Discover the unique beauty of Madu Ganga nature on a boat ride at Balapitiya. Admire various birds, the water warans, even crocodiles and the mind-blowing mangroves.
Visit a cinnamon farmer, an ancient temple on a small island, a fish farm and the marvellous floating red and white lotus flower fields.
The river flows through a thick jungle of mangroves. Madu Ganga is really a fascinating place . But the real beauty of Maadu Ganga can be enjoyed only if you sail downstream for about a kilo meter. The river spreads out to a very wide area creating about 25 to 30 tiny islands . ( Local name for an island is Duwa) .
The largest of these are Satha Pahe Duwa, Dimi Duwa, Galman Duwa and Katu Duwa . Sathe Pahe Duwa is the island which had been purchased by a person for five cents, a long time ago . Dimi Duwa has a thick growth of mangroves and gin pol.
Galmanduwa is well known because of the bridge which connects this island to the mainland. Katu Duwa is known for the thick growth of wetakeiya, mangroves and beli patta. Maa Duwa, from which perhaps the river has got its name is the largest of these islands. About 300 families reside here.
Kok Duwa is known for the Buddhist Temple there which caters for the religious needs of these islanders. Dik Duewa has got its name because it is oblong and is the longest of the islands. The people who live in these islands are mostly traditional fishermen. To some extend they are engaged in some traditional cottage industries as well.
The mangroves around these islands can survive both high tide and low tide. It is a well balanced eco system. Among the plants you find here are Gin Pol, Kirala, Beli Patta and Wal Kurunda Maadu Ganga is really a paradise for the eco tourist
Highlights – Madhu Ganga River Safari
Kraal Fishing: This method is sometimes referred as “Jaa Kotu”. You can see many setups constructed for Kraal fishing. They are usually made out of Bamboo. Some areas these nets are extended occupies larger areas of the river so boats has to ride carefully.
Fish Therapy: This was introduced to Madu ganga several years ago. It seems now there are several Fish Therapy places by this river. Different types of fish are put in to tanks, which are floating on the river. Visitors can immerse their feet to these tanks and fish stats biting. You will feel ticklish when they nibble your dead skin on the feet.
Smallest Island ( Satha 5 Duwa): This island got it name because its shape is similar to older 5 cents coin. There is only a small devalaya located there.
Koth Doowa Rajamaha Viharaya: This Buddhist temple is located in a small island and there are no other construction other than the temple.
Temple in Maa Doowa Island: This is another temple, you can visit during your Madu Ganga Tour. This temple is located in the largest island call Maa Doowa. It is believed that that the temple Boo tree is more than 600 years old. During the recent excavation, a nearly 1000 years old granite toilet stone found from this premises.
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