The Madu River flows through a wetland ecosystem near the small town of Balapitiya along the Colombo-Galle Southern Highway. It is an estuary with its many mangrove islets and constitutes a complex coastal wetland. It has a high ecological, biological and aesthetic significance, home to approximately 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and 248 species of vertebrate animals. The inhabitants of its islets produce peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil. It was named Ramsar Wetland in 2003.
Experiences
Madu River Exploration
Nature Beckons
Sacred Site
Historically, the Buddhist Amarapura Nikaya had their first higher ordination ceremony on a fleet of boats on this river. To signify this, a Buddhist temple was erected on one of the isolated mangrove islands on the river.
River Vistas
We set off to explore this diverse ecosystem via boat to witness rich birdlife and other fauna and flora. Our final stop will be the ancient Kothduwa Buddhist Temple, where we meet a local monk. On the way back, enjoy fresh Kirala juice, one of the South’s best-kept secrets.
Your Host
Anoma: Anoma is a Cetacean expert who has committed to studying and preserving nature. His interest in nature goes back to his childhood, growing up in Kottawa in the Galle region. The lush forest surroundings close to his home provided him with much entertainment, and he spent many hours absorbing the wonders around him. Upon leaving school, Anoma began his career at the Galle Maritime Museum under the tutelage of its curator, Mr Dharma Sri Kandamby – a keen representative of the Wildlife Conservation Society at national and international platforms whose vast experience as a scientific collector includes the discovery of a new species of endemic frogs and crabs.
Your Host continued
Accompanying his mentor on such voyages of discovery, Anoma was soon an equally dab hand at finding and identifying the wealth of natural life around him, including the discovery of a new species of endemic lizards, freshwater fishes, frogs and freshwater crabs. These projects continued to become the subject of numerous research papers, which Anoma compiled as part of his Wildlife Conservation & Management Programme at the Open University and Biodiversity Management Diploma at the University of Colombo. Anoma, a licensed Ceylon Tourist Board Guide and Lecturer, is a very active and supportive member of the Blue Whale Conservation Group at Mirissa. As a naturalist and marine biologist, he is keen on promoting conservation through tourism and increasing local revenue via continuous dynamic strategies.
Inclusions & Things to Note
- Number of guests: Minimum 2 and Maximum 20.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Suitable for children: 6 years and above.
- Meeting time: 9 am or 3 pm.
- Meeting place: Captains Boat House.
- Includes: Boat ride on the Madu River, a visit to an ancient Buddhist temple.
- What to wear or bring along: Light cool clothing. sunglasses, caps/hats, camera.
- Please follow your boat operator’s safety instructions at all times.
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