The Southern coast, which we've been exploring consecutively has attracted beach lovers from across the globe and is undoubtedly one of the most sought after leisure destinations on the planet! I believe Sri Lanka is blessed with holiday destinations that would last a lifetime. And here's the most amazing part. We could witness the sandy beaches and a glistening river simultaneously.
A serenading river that has enticed travellers with an opportunity to bask in the streaming beauty, flowing across a beach destination..
A glimpse of the enchanting river that is called 'Madu Ganga'
'Madu Ganga' is located 80 kilometres from Colombo in Balapitiya; you have to walk a few steps towards the end of the pier where the vessel awaits you for an enchanting ride across the river.
Wasantha, our reliable tour guide and boatman took us through everything we needed to know. Evidently, it spreads across 915 hectares, out of which 770 hectares are covered with water. You could sail downstream for about a kilometre where the river opens its doors to 64 spectacular islands covering the remaining 145 hectares. The inhabitants of these islands are mostly traditional fishermen and to some extent they are engaged in some traditional cottage industries such as producing peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil.
This was my favourite bit of the escapade.
The fish spa treatment at Madu Ganga costs just Rs.200; the tanks float in the river and are stocked with a huge number of fish. I simply sat around the tanks and put my feet into it. There is a set of guidelines before you jump into the fish therapy.
If you are not familiar with fish therapy, at first you feel ticklish as the fish removes the dead outer part of the skin and calluses. Later the ticklish feeling fades away making it a relaxing sensation.
While you’re pampering yourself you would be be to see the huge mangrove forest around the fish tanks. Large number of aquatic bird species, monitors, and monkeys are the most common here.
The estuary of Madu Ganga and the many mangrove islets on it form a complex coastal wetland ecosystem with high ecological, biological and aesthetic significance. Being home to 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and to 248 species of vertebrate animals, it might be one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forest in Sri Lanka.
From November to April is the season of the catch. Unspoiled sea and fishing zones of Balapitiya holds an abundance of fish for the keen angler. The voyage is just a few kilometres away from the coast, yet the catch is tremendously overwhelming.
Around the coast you’ll find Grouper, Snapper Emperor and Bonefish; a bit further out, Indian Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Seer fish, Kingfish, Barracuda, Barramundi, Jackfish, Tuna and Shark. During trolling you will often see schools of dolphins accompanying the boat. Only professional fishing equipment including rods, lines, lures and bites will be used for your voyage.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, Madu Ganga presents a dream come true. Spend a night inside a tent by the bonfire on an uninhabited island, getting your taste buds satiated by the fresh catch on the BBQ and wake up the next morning to explore the rest of many wonders along the journey.
While exploring the islands spread across the river you will notice the ecosystem in the wetland is immensely colourful with its flora and fauna. It’s just a binocular away from you, where 115 species will be visible to keen eyes.
Text by Keshiya Leitch
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