Getting lost among the secret passages surrounded by the giant mangrove forest would definitely be an unforgettable memory if you visit the Madu Ganga River. It is an exceptional once in a lifetime experience someone could have.
Madu Ganga is known to be the largest lake of Sri Lanka. It is located close to Balapitiya, a city in Galle district. The surrounding area of this river is the largest mangrove swamp that remains in the island upto date. And it is home to several reptiles, birds and fish.
Madu Ganga was identified for its richness in biodiversity and listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2003. Madu Ganga, linked together with the Randombe lake by two natural channels form the entire wetland. There are around 250 different species of animals and over 300 species of plants occupied within this wetland.
The mangrove forest here covers over 61 hectares. And there are about 24 different species of mangroves in this wetland. 19 species are named as endemic out of them.
About Madu Ganga Safari
If you want to enjoy the best of this amazing wetland, the best way to achieve it is the Madu Ganga river safari. It is a two hours lasting journey that will give you an unforgettable experience and a memory.
The ride can be booked by yourself through the online platform. This will be accompanied by professional trained guides and fishermen. The boats are docked at the mouth of Madu Ganga in Balapitiya.
At the beginning, the boat passes through the mangrove forest that is home to many birds, animals and plants. It is also the breeding ground of many fish species. You will get to see the animals in their natural habitat during this ride.
There are around 25 islands within this river area. But not all of them are not accessible and safe. But the visitors get a chance to visit one island where cinnamon is grown. The boat will stop for a while where the caretakers of this island give a demonstration of the harvesting process.
Another island where they stop is Koth Duwa. It is one of the largest inhabited islands in the Madu River. There is a Bhuddist temple along with some other buildings that cover the entire island.
During the Madu Ganga river safari, you will also get to touch baby crocodiles. The trained environmentalists will help you out to get the best experience.
Things To See In Madu Ganga
There are so much more beautiful experiences that you could have apart from the boat ride during your stay or visit at Madu Ganga. Here are some of the best things do see and do,
- Visit to ‘Satha Paha’ island
Satha paha dowa or the five cents island is the smallest island of the Madu Ganga. The reason for naming the island is that it’s in the shape of the five cents coin that was used in Sri Lanka. The island has a small temple which is a hindu kovil.
You can view this island during the safari, but if you are willing to explore it more, you can book another boat ride that will specifically take you there.
- Bird watching
Book a naturalist or an environmentalist to learn and explore birds around Madu Ganga if you are a bird watcher. The wetland has over 110 different species of birds living there.
This activity is most popular among the ornithologists who are visiting Sri Lanka at times. Some people also explore with the goal of photographing them. So whatever the outcome is, this is some of the best things that you can do during this visit.
- Fish therapy
Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience at Madu Ganga river with fishes. Both locals and tourists enjoy this fish therapy whenever they visit the location. These fish are known as doctor fishes and there are different species that you can choose from.
It is a soothing and relaxing experience where a pleasant service is provided. Do not miss this if you are visiting Madu Ganga for a safari ride.
- Turtle hatchery
Kosgoda is not so far from Balapitiya where the famous sea turtle conservation site is located. This project is operated by the wildlife protection society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1988 to protect the turtles from extinction.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
