Madu River, locally known as Madu Ganga is a coastal wetland ecosystem and estuary located in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka. The gentle swish of the river waters and the calls of the animals and birds are certain to bring immense joy to voyagers.

An Ecological Paradise

 

Madu Ganga | Image Courtesy: By Archana (Own work) [<a href="//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ADhammika_Heenpella_006.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a>
Madu Ganga | Image Courtesy: By Archana (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Madu Ganga Wetland is 915 hectares of natural beauty. It is considered one of the last remaining areas of mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. 770 hectares of this massive expanse of land consists of water.

 

Where to stay

 

ahungalle hotels and resorts
Accommodation in Ahungalle | Photo by Calamansi Cove by Jetwing

 

Travellers looking for hotels in Ahungalla can base themselves in a place such as the Calamansi Cove by Jetwing that gives easy access to the many attractions this town has to offer

 

The Wildlife

 

King Fisher, wildlife in sri lanka
King Fisher | Photo via Pixabay


The river has around 64 islands and is also a birdwatcher’s paradise and home to exotic bird species Monkeys, water monitor lizards, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers and even crocodiles paint the picture brilliantly.

 

Sail Away

 

madu river balapitiya
Kalaiarasy, Maduganga2, CC BY-SA 3.0



The best way to experience the beauty of this river is by taking a boat ride. It takes one through cool and shady mangrove caves, secluded islands, cinnamon plantations, ancient temples and much more.

If you have an option it is best to sail in the evening when the river and its surroundings are also delicately touched by the buzz of shrimp fishery.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+