The Mudhouse

Uniquely immersive
Sri Lanka
Everything we do is custom made by real Asia experts...

This might be the most unique property we offer, anywhere.

It’s tempting to say something like ‘it’s not for the fainthearted’, but that really wouldn’t do it justice, as it’s one of the most universally well-received experiences we offer. Each hut is genuinely a one-of-a-kind and just as fantastic as the next; the exhilaration when you first discover where you’re staying doesn’t leave you throughout your time here. Though rustic on a different level, they feel undeniably luxurious with a slow pace baked into the mud.

The huts are open to nature, often with no fully-encompassing walls, and those which are present are made from mud, tree roots and bamboo, all locally sourced and hand-crafted on site. There are hammocks, gratuitously comfortable beds and the reassurance of mosquito nets. Situated deep in the wilderness and surrounded by forest, with nearby lakes sitting within a flat, lush landscape punctuated by rocky outcrops that rise like islands, it’s a proud haven for wildlife. The Mudhouse is a special experience for anyone (how could it not be?) and one that we love to include wherever appropriate.

Start planning your journey here...

With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

Location & Highlights

Located north of Colombo, The Mudhouse makes a show-stopping stay, ideal before heading into the Cultural Triangle or up to Wilpattu National Park.
  • Slow-cooked local cuisine
  • All activities included
  • Idyllic lakeside location
  • Unique mud-walled bungalows
a building with a roof and a body of water with the sun shining through

Why we love it

“The Mudhouse is an absolute must for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. It was one of our stand-out highlights, possibly the best of the whole trip.”

Perfect pause

The Mudhouse Interior

The Mudhouse works beautifully for a few nights deep in Sri Lanka’s rural heart, wherever the rest of your journey takes you. Just imagine going from the rush and modernity of the airport, or Colombo’s buzzing streets, to staying in a treehouse-style mud lodge at the edge of a lake in the Sri Lankan jungle, within just a couple of hours. We love it when our clients choose to include this property in their Sri Lanka experience, because we all know what an awesome place it is.

The Mudhouse Interior

What can you do there?

The Mudhouse Lake

All guests are provided with bicycles so they can explore the sandy lanes around the property. You can use the kayaks to explore the lake, learn how to make authentic Sri Lankan cuisine from the chef, and head out on a sunrise walk with a guide along the nature trails. There’s a highly-recommended rock temple to explore just 3km from the property, and a small village to visit if you want to explore further afield.

The Mudhouse Lake

Soak in your surroundings

Lake with canoes at The Mudhouse

A stay at The Mudhouse is all about immersing yourself in the moment. From waking to the sounds of nature, tasting delicious dishes whilst watching birds skim across the surface of the lake, or learning about their sustainability practices with a wander through the kitchen gardens. It’s like hitting a big pause button on regular life and just being in the here and now.

Lake with canoes at The Mudhouse
Birdwatching at lake
Bird Watching at The Mudhouse
The Mudhouse Bee Eater
Bee Eater at The Mudhouse
Mudhouse Restaurant
Mudhouse Restaurant
Bedroom at night
Bedroom at The Mudhouse
Exterior of Mudhouse bedroom
Mudhouse Accommodation
Sunrise over the lake
Sunrise over the Lake at The Mudhouse

Brilliant! Selective Asia covered every detail.

Travel, hotels, guides, and excursions all flawlessly executed. Selective Asia listened to our requirements and worked with us to refine a great holiday.

Tim Goodman, Thailand

Holiday of a lifetime

The planning of the holiday and the ongoing support was excellent. The organisation on the ground when we got there was perfect and the local guides were knowledgeable and very personable. We would definitely go with Selective Asia again.

Gillian Baker, Komodo & Borneo

Selective Asia is more than a booking agency...

When a museum sent its exhibits overseas on tour, they learned about this before our departure and steered another to another site. When a hotel that we had booked scheduled a noisy wedding for the period of our occupancy, they were able to identify a fantastic hotel without noise before our arrival. I am not sure that any other tour operator would provide such detail in follow up, even after the tour was booked and paid for.

David Kosh, Vietnam

Our trip was outstanding...

We had had several discussions with Andrew before booking the trip and he incorporated all the activities we were interested in, plus recommending other activities that he knew we would be interested in. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again.

Heather, Japan

A great trip

We had an excellent holiday with an itinerary carefully arranged by Dave to suit our preferences. This is the third time we've travelled with Selective Asia and we will happily do so again in the future. We like the fact that they are a small company, passionate about what they do and committed to responsible travel.

Sarah Wilkie, Sri Lanka

A magical trip

Great planning and organisation, coupled with an amazing experience with the local guide and driver. Everything about the holiday was magical.

Inspiring experiences and places to stay

Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…

Start planning your journey here...

With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

Talk to our expert team...

Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.

The Selective Asia difference

  • Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
  • Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
  • Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
  • Responsible travel
  • 24 hour local support
  • Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity

No ordinary Travel Company

Personally designed, exceptional journeys across Asia that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.
Unfollow the herd.

Fully protected and flexible bookings

Selective Asia is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator, and our flexi-booking promise offers increased protection & peace of mind.,

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