Madu River
Madu River
4
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
6:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Madu River is a wetland, near the Small town "Balapitiya" along the Colombo Galle highway. This is the point where the Estuary of the Madu river. The river flows through a terrain where it creates a large number of islands, and the eco system creates a beautiful wetland. The hotels around provide boat rids through the canals created at a good cost. And there are loads of places to stay, dine and wine.
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4.0
668 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
209
Average
96
Poor
45
Terrible
48
bird
Tamil Nadu, India8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Had wonderful trip. Hired Lucky +94 78 309 6116 Suresh Luckmar. Lovely guy. It rained during our Safari. Lucky not only ensured that we were protected from rain he compensated by giving 1 hour extra ride. Wish him well.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anu. C
Salmiya, Kuwait15 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Try not to get ripped off. We had a tour package and our driver took us to his friend.in our package it was rated 22$ per person(7000 SR) for the boat. Which i feel is also inflated for tourists.
When reaching the ticket counter the cashier asked for 12000 SR.
When we asked our driver to tell them the rate is less he sided with them saying you will have to pay 12000 SR.
We finally paid only 7000 SR. Bargain and the price will be reduced.
There are many such boats available in that area.
The river itself was great. Saw many unique views.
A small hindu temple, buddhist temple, cinnamon manufacture, mangroves, islands,fish pedicure.
Everywhere its overpriced.
The fish pedicure was 400 SR for 10 mins which could have been further reduced.
If you want to get down at the buddhist temple you will need to cover your knees. They do provide Cloth to wrap around your waist.
When reaching the ticket counter the cashier asked for 12000 SR.
When we asked our driver to tell them the rate is less he sided with them saying you will have to pay 12000 SR.
We finally paid only 7000 SR. Bargain and the price will be reduced.
There are many such boats available in that area.
The river itself was great. Saw many unique views.
A small hindu temple, buddhist temple, cinnamon manufacture, mangroves, islands,fish pedicure.
Everywhere its overpriced.
The fish pedicure was 400 SR for 10 mins which could have been further reduced.
If you want to get down at the buddhist temple you will need to cover your knees. They do provide Cloth to wrap around your waist.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlfredSF
Island of Malta, Malta79 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
There are many boat safari centres along the River Madu. Our guide, Prasad introduced us to No. 07 boat safari. These are a very friendly group of young people who explained to us what the safari was going to include. Our boatman was Sadi who is very knowledgeable. He pointed out the various reptiles and birds seen along the way, besides information about the various islands in this river. The most interesting stops included the place where cinnamon is extracted, the fish massage and the location where the river meets the Indian ocean. Highly recommended experience.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dasun
Matale, Sri Lanka958 contributions
Aug 2023
Madu River Boats A few of us joined in. The Madu boat ride is actually a journey through the calm waters of the river surrounded by lush mangrove forests, abundant wildlife and a serene landscape. Madu Ganga is home to dense mangrove forests that provide shelter to various species of birds, reptiles and animals. Aquatic organisms. Birds like kingfishers, egrets and herons were seen.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramal Coorey
Colombo, Sri Lanka139 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
I had a opportunity to go a cuisse along the Madu river which is located near Balapitiya in the Southern Province. Biodiversity was the major attraction in Madu river wet land with consists of a large variety of mangroves. Our motorboat was equipped with a canopy which could be raised or lowered when it was necessary. At around 10 am our cruise started from Captain Marina Hotel. On the way we saw many prawn traps, visited Kotdoowa Rajamaha Viharaya Temple, Cinnamon Island and a memorable experiences with natural fish therapy. We returned at around 12.45 pm and enjoyed lunch at Captain Marina Hotel.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paradise49566150357
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Couples
It was a good experience. They showed us alligator which was lying in the tree, monkeys on the boat ride and the boat guy also removed pics and was very cooperative.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corinne B
4 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Lady at Madu River is dishonest.
Be aware if you turn up without a tour operator like we did she will charge you way above what the tour operators charge.
We arrived with a private driver Delipe and she charged us 24000 rupees.
Some tour operators only charge 2400.
We had only been here a few days and stupidly didn't realise it was over £60.00 uk pounds.
We feel her and our private driver spilt the difference.
Not a nice feeling as this was our first tour and we now became suspicious of everyone.
You are better to book with a tour operator
If you do book a private driver please make sure you check the prices before he takes you anywhere 😉
Be aware if you turn up without a tour operator like we did she will charge you way above what the tour operators charge.
We arrived with a private driver Delipe and she charged us 24000 rupees.
Some tour operators only charge 2400.
We had only been here a few days and stupidly didn't realise it was over £60.00 uk pounds.
We feel her and our private driver spilt the difference.
Not a nice feeling as this was our first tour and we now became suspicious of everyone.
You are better to book with a tour operator
If you do book a private driver please make sure you check the prices before he takes you anywhere 😉
Written 29 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FBE
5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Nice morning out. Going from island to island. Cinnamon island and Buddhist temple island were worth seeing. Saw a lot of great birds and wildlife. Guide was very knowledgeable
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shahram G
Düsseldorf, Germany14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
I went to this tour with Dream Tour. Their office is in front of Sheraton kosgoda resort. It was Dinesh and Dhanushka who arranged it. It was a memorable experience. You get to visit temples, birds island, foot massage with fish, cinnamon tress and many other. You can contact Dinesh on +94 (77) 941 2592. He can help with all transportation and any other help you might need.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shoechiclover
London, UK11 contributions
Feb 2023
Lovely trip around the lake. Very interesting and lots to see. The temple was beautiful. Great seeing the baby crocs too!
Written 12 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
baany
Colombo, Sri Lanka59 contributions
Hi Any of our friends can recommend a reliable and good boat operator in madu river ?
suryakilar
Madikeri, India60 contributions
You may not be able to search a particular operator there.as all are almost in a queue,and he comes and picks you up...
Bathri
Bengaluru, India9 contributions
What are the rates for Mado River boat ride? Is the price per boat or per person? Are the rates negotiable ?
Mohit
Noida, India339 contributions
You usually hire a boat but if there are enough solo or couples wanting to do the tour at the same time then they can entertain per person fees as well. As far as I remember we paid 4000-4500 LKR for one hour tour. We were a family of 5 + they let our guide sit with us in the boat. It was a pretty fun 1 hour. Also had a fish massage and drank tea at cinnamon tea farm during the boat ride.
שלום, עדנה. מה תרצה לדעת על אטרקציה זו? מה שיותר אינפורמציה. ההיסטוריה של המקום, הצמחייה המיוחדת, מה קורה היום....
Aisra
Coconut Creek, Florida12 contributions
Which tour group did you go with on the Madu River safari? Is it safe to go if i have a 1 year old with me?
Thanks in advance for the info.
Mammut80
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates2 contributions
Hi Aisra
Not sure of the exact name, but all the boat trips are clones of one another. I personally would not take a one year old as the boats are very old and shabby. Not exactly sea worthy vessels. Safety equipment is questionable too. Honestly, head for the beach, I saw more wildlife (kingfishers, sea eagles, sand pipers, water monitors, squirrels) there than on the entire Madu river. Hope this helps. Have a great trip, Sri Lanka is lovely just not the Madu river aspect.
How much the tour in mAdu river by $?
SACHINK24
Mumbai, India111 contributions
I got to know from some locals that boating on Bentota river is much better as you get to see crocodiles.
The driver will normally take you to MADU river where he will get a higher commission
The driver will tell you that at BENTOTA RIVER no cinnamon island,temple etc ........Honestly cinnamon island is not all that great and the boating not all that interesting
So better go for boating at BENTOTA RIVER
We paid 8,000 Srilankan Rupees for 3 people which i think was on the higher side and definitely the driver must have taken a higher commission
Rajalakshmi K
8 contributions
How much is the cost for 3 people for the safari
IGoLankaTours
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka98 contributions
It’s depends on how long your traveling and which boat you choose.
jennainfrance
Chalais, France87 contributions
Bonjour, il afut compter combien de roupies par personne svp ? merci
lucky p
Compiegne City, France62 contributions
C'est la location d'un bateau, dépend du nombre de personnes dessus.
Gros groupe de l'ordre de 500 roupi
nonameatall2016
Fair Lawn, NJ8 contributions
How far is the Madu River where they have boat Safaris from the port of Colombo?
simply_srilankan
sri lanka248 contributions
Madu river is in Balapitiya which is abt 2 hrs from Colombo
We went on the old road which is narrower than the newly made highway as it takes quite a while to get to the access point of the highway from Colombo
Hope this helps !
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Claim your listingMADU RIVER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Madu River
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Madu River:
- Madu River Boat Cruise From Colombo (From £158.06)
- Day Excursion to Bentota from Colombo (From £52.95)
- Sri Lanka Round Tour (From £43.46)
- Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Private Day Trip (From £105.90)
- Day Excursion to Galle (Budget Air Conditioned Car) (From £37.93)
- Hotels near Madu River:
- (0.41 mi) Splendour Residence
- (0.28 mi) Salute 59
- (1.06 mi) Calamansi Cove Villas By Jetwing
- (0.32 mi) Madu River Villa - Galthota
- (0.33 mi) Maduganga Villa
- Restaurants near Madu River:
- (1.01 mi) Bord'eau
- (0.79 mi) Asian Restaurant Balapitiya
- (9.63 mi) Malli's Seafood Restaurant
- (3.21 mi) Oruwa Beach Restaurant
- (7.52 mi) Bamboo Shoot Restaurant