Madu River

The Madu Ganga spreads into a shallow estuary at Balapitiya with something like sixty islands in it and one of the last substantial mangrove stands on the southwest coast, a Ramsar wetland. Boats run out among them, through channels so narrow the mangroves close overhead, past a temple on one island, a cinnamon-growing island where peeling is demonstrated, and fish-therapy platforms. Monitor lizards, kingfishers and water birds are constant.

Background

The river rises near Uragasmanhandiya in the Galle District and opens into Madu Ganga Lake at Balapitiya, then runs another 4.4 kilometres to the Indian Ocean. Colombo is 88 kilometres to the north and Galle 35 kilometres to the south. Two narrow channels link the lake to the smaller Randombe Lake, and together they form the Madu Ganga wetland, listed under the Ramsar Convention on 11 December 2003. Some 303 plant species from 95 families and 248 species of vertebrate animals live there. In 1803 the Amarapura Nikaya held its first higher ordination ceremony, or upasampada, on a fleet of boats anchored on the river. Islanders produce peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil.

Source: Wikipedia, "Madu Ganga"

The landscape

• The mangrove tunnels - channels narrow enough for the trees to meet overhead.
• The islands - around sixty in the estuary, several inhabited.
• The cinnamon island - peeling demonstrated on one of the small islands.
• Kothduwa temple - an island temple reached on the boat route.

When to go

November to April is the drier window on this coast. Early morning is best for birds and coolest. Boats run all day and are busiest at midday.

Practical notes

Boat operators vary widely and some race through the mangroves at speed, which damages them and ruins the point. The cinnamon and fish-therapy stops are commercial add-ons. Agree the route and price before boarding.

Nearby

Bentota is north, and Ambalangoda is south.

Key facts