on raised clay platforms fitted with mosquito netting; indoor bathrooms and out door showers; living spaces that can also be used for yoga or meditation. Extra hammocks, mats, beds and wicker chairs are available upon request.

Mud House:   This is a typical village mud house which consists of a double bedroom, a small library with books on wildlife and the Paramankanda Rock temple; and sitting area.There is also a second open-sided hut nearby that serves as an additional space to be used by guests as they wish – for yoga or even a second sleeping area. This hut is fitted with bamboo tats that can be rolled down during the nights and a double bed and mosquito netting is provided. Guests in both dwellings share one bathroom which has a w/c, sink, open air shower as well as a well with clear water for bathing. Meals are served in a separate hut in the same location. The Mud House can accommodate up to four guests.

Camping Hut:This is a spacious hut that accommodates up to 12 guests and is designed with two wings opening on to a central verandah and the wilderness beyond. Double beds on raised clay platforms fitted with mosquito netting are set dormitory style. There are two indoor bathrooms with outdoor showers. The Camping Hut is ideal for two families or a group of friends travelling together.

Family Hut:  This hut has a sleeping area furnished with two double beds; living area, indoor bathroom and outdoor shower.  The Family Hut is situated closeto the restaurant.

Honeymoon Hut:  This is a small, romantic hut fitted with a double bed and has an indoor bathroom and outdoor shower.

Meals are served in a separate open sided hut at the edge of the lake – a beautifulsetting where hours can be spent sipping a cup of tea.Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is served here cooked in clay pots over a hearth.The Mud House grows its own organic fruits and vegetables. Guests are welcome to walk into the kitchen and learn Sri Lankan cookeryand even pick your own vegetables from the organic farm. Bicycles are available for exploring the village. Guided bird watching and nature treks are on offer. The Mud House is managed by Kumar, a respected village personalitywho will make you feel at home and share his knowledge about the surrounding wildlife and ancient culture.

Go swimming, boating or fishing in the lake. Bird watching is also very rewarding in this area.The Paramankanda Rock Temple, just minutes away from Mudhouse, has ancient frescoes, rock inscriptions and Buddha statues. Explore the surrounding villages on foot or on a bike and experience rural village life. Other activities include bird watching at Anawilundawa bird sanctuary, leopard spotting in Wilpattu National Park, mangrove and lagoon boat rides, day trips to the ancient capitals of Yapahuwa and Panduwasnuwara, and a visit to a Toddy Tavern for a taste of the local brew.

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• Location
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Important note on prices : Red Dot prices include all government taxes and service charges. Some properties and websites exclude these charges from their direct quotes, which adds 24-26 per cent to your bill, so please check carefully before booking. Red Dot also guarantees to beat any lower published prices from other agents. Some property owners also request that we do not display our prices online. Please ask us for a quote - and tell us if we do not offer the best value.

Why you should book with us