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The Mudhouse

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Atmospheric eco-lodge
- Stunning rural location
- Cycling, cookery classes, kayaking
- Traditional local cuisine

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Overview

The Mudhouse is a wonderfully secluded eco-retreat set within 60 acres of verdant wilderness in the remote Puttalam District of north west Sri Lanka. Surrounded by forest, lakes, and wildlife, the property sits on the edge of a small village, at the foot of an ancient rock temple. Offering comfortable, rustic accommodation in private and individually designed huts, the Mudhouse will appeal to travellers seeking a taste of rural Sri Lankan life in a beautiful, tranquil location.

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from the main international airport in Colombo, the property is a good bet for a relaxing start or finish to a holiday in Sri Lanka. It works well in combination with Wilpattu National Park, either combining with a stay at a safari camp or using the Mud House as an overnight base for a full day's game drive in Wilpattu.

Food is locally sourced, traditionally prepared, and delicious, incorporating organic ingredients grown on the estate. Mealtimes are tailored around guest requirements, and special diets can be accommodated.

There’s a great range of activities on offer including cookery classes, birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking on the lake. Complimentary bike hire is provided for exploring the extensive grounds and nearby sites. The majestic Paramakanda Temple, a towering rocky outcrop with spectacular 360-degree views, stunning shrine rooms, and fascinating frescoes, is a short cycle or tuk-tuk ride away.

Accommodation is in individually designed huts constructed using natural materials and traditional techniques, yet with a contemporary edge. Huts vary from smaller two person units to large family huts which can accommodate up to six guests. All have outdoor showers, indoor bathrooms, dining and lounge areas, and relaxation spaces complete with hammocks and mats.

Note that there is no mains electricity in the guest areas. Lighting at night is provided by plentiful candles and lanterns as well as subtle, solar powered LED lighting which lend the property a particularly atmospheric feel.

Children of all ages are warmly welcome. Under 5s can stay free of charge, with reductions offered to guests under 18 years of age. Mealtimes are flexible, and children’s food preferences can be accommodated. Baby cots are available upon request, and a babysitting service can be arranged. Due to the remote, rural nature of the lodge, parents are reminded to ensure that children remain under adult supervision at all times.

Suggested Itineraries for The Mudhouse

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 530 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again

    MissingGodfrey R reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana on 25 September 2023

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

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