Madu River is an estuary and wetland near Balapitiya town along the Colombo – Galle highway. Covering over 150 acres of area, this is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka. The biodiversity of this ecological hotspot seconds only to the Muthurajawela wetland system. When the Madu River meets the Indian Ocean, it flows through a terrain with a large number of islands. This wonderful ecosystem creates a beautiful RAMSAR wetland with a huge biodiversity. It is home to unique flora and fauna including 300 species of plants and about 250 wildlife species.
You can enjoy a boat ride along the Madu River through the canals in the estuary to see the scenic beauty in the area. Usually, the Madu River safari begins at the mouth of the Madu River at Balapitiya. The Safari tour is accompanied by a local guide where you can learn a lot about this wonderful ecological sanctuary.
The journey lasts between 1 to 2 hours and you have the opportunity to see a large area of the wetland. With its captivating rich natural vegetation and wildlife, this journey is especially appealing to nature lovers. If you are holidaying in stunning Bentota Beach, Madu River is just a few minutes drive away. As well, it is one of the best places for an awesome day trip from Colombo.
Definitely, the Madu River boat safari is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. This boat safari will reward you with an enthralling experience. Here we are going to show you the most delightful things you’ll see during the Madu River boat safari.
1. Mangroves
Madu River is a famous ecological hotspot with a large number of Mangrove species on riverbanks. It consists of 14 mangroves out of the 24 mangrove species found in Sri Lanka. The boat safari goes through the thick mangrove forests passing through secretive passages. Cruising through these wonderful Mangrove tunnels is one of the major highlights of this journey.
The Madu Ganga wetland is one of the last remaining intact mangrove forests which makes it a heaven for nature lovers. Certainly, this region is a treasure trove to biologists and ecologists with many undiscovered species in the mangrove forests. These mangrove tunnels make a wonderful photogenic scenery in the Madu River estuary. Among the lush greenery, you’ll get an unforgettable experience watching this ecological sanctuary.
2. Mangrove Palms
Madu Ganga is a special place where mangrove palm trees called Gin Pol (Nypa fruiticans) are abundant on the river banks. A large number of Gin Pol trees are grown associated with the mangroves of Madu Ganga and its islets. Although this Gin Pol is a mangrove species, it is totally similar to the coconut trees. Their leaves have the shape of a coconut palm. Its fronds are used for thatching roofs.
3. Rathamilla
One of the unique features of the Madu Ganga wetland is the presence of the critically endangered Mangrove species Rathamilla (Lumnitzera littorea). Most importantly, this mangrove species is extremely rare to find on the island and only a smaller number of trees are available in the wild. The only known population so far was found in the Pathamulla islet in the Madu Ganga wetland.
Rathamilla was first discovered in Mau River in 1983. It is considered critically endangered in the National Red List of Sri Lanka. Thus, mangrove conservation in Madu Ganga is quite important to protect these rare, endangered species. Rathamilla can easily identify with their attractive, conspicuous red flowers. Remember to seek out this extremely rare mangrove species during your boat safari in Madu River.
4. Mangrove Apple
Kirala (Sonneratia caseolaris) commonly known as the mangrove apple is a common plant species in the Madu River. These trees grow abundantly alongside river banks. The delicious fruit of this mangrove tree is highly popular among Sri Lankans. Especially, the fruit known as “Kirala gedi” in Sinhala is used to make a yummy fruit drink.
Kirala is a small round green fruit with a star-shaped sepal or covering near its stem. Its thick skin is peeled and the flesh of the fruit is mixed into a pulp with water. The juice is then strained into a glass and sugar is added to create a refreshing beverage. Sometimes a bit of coconut milk is mixed in to add a rich texture to the drink.
This juice is a milky white liquid that has a hint of sour and a sweet taste. Certainly, it has a wonderful, distinctive aroma. Many tourist resorts and snack shops situated around Madu River sell this refreshing milkshake drink. Thus, don’t forget to enjoy a freshly made, delicious Kirala Juice while enjoying a boat safari in the Madu River.
5. Wildlife
The Mangrove forests in Madu River provide protection to a large number of aquatic birds. It is home to 43% of Sri Lanka native birds, of which 6 are endemic and 7 are threatened species. Also, 10% consists of winter migrants. The mixture of vegetation creates an ideal habitat for birds. Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Teals, and Kingfishers are usually seen feeding on aquatic organisms.
Sailing through the mangroves, you’ll get a chance to see crocodiles, water snakes, and monitors. Purple-faced langurs are a common sight on the tree tops. Moreover, you might even spot giant squirrels which are abundant in this area. Certainly, watching this amazing wildlife in its natural habitat is the most interesting part of your boat ride.
6. Kothduwa Temple
This wetland system consists of 25 islands, out of which only 15 are of sizeable landmass and safe to visit. Although it is famous as the “river with 64 islands” the actual number of islands is around 25. The reason is most of the small islands are submerged in the water and only the islands with a larger land mass are remaining.
One of the major stops in the Madu River Safari is at Kothduwa, one of the largest inhabited islands in Madu Ganga. This island houses an ancient Buddhist Temple comprised of many buildings and covers the entire island. The noteworthy places in the temple are the Bodhi tree, Image house, and beautiful dagoba.
7. Cinnamon Island
One island where you’ll stop during the boat ride is Cinnamon Island. This small island is about 200 meters wide. As the name suggests, it has cinnamon trees sprawling all over the land. These plantations date back to the 1900s. This centuries-old cinnamon plantation is run by a single family for generations. A boat or a ferry is the only mode of transport for the people who are living there.
You can visit the island to have look at the Cinnamon plantation. Also, you can learn about the process of harvesting cinnamon. The locals will show you how to cut and peel the Cinnamon trees to get high-quality sticks to use as a spice.
The traditional cinnamon peeling in Sri Lanka is a tedious task. Travelers have the opportunity to see this method while visiting the island. And also you can buy fresh cinnamon sticks produced by them. It is one of the best souvenirs you can buy from Sri Lanka.
8. Five-cent island
5 cent island call as Satha Paha doowa in Sinhala is the smallest island in the Madu River. It has got this name because its shape is similar to the old 5-cent coin used in Sri Lanka. It has a small building which is a Hindu Kovil. While enjoying your boat safari, you will be able to see this smallest island.
9. Fish Spa
Another interesting thing to do during the river safari is the fish spa in the midst of the river. You’ll encounter several rectangular fish tanks teaming with Gourami fish. The purpose of these fish tanks is to provide fish spa therapy for visitors. Hundreds of small doctor fish will suck the dead skin from your legs and feet.
The natural environment around the fish spa is fantastic, and you get scenic views of the vast mangrove forests. If you like to experience this wonderful fish spa, you can purchase a ticket at the site and enjoy a thirty-minute session.
Like many other fish spas, here fish tanks are not located in enclosed areas. These tanks are floating in the river and they are stocked with a large number of fish. People can sit around the tanks and put their feet into the tanks. At first, you may feel a ticklish feeling but it fades away making it a relaxing sensation.
10. Shrimp farms
Madu River is the best place to watch prawn farming and traditional fishing methods. Since the river provides the breeding ground for many crustacean species. fishermen use pots for catching prawns in shallow areas. Another shrimp farming method used in the Madu River is called “Ja-kotu” in Sinhala. Local fishermen use these traditional fishing kraals to catch shrimps and prawns.
Particularly, at night they set out in canoes with kerosene lamps to attract fish, shrimps, prawns, and crabs. This traditional fishing method is the livelihood of many locals in this area. You may be able to buy fresh crabs and prawns from these fishermen. Remember to buy some fresh seafood for a cheaper price and help the local community.
To sum up, these are the top delightful things you’ll see during the Madu River boat safari. Sailing through the rippling waters, watch out for the amazing wildlife and unique flora associated with the estuary. Beautiful birds perched atop mangrove trees and the local fishermen sailing across the river are common sceneries. Definitely, you’ll be enchanted by the serene beauty of the Madu River ecological sanctuary. Welcome everybody, Enjoy a delightful boat safari in Madu River!
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Twitter, and Dreamstime. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
