The Madu Ganga (Madu River) is a shallow 915-hectare lake system and the second largest wetland in Sri Lanka.

This waterbody is fringed by mangrove forests that are crucial to the ecosystem, as they help reduce the impacts of climate change by stabilising the coastline and slowing down the movement of water. Mangroves also help reduce global warming because their rich, waterlogged soil can absorb and store a great deal of carbon.

The Madu Ganga is also abundantly rich in biodiversity and is home to over 300 plant species and 200 vertebrate animals.On a typical boat ride, you are likely to see monkeys, water monitors, giant squirrels, many of the birds mentioned above, and, although rare, maybe even a crocodile.

The boat trip takes around two hours and is a relaxing and enjoyable experience for adults, children and wildlife enthusiasts. The boat ride is best done first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon, when it is cooler, and you are more likely to see wildlife.

This experience is available from Kumu Beach & Lunuganga