Explore

Excursions & Activities

The Mudhouse offers a varied range of local excursions activities, all included in the price. These can be arranged locally and do not need to be pre-booked, so you can really play it by ear and go with your own flow. All guests are given bicycles to use to get around the property and huts are equipped with binoculars and wildlife books. Local transport options are also available if you like the idea of exploring by tractor or tuk-tuk. Packed breakfasts and lunches can be arranged if required.

Paramakanda Temple

Dating from the reign of King Walagamba in 89-77 BC, this  rock temple is steeped in myth and legend. With fascinating shrine rooms, frescoes and a 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside, there is plenty to admire and explore. The temple is located 2 km away and is accessible by bike or tuk-tuk. If you only do one excursions while staying with us, this should probably be it.

Bird Watching

An early morning guided bird watching walk is one of our most popular activities. We have now documented over 130 species around the property. Migratory birds can generally be seen between October and April while resident species can be seen year round. We provide quality binoculars and bird books in all huts. Walks can be tailored to suit. 

Cooking Lessons

Food lovers may want to get busy in the kitchen and learn how to cook some of the local dishes in our large repertoire. Classes can be arranged any morning or afternoon as part of the preparation of either lunch or dinner. If you have any requests or want to learn how to cook a dish of ours that you really like we can arrange the menu accordingly. 

Cycling

All guests are provided with a bike for their stay. These are handy for getting about the property as well as for going on longer rides. The tracks, lanes and roads around The Mudhouse are predominantly flat and easy for cycling. For the more adventurous there are some remote trails with a bit more rugged action to be found. 

Kayaking

We have kayaks to use on the lakes in and around the mudhouse.  It is usually possible to kayak on site for most of the year. In drier times of year, when our lakes do not have enough water, we can often transport the kayaks and boards to other lakes in the area. We will always do our best to make it an option. 

Tonigala Inscription

Tonigala is an ancient historical site located about 5 km away from The Mudhouse. Overseen by the archaeology department, the Old Brahmi inscriptions date back to the first century BC. The main inscription is considered to be the longest of its kind in Asia and is thought to be evidence of the oldest financial and banking system in the world. 

Tuk Tuk & Tractor Rides

In addition to cycling and walking, The Mudhouse offers local transport options for most of the excursions and activities, or simply just for fun. We have our own tuk-tuks and tractors for multi-purpose use and they are always on standby for an outing, or just to take you between your hut and restaurant as required.  

Nature Trails

Our property is surrounded by some great trails that are fun to explore at any time of day. Let one of our guides show you around our property and surrounding paths, taking in the different flora and fauna and rocky outcrops. 

Friday Market

Friday is market day in our local town of Anamaduwa, 7km from The Mudhouse. This atmospheric and lively market is well worth a trip any time from morning till early afternoon. The market consists of a large covered area for fruits, vegetables and other food items, while the main road gets covered in stalls selling fabrics, clothes and all kinds of kitchenware.

Yoga

The Mudhouse has a dedicated yoga hut equipped with basic mats, straps and blocks that is available for guests to use for self practice at almost any time. We do not have a resident yoga teacher but instead to prefer to work with visiting teachers who can organise their own retreats here. More information is available elsewhere on the website. 

Premium Excursions

Guests staying for more than a few nights at The Mudhouse might be tempted by some of our Premium Excursions. These are activities that are accessible from the Mudhouse as full or half day trips. They differ from the local excursions in that there are extra costs involved, usually for transport, local site guides or entrance tickets.

You can contact us for more detailed information about how to fit any of our listed excursions and activities into your plans. These excursions can be booked and paid for in advance or simply arranged when you are here and paid for locally.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest National Park, covers 130,000 hectares and is known for its natural fresh water lakes. Leopard, elephant, sloth bear, jackal, sambur, wild buffalo and the jackal are just some of the species to be found here. Wilpattu can be arranged as a full or half day jeep safari. The drive is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. 

Anawilundawa Sanctuary

Anawilundawa Sanctuary is a designated Ramsar Wetland site located an hour from The Mudhouse. Bordering the coast, Anawilundawa is also flanked by mangroves and fresh water lakes. Over 150 species of birds are known to inhabit the sanctuary. October to April are generally the best months for catching the migratory species. Best time to visit is any time there is water in the lakes. 

Anuradhapura

The vast ancient city of Anuradhapura dates from 377 BC is one of Sri Lanka's greatest treasures. This sprawling complex of historical ruins contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders including enormous stupas, ancient pools and majestic temples, all built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka. 

Yapahuwa

A forty-five minute drive from The Mudhouse, Yapahuwa is one of Sri Lanka’s best preserved and least visited ancient capitals. Dating from the 13th century, Yapahuwa was built in the style of Sigirya and stands resplendently above a 90 metre tall rock. Yapahuwa was a royal palace and a military fortress, originally constructed by King Buvanekabahu in 1273. 

Dolphin Watching

Between November and April it is possible to view groups of hundreds of spinner dolphins as they frolic in the calm morning waters of the Kalpitiya Peninsula. It's a half day trip that requires an early start. The drive is just over an hour, followed by a one hour boat trip. Local suppliers are fully licensed and pay all local government and wildlife department taxes.