Located in the town of Balapitiya in Sri Lanka’s Galle District is a picturesque ecosystem called the Madu River or Madu Ganga. Featuring an appealing collection of mangrove swamplands and numerous islands, this coastal wetland ecosystem is best captured and appreciated by boat. Provided below is how you may go about achieving this.
When is it best to go?
Although a well-travelled region across all 12 months of the year, in terms of maximising your investment and time, it would make sense to schedule your boat safari or trip between the months of November to April. This is because you will not risk having your outing curtailed as a result of heavy downpours and strong winds.
Find a reputed boat safari company
Options and facilitators are aplenty when it comes to a boat safari along the Madu River. However, do make it a point to opt for professional guides and service providers. While you will not find it too arduous a task to locate one in the Balapitiya or Bentota areas, if a first-time traveller to Sri Lanka, then you can make do with the services of a travel agency who will point you in the right direction where you will be able to avail of a boat service provider approved by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. On the other hand, you could also toy with the thought of staying at a local hotel or resort that affords boat trips to the Madu River Sri Lanka. For example, you could factor in the possibility of Heritance Ahungalla whose staff will help you plan out a trip that will last for between 1 to 2 hours.
Read up on the allure of the attraction in advance
While some travellers would be more inclined to remain patient until they are on the Madu River itself, for the curious at heart who take pleasure in being well informed prior to arriving at a tourist attraction, then it will be a must to read up on the overall make-up of the Madu River. A quick Google search will provide you with a wealth of information but for the bookworm out there, then do look at stopping by a bookstore in Sri Lanka where you are bound to find a travel magazine or book on the Madu River. Understand that the Madu River is one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining mangrove forests, brimming with an abundance of flora and fauna. What’s more? The river waters house as many as 64 islands with Kothduwa Island being one of its chief talking points. This is credited to the fact that the said island is where you can call by the beautiful Kothduwa Temple which is encircled by coconut palm trees and a host of other vegetation. Worthy of commentary are the mangroves that comprise 14 species and effectively, play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Aside from preventing soil erosion, the massive composition of the mangroves ensure that the soil remains fertile that in turn, has successfully aided the growth of various other wetland plant species. One of the main draws for visiting the Madu River is its fauna. Bird lovers will be in their elements as sightings of egrets, kingfishers and cormorants are common while you can easily catch a glimpse of water monitor lizards gliding through the waters and mischievous monkeys snacking on fruits, high up in the trees.
Come with an open mind
Turing through the Madu River will be both entertaining and educational. Thus, patrons will be well placed to learn of how a wetland ecosystem thrives and sustains itself in a tropical country such as Sri Lanka. Additionally, while being an excellent choice for a day trip, time spent on the Madu River will afford ample opportunity to bond with the family and especially, you will be well away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
