Madu River, a wetland estuary spreading over 900 hectares of which 770 hectares is covered with water and inhabited with 64 islands. The boat ride is a wonderful way to take a closer look at this complex wetland ecosystem, a world heritage site protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, being one of the last wetlands in Sri Lanka to contain a pristine mangrove forest. Journey past massive mangrove forests, glide under the canopy of the forest tunnels as they curve playfully towards the watercourse. If it's later in the evening watch the fishermen in their canoes lighting lanterns on traps that catch prawn and other shellfish. It's certainly going to be a memorable day-out on the serene waters of the unforgettable Madu River! After an exciting Madu riverboat trip, drive down to Galle on the highway and visit a Turtle hatchery near Galle to see various species of Sea Turtles, if you wish you could even release a baby Turtle to the Ocean.
Pick up from the Hotel in Colombo and leave for Balapitiya to commence Boat Safari at Madu River. Take in the unique biodiversity of the Madu River and its surrounding islands that boasts of hundreds of birds, plants, fish, and animals. Journey past massive mangrove forests There are plenty more things to do in this trip, your thirst with a refreshing drink of King Coconut Water and then proceed towards the Buddhist Monastery, see how Kraal fishing is carried out, how Ceylon Cinnamon is peeled and enjoy some 'fish therapy' as they playfully nibble your feet at the 'fish spa'. After Lunch Get into a Glass Bottom boat ride at Hikkaduwa to see underwater corals. Arrive at Galle and commence Galle city tour including a visit to the Dutch Fort. Commence return journey to Colombo, visit at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery by the end of the day Continue the journey to Colombo.
3 Comments
4.6
We had a fantastic time cruising along the Madu River, where the lush scenery made for perfect photo opportunities. The boat guide was knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about the river’s ecology and the local wildlife, which kept us engaged throughout. Stopping at the turtle hatchery in Galle was a memorable experience, and we were thrilled to learn about conservation efforts while seeing the tiny turtles up close.
4.6
Exploring the tranquil waters of the Madu River was a highlight for our family, as we marveled at the lush scenery and vibrant wildlife during the boat safari. The turtle hatchery experience in Galle was both educational and heartwarming, although we wished there had been more time to interact with the turtles themselves.
4.4
Our afternoon on the Madu River was delightful, as we glided through lush mangroves and caught glimpses of unique wildlife. Stopping at the turtle hatchery in Galle was particularly touching; witnessing the baby turtles take their first steps was unforgettable. The city tour added a nice mix to our day, especially wandering through the quaint streets and finding some local gems. If there’s any room for improvement, it would be to extend the time spent in Galle, as we felt a bit rushed to soak it all in. Overall, this outing perfectly blended nature and culture, making for a memorable experience in Colombo.