Madu River Safari By Buddhi
Madu River Safari By Buddhi
4
Nature & Wildlife AreasBoat ToursEco ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Full view
About
Welcome to Madu River Boat Safari, your gateway to the hidden beauty of Madu Ganga in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka. Embark on an unforgettable boat ride through this enchanting lagoon, renowned for its 64 islands and rich biodiversity. Our journey begins as you board our fully insured boat, navigating through a stunning natural mangrove cave. Along the way, you'll visit Cinnamon Island, where you can witness the traditional cinnamon manufacturing process. Marvel at rural fishermen in their traditional catamarans, adding to the picturesque charm of the lagoon. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife that thrives in this serene environment. Discover peaceful temple nestled on the Koth Duwa, and end your journey with a unique fish therapy experience, where fish gently nibble at your feet, enhancing circulation and sensation. Join us for an immersive Madu River boat safari, where our expert team ensures you have an unforgettable day trip in Sri Lanka.
Balapitiya, Sri Lanka
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Madu River Safari By Buddhi
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
778 reviews
Excellent
321
Very good
246
Average
107
Poor
49
Terrible
55
Milind Shah
Ahmedabad, India2,016 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
The boat rides are offered by a few private players on river madu. The rode includes an hour long boat ride with a couple of stops on spice garden and fish spa. While the rode is surely good, it is not as it was hyped by the locals and driver. On reaching the place we realised that there is a huge commission game running around and the drivers are paid hefty sums to bring tourists here. There is no mention of official rates anywhere and you are asked for exorbitant rates at first go. I remember we started from 25$ per pax and finalised on 10$ which also we thought was high. The stoppages on spice garden as well as fish spa are also purely commercial and do not have much to offer. My recommendation is to avoide the place and rather spend some time on good beaches or the resort in bentota.
Written February 13, 2020
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.
Braj Raj Narayan Saxena
6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Madu river encircles nearly sixty four islands only six of these are inhibited. The safari which costs $35 a person for foreigner tourists is negotiable and comes down to even $20 other entry fees for Buddha island and fish spa included.
The safari is interesting when it passes thru mangroves. At cinnamon island they provide educating info on the herb and fish spa is invigorating. Overall safari is worth the spend if negotiated intelligently.
The safari is interesting when it passes thru mangroves. At cinnamon island they provide educating info on the herb and fish spa is invigorating. Overall safari is worth the spend if negotiated intelligently.
Written January 13, 2020
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.
Bhaskar_10
New Delhi, India3,131 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited on 21 February 2020
We took the Walawwa Madu River Safari and the arrangement was done very well. Welcome drink was served and few of us got cold towels ( the fresh towels ran out of stock). the boats were clean and the life jackets were dry. the boat safari into the mangrove regions and a stopover at a cinnamon extraction center was the highlight of this trip.
Well explained and unique this safari is worth giving a try. During the safari the weather changed and there was rains as well but the rain shelter helped us keep dry.
One can buy cinnamon products and can enjoy coconut in the middle of t he river. This is another different experience.
So I will recommend this river safari.
Cost was included in our tour package so am not aware about the exact amount.
Hope you will find this review helpful.
We took the Walawwa Madu River Safari and the arrangement was done very well. Welcome drink was served and few of us got cold towels ( the fresh towels ran out of stock). the boats were clean and the life jackets were dry. the boat safari into the mangrove regions and a stopover at a cinnamon extraction center was the highlight of this trip.
Well explained and unique this safari is worth giving a try. During the safari the weather changed and there was rains as well but the rain shelter helped us keep dry.
One can buy cinnamon products and can enjoy coconut in the middle of t he river. This is another different experience.
So I will recommend this river safari.
Cost was included in our tour package so am not aware about the exact amount.
Hope you will find this review helpful.
Written April 26, 2020
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.
Cargs101
Perth, Australia128 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a very popular tourist area. You can arrange private boat safari's if you do some homework. This way we had a boat and driver to ourselves and avoided the larger tours.
The tour takes an hour or so with a couple of stops. The stops are interesting and you can choose to spend more money or move on.
For me the boat ride was most enjoyable to be out on the water away from everyone else and experiencing a little of the nature of the area.
The tour takes an hour or so with a couple of stops. The stops are interesting and you can choose to spend more money or move on.
For me the boat ride was most enjoyable to be out on the water away from everyone else and experiencing a little of the nature of the area.
Written March 7, 2020
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.
Sharmini R
Colombo, Sri Lanka50 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We travelled from Colombo on the Matara Highway, and took the exit at Ambalangoda. I had done the research on the Boats and knew prices etc, but off the Highway we spotted this guy holding a placard about the Madu River excursion and decided to go with him.
We enjoyed our Boat ride through the waters immensely. It was a revelation. And, as a previous Reviewer mentioned, being Sri Lankan I was sad and sorry I hadn’t taken the time to experience the wealth of beauty before . What a treasure. Going through a tunnel of Mangroves was the highlight for me ! And the “ thirst “quenching stop at a Juice Bar - where, after about 30 plus years I tasted our own “ Kirala” juice. ( Kirala a fruit that grows in this very area. ) There are the inhabited islands connected by small bridges. ( Thrilling to see a duo on a Motor bike pass atop us) and the historic temple, plus a little derelict shrine on the tiniest of Islands. ( Actually rock). We missed out on the Cinnamon plantation and Fish place, as we were pressed for time, but that is for our next visit. To experience this ecological wonder and nature’s heritage that we are Blessed with. Hopefully! again and again.
We enjoyed our Boat ride through the waters immensely. It was a revelation. And, as a previous Reviewer mentioned, being Sri Lankan I was sad and sorry I hadn’t taken the time to experience the wealth of beauty before . What a treasure. Going through a tunnel of Mangroves was the highlight for me ! And the “ thirst “quenching stop at a Juice Bar - where, after about 30 plus years I tasted our own “ Kirala” juice. ( Kirala a fruit that grows in this very area. ) There are the inhabited islands connected by small bridges. ( Thrilling to see a duo on a Motor bike pass atop us) and the historic temple, plus a little derelict shrine on the tiniest of Islands. ( Actually rock). We missed out on the Cinnamon plantation and Fish place, as we were pressed for time, but that is for our next visit. To experience this ecological wonder and nature’s heritage that we are Blessed with. Hopefully! again and again.
Written February 10, 2020
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.
Darshan B
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
Went during Jan 2024.
We hired a car with a driver and he recommended doing this with No7 boat safari.
The safari was fairly boring. You see some Islands, they take you for a foot spa (which is known to be infectious) and then they take you to cinnamon island where they give you cinnamon tea and sell you cinnamon.
We paid 10k Sri Lankan rupees each for it. It was very very over priced for the experience.
Please be careful on how much you pay for it. They know we were from the US and started off at a higher price and my driver may have been involved as well
We hired a car with a driver and he recommended doing this with No7 boat safari.
The safari was fairly boring. You see some Islands, they take you for a foot spa (which is known to be infectious) and then they take you to cinnamon island where they give you cinnamon tea and sell you cinnamon.
We paid 10k Sri Lankan rupees each for it. It was very very over priced for the experience.
Please be careful on how much you pay for it. They know we were from the US and started off at a higher price and my driver may have been involved as well
Written January 26, 2024
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.
Dear Valued Guest,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear that your recent trip didn’t meet your expectations.
We want to clarify that our company, *Madu River Safari by Buddhi*, is committed to transparency and fairness in our pricing and services. We understand the importance of providing value to our guests, and our pricing is structured to reflect the quality and comprehensiveness of the experience we offer.
It appears that the experience you described was with a different operator, as indicated by the "No 07" company on your entrance ticket. At *Madu River Safari by Buddhi*, we strive to provide competitive pricing, exceptional service, and memorable experiences that include a knowledgeable guide, a detailed exploration of the river, refreshments, and additional activities like the cinnamon tea demonstration and fish spa.
We encourage all our guests to research and compare options, and we're always here to answer any questions or provide further information about our tours.
Thank you once again for your feedback, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you in the future, providing the high standard of service we’re known for.
Best regards,
*The Team at Madu River Safari by Buddhi*
Written August 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
niru001
Ahmedabad, India92 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Visited Madu River after doing a lot of research on the package. Our tour driver recommended we go directly and book on our own rather than going through any agency. Paid 5000 LKR for an hour ride. The boat rider was full of enthusiasm and could see how much interest he took on taking us through the river. The ride through the mangrove was an absolute pleasure. Visited cinnamon island, was fortunate to capture some wild Huge Lizard, the baby crocodile on the way was cute.
Our boat driver was also a great photographer and he captured lots of great memories for us during the short 1 hr ride.
It was a memorable experience. We visited in August 2023, probably off season hence the ride was not so overpriced as how i read during peak season.
Our boat driver was also a great photographer and he captured lots of great memories for us during the short 1 hr ride.
It was a memorable experience. We visited in August 2023, probably off season hence the ride was not so overpriced as how i read during peak season.
Written June 11, 2024
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.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience at Madu River! 🌿 We're thrilled to hear that your visit was memorable and that you enjoyed the natural beauty of our mangroves and the wildlife sightings. Our team is dedicated to making each tour special, and it's great to know that our enthusiastic boat rider added to your enjoyment.
It's fantastic that you had the chance to explore Cinnamon Island and capture some amazing photos along the way. We're delighted that our boat driver could double as a photographer and help create lasting memories for you.
Visiting during the off-season can indeed offer a more serene and cost-effective experience, and we're glad you found it to be so. We appreciate your kind words and detailed review, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the Madu River in the future!
Warm regards,
The Madu River Safari Team
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ayesha Sewwandi
Monaragala, Sri Lanka54 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
The Buddhist Kothduwa temple is situated on an isolated island in the lake.
Madu Ganga Lake, together with the smaller Randombe Lake, to which it is connected by two narrow channels, forms the Madu Ganga wetland.Madu Ganga River Safari Balapitiya, have an once in lifetime experience in Eco Isle, Day and Night Camping, yoga and meditation classes, Live cooking experience.it is popular activity.The Madu river Boat safari is the finest way to explore the Islands and nature of Madu River .
Madu Ganga Lake, together with the smaller Randombe Lake, to which it is connected by two narrow channels, forms the Madu Ganga wetland.Madu Ganga River Safari Balapitiya, have an once in lifetime experience in Eco Isle, Day and Night Camping, yoga and meditation classes, Live cooking experience.it is popular activity.The Madu river Boat safari is the finest way to explore the Islands and nature of Madu River .
Written February 7, 2022
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.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Madu River Safari by Buddhi experience and that it left a lasting impression on you.
At Madu River Safari, we strive to provide unique and unforgettable adventures amidst the serene beauty of Madu Ganga Lake and its surrounding wetlands. From eco isle explorations to immersive day and night camping, yoga sessions, meditation classes, and live cooking experiences, we are dedicated to offering our guests a one-of-a-kind journey through nature's wonders.
Your appreciation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable adventure in the future!
Written July 13, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amarsharmam
Kodagu (Coorg), India211 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
First they serve with you with a welcome drink, and then we go on the motor boat. First to an island which cultivates cinnamon. At this island - we can see the process of making cinnamon. Cinnamon, Cinnamon oil, powder are available for sale at reasonable prices. After this, the next stop is at the fish spa facility on the river. The experience at the fish spa was amazing. Then it’s a boat ride back to where we started - and you’re greeted with a wet face towel. Overall experience was very good. A nice leisure day activity!
Written February 16, 2020
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.
seema60
Toronto, Canada970 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
I was taken on the Madu river cruise for an hour and half. I got a bit irritated at my driver who made me pay extra unnecessarily when my tour had already booked an hour trip. The boat ride was lovely along the mangroves. The boatman pointed out a number of birds like kingfishers and cormorants. He also showed my a big and small monitor lizard, some monkeys along the way. Then we stopped at a Buddhist temple and saw a small Hindu temple on the smallest island. I enjoyed going under the bridges. There is also a small foot bridge which connects the biggest island on the lake. At the end of the tour, the boat was taken to where the river meets the sea. It was a fun trip.
Written January 6, 2024
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.
No questions have been asked about this experience