Madu Ganga is the second largest wetland in Sri Lanka, an estuary spread over 900 hectares, of which 770 are covered with water. The surface that surrounds the Madu river is marshy, wooded with mangroves. For nature lovers, it is the perfect place. A 2-3 hour tour on the dark and dangerous channels, formed by the large mangrove forests, interspersed with stretches of azure-blue water, is a dream come true.

Navigating among the mangroves or the glittering stretches of water, you have the opportunity to see the stuffed cormorants because in the river there is abundant prey, dozens of species of butterflies or birds, water snakes, tree snakes or crocodiles. After all the Madu river is one of those most important ecosystems in Sri Lanka. Our funny boatman has assured us that we are safe.

One of the largest uninhabited islands in the area hosts an old Buddhist temple. A handful of buildings belonging to the monastery cover the entire island.

Greedy traders, eager to catch you in the net, lure you with fresh coconuts piled on the few floating sticks that went down the river. Behind the stalls, the boats await a new race, other supplies ready.

Have you ever imagined a SPA in the middle of a river? Well, Madu Ganga with koi therapy can be a challenge. At first, you may feel weird while a lot of fish are getting crowded to get rid of dead skin on your heels. However, you may want to repeat the treatment.

The boat ride costs around 35 euros/person. If you also choose the SPA treatment, you have to add 5 euros, because this is not included in the price of the trip.

Madu Ganga is 100 km from Colombo, the capital of the country, in Balapitiya. It can be reached on a day trip from any area along the south coast of the country. For example, we left with a tuk-tuk from Hikkaduwa. The trip took about 45 minutes. The trip from Galle takes one hour.

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