Buddhi Boat Safari
We took a River Boat Safari along the Madu Ganga (Ganga means “River” in Sinhala), which cruised from Balapitiya, meandering through mangrove forests, natural caves and islets that opened out to a vast expanse of water.
An abundance of Cinnamon, Bamboo and Coconut trees grow throughout the Madu Ganga with natural surrounds of palm trees, chirping birds, kingfishers, black storks, and pond herons that flit freely around, portraying nature at its best!
The cruise allows you to experience beautiful mangrove trees, a demonstration of cinnamon productions, Kothduwa, the island’s Buddhist temple and the smallest island on the River called Satha Paho Doowa.
Feeling adventurous, dip your feet in water for some fish therapy!
Buddhi Boat Safari
Buddhi Boat Safari offers a peaceful journey through the mangrove-lined backwaters of Sri Lanka. As you glide along the river, you’ll experience lush tropical scenery, birdlife, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding nature—an ideal way to explore the region’s serene waterways and wildlife.
Kothduwa Temple
Located on Kothduwa Island, this peaceful Buddhist temple sits in the middle of the river near Bentota and is best reached by boat. Visitors can explore the quiet temple grounds, view its shrines, and often receive a blessing from the resident monk. Please dress respectfully and remove shoes before entering the temple.
Satha Paho Doowa
Madu Ganga has a cluster of 64 small islands scattered around, of which most are uninhabited and covered with mangroves.
As you are cruising on your boat through the Madu Ganga, you will see the smallest islet called Satha Paha Doowa. It has a tiny shrine with a statue of a Hindu God. It is also known as the five-cent coin for its shape, similar to the old five-cent coin used in Sri Lanka.
Cinnamon Island
While on the boat trip around the Madu Ganga, you can spend some time in the cinnamon production area, where locals can demonstrate how to make various Cinnamon-based products and how it is sourced from the cinnamon bark.
After the demonstration, we shared a complimentary cup of cinnamon tea with our new friends. We also had the opportunity to purchase cinnamon oil, cinnamon sticks, and products to help contribute to their livelihood.
Waterlife
Home to many species of fish and reptiles, including crocodiles, you will witness enormous lizards lazing on the rocks and Water Monitor lizards swimming in the water.
Our driver even put his hand in the water and pulled out a blue jellyfish!