The Mudhouse was built using traditional village methods allowing guests to experience the authentic Sri Lankan way of life, living amongst nature and wildlife, with warm local hospitality, fantastic Sri Lankan food and a sense of time standing still. Set up by Kumar a Puttalam local and Tom Armstrong a British travel agent, the aim of the project is to open up the area to tourism and exhibit what the region has to offer.

The Mudhouse consists of a number of clusters of uniquely designed huts spread throughout our 60 acres of forest land. These huts range from a traditional village house to a tree house. All have outdoor showers and indoor bathrooms with sinks and western toilets, designed in a style that befits the overall aesthetic and back-to-nature theme. 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 dining pavilion and the menu is a variety of hearty Sri Lankan cuisine. The Mudhouse has its own farm, onsite, 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 Mud House we tried tank fish from the lake, curried ochre, string hoppers and Kiri Bhat. We were feed excellently with mountains of food to go round.

Puttalam District is an area with huge potential that remains largely untouched by tourism. For travellers seeking something a little different from a visit to the island then Puttalam District offers a fantastic assortment of sites. It is here that the ancestors of the Sinhalese people first landed and many mysterious ancient sites in the area attest the long and chequered history.

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 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 let nature wash around you.

Rates include:

All meals. Main meals are served three times a day – lunch, dinner & breakfast.
A variety of hearty Sri Lankan cuisine prepared with locally sourced produce. Guests can chose between fresh meat, fish and vegetarian options.
Unlimited tea, coffee and drinking water for the duration of your stay.
All locally guided excursions and activities (excluding transport)
Free bicycle use
Chauffeur-guide and driver’s accommodation and meals
All taxes and service charges

Key Features:

Total Escapism
No Electricity
Take Swimming
Organic Garden
Great Staff