Sri Lanka is a country known the world over for its natural beauties and rich cultural heritage. The country is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and a number of streams and rivers stem from the hilly centre of the country making it a resplendent land offering freshwater and saltwater activities. It is not surprising that even if one were to stay at a coastal hideout such as the AVANI Bentota Resort and Spa that boat trips in freshwater would be among the top things to do in Bentota.
While there is a river named ‘Bentota River’ that flows into the Indian Ocean to the west of Sri Lanka slightly north of the town of Bentota locals would definitely advise all tourists to tour the Madu River as well. The Madu River flows from its source to the east of Balapitiya and pours into the Madu River Lake prior to flowing out in a stream again to the Indian Ocean. It is this lake which is nourished by the Madu River that captures the interest of tourists as it is a mangrove haven, the tiny islands within the lake grow some of the finest cinnamon and the Buddhist temples that occupy the islands are venerated by all who pass by.
There are many tour operators at the mouth of the river in Balapitiya who take groups of visitors on day trips to see the Madu River estuary for a reasonable fee. The fee can be astronomic if you are not conversant in the local language, therefore bargain if you think that the boat operator is overcharging. There are alternate routes that can be taken, hence be sure of what exactly you want to see the most and insist that you are taken to those places first such that you have sufficient time to enjoy before night falls.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.
