It’s a 1.5 hours boat ride. They charge 30 dollars per person but we negotiated and the cost came down to 23 dollars per person. The main attractions in the journey are the making of cinnamon sticks, fish 🐠 therapy (300 LKR per person) and a Buddhist temple. The river is surrounded by lush green trees and there are various islands throughout the journey. Definitely a must try if you are in Sri Lanka!

Staggering price of 30 USD pp is a blatant rip off but we negotiated and got them to agree at around 23 USD pp which will still burn a hole in your pocket to what the journey has to offer. It consists of three main attractions: 1) Fish Therapy (which is not included in the package and costs 300 LKR pp) 2) Cinnamon island (Commercial motive more than anything) 3) Buddha temple. Along the way you also the Bird island (group of birds on cluster on trees), Mangroves and supposedly Crocodiles (which we never saw). It’s a decent ride but definitely the rates are just extravagant. But we throughly had a ball as we enjoyed the sunset and experienced the nature so closely.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful river trip ... made on the way to see how they make cinnamon ... products ... from the cinnamon tree ... from cinnamon sticks to cinnamon oil ... impressive to see that handicraft. (Original) Geweldig mooie tocht over de rivier gemaakt...onderweg aangelegd om te zien hóe ze van kaneel...producten maken...van de kaneelboom..van kaneelstokjes tot kaneel olie...indrukwekkend om dat handwerk te zien.

Beautiful nature.......natural habitats....awesome boat rides. You cam see Cinnamon production villages and enjoy the best Cinnamon Tea served by the villages for free...(and buy best Sri Lankan Cinnamon producta from them if you like), also the Fish Therapy....that was fun!! Checkout the small islands in the Madhu River.....

We headed off on our river safari, of sorts, passing by local villages, stilt shops and even little prawn farms. We saw Kothduwa temple, a temple reputed to have been home to the sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha and is still home to a sacred fig tree, planted from a shoot of the oldest living tree in the world with a known planting date. Although it was a rather fleeting visit, it was exciting and rather fascinating to see these different experiences tie into each other… and it gave me ample bragging rights as I already knew why the Bodhi tree was special.We made our way through the mangroves, spotting lots of the local wildlife (the water monitor lizards here are HUGE, btw) and eventually making a stop at a local cinnamon farm. The inhabitants of the rivers here are well-known for their cinnamon plantations and so we stopped off in one of the farms, where we got to meet the farmer as he showed us how he gets his cinnamon… along with how he weaves the roofs for his farm huts using coconut fronds. Eventually we headed back to our boat. We once again, weaved our way through the different forks of the river before ended up right back where we started our ride. It was an wonderful river safari which I've ever done in my life. Remember- PRICES ARE HIGHLY NEGOTIABLE THERE** Enjoy your ride🙂

This is one of the best ever river rides I've enjoyed till date. You get almost 1hr to 1.20 hrs. During this time you get to see different birds, fishes, baby crocodiles, other reptiles on the mangrove trees. Buddha temple & statue. You have fish spa. You get to know how cinnamon is grown & harvested. You can find prawns farm in the river.

This review I am writing for Madu river Vila safari which is located 1 km from this location. we 30 ppl participated to this safari as a family we reached to Madu river Vila safari in early morning from long journey form colombo. Mr.Sujieve has Organized All the necessary arrangements like wash room, relaxing area and dine in facility on Riverview without any additional charges . That riverview dining arrangements were very beautiful. We spent 1 hour to relax and started boat riding. Total Safari duration was almost 2hours with Very reasonable price . Madu river Vila safari team very Concerned on safety precautions. They have provide the life jackets for each participants including Kids and they have well experienced on geography and animal biology of each Island. Before starting the safari, Mr.Sujives’s Explanation of Safari really helped us to understand this mysterious island . In safari we have visited more than 5 Places specially Tree Tunnel Ride , Budda temple with 2000 years old Bodhi tree , Cinnamon tea Preparation and Fish Foot Spa are very memorable places during the Safari . Madu river Vila Team providing Boats based on number of Participants that will reduce the Cost too. For 30 People, we took 20 People boat and 12 people boat. I Strongly Prefer Madu river Vila safari for who planning for trip to Hikkaduwa or Galle and Thank you Mr.Sujieve for Wonderful Service. Contact :+94 77 648 6390

This was a stop on our travel from Colombo to Unawatuna and we’re so happy we done this tour. You see many different animals. I held a blue jellyfish which was a new experience! The cinnamon island story is great, and dipping our feet into the fish was hilarious. Visiting the temple was impressive as they generally all are. Thank you so much for a great trip.

Good one

(Translated by Google) Providing a service worth less (Original) අඩු මුදලකට වටිනා සේවාවක් ලබා දීම

thise is the best place in madu rive safari

I recently visited Madu River for the second time, and the experience was fantastic. The boat ride was not only enjoyable but also incredibly reasonably priced, offering various packages to suit different preferences. Embarking on the Madu Ganga Boat Safari in Balapitiya, our adventure began at 7:30am and concluded around 9:30am, providing a perfect morning escapade. The tour offered a captivating glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Madu River, and our guide played a crucial role in making the experience memorable. Our guide was not only friendly but also exceptionally knowledgeable, taking the time to explain every detail of the Madu River wildlife, making the excursion both educational and entertaining. From the diverse species of flora and fauna to the intricacies of the ecosystem, his insights added a valuable layer to the entire journey. The Madu River tour showcased the beauty of Sri Lanka's riverine landscapes, and the Balapitiya Boat Tour allowed us to immerse ourselves in the tranquil surroundings. The different types of packages ensured that visitors could tailor their experience to match their interests and preferences. In conclusion, the Madu River Safari provided a delightful river adventure that seamlessly blended relaxation and exploration. I highly recommend this boat tour agency to anyone seeking a refreshing and informative experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of Sri Lanka's Madu River. The easier way to reach Madu River Safari from Colombo, take the exit on the express highway at the Welipenna Interchange, located next to the service area. After exiting, turn right towards Aluthgama and carefully follow the signs and directions leading to Balapitiya. The most important point is please don’t exit from Kurundugahetekma Interchange, as the road is very long, less comfortable, and wasting your time.

Really good place to spend your weekend. You can go on a boat ride in the lagoon. There are different places you can visit during the boat ride. Koth duwa temple and fish therapy spas are few of those destinations. Recommend to go early in the morning or in the evening because otherwise you will get tired due to sunlight. Price for the boat will depend on your requirement. Prices starting from Rs.2500/= and goes up to Rs.6500/=

The service was awesome. One of our members phone fell into the water and they immediately called a diver to check for the phone. Not only that they stayed close to 1 and a half hours to find the phone and didn't even charge extra!!! The service was awesome and so was the trip. Ally he best for the future.

Best service guaranteed. Friendly staff and nice boats. Reserve in advance so that they will guide you to the place.

SuperB place for eating sea food

Ancient please

Fun trip, with nice stops in between. The fish spa is fun, the cinnamon stop and the Buddhist islands were impressive

beautiful place and excellent food .

everything was really interesting

Good place for staying , relax , carm and clean and best place for your consideration

Best place for madhu river exploring. Highly skilled people. They have a number of boats and their price is also very reasonable

So much fun and we get to see r traditional cinnamon process. Cinnamon Island is well known for Cinnamon production in the Madu Ganga river. Because, Cinnamon trees are grown there, through which cinnamon is produced. Not only that but also they produce Cinnamon oil. When you visit Cinnamon Island in Madu Ganga, they welcome you by giving delicious Cinnamon tea. Also, there is a person who explains to you how to make Cinnamon and Cinnamon Oil. If you wish you can buy their product as well.

Perfect experience on the river via boat safari .experience the Cinnamon process in a small island also visit a Buddha temple in another island with a Fish therapy all via boat.if you are lucky you can see alligators and some other birds .

The owner of this boat safari, Buddhi is so friendly and cooperative. Not just him but also his drivers who drive us thru the safari are very friendly and polite. Rasha was our guide who patiently showed us everything properly. The fish spa, Buddhist temple, Hindu temple and the Cinnamon making aka Cinnamon Island. Everything is so beautiful and unique. It’s a must visit river safari when in Bentota. Loved every bit

It was a very good tour.. Apart from many islands, we visited temple island too.. Staffs were friendly, polite and responsive. Highly recommended tour

Beautiful river ride. Better done early morning or later part of afternoon. Lot of service providers so choose wisely and bargain the price....mostly only the cinnamon island is actually visited rest all is silly marketing gimmick. But the river and mangroves are beautiful river ride.

It was amazing experience for us! They have perfect customer service, our guide was very friendly and helpful. It takes about two hours and offers beautiful view during the journey. We saw some animals and birds, cinnamon island and small island with the Buddhist temple. I recommends to everyone who visit Sri Lanka!

Thoroughly enjoyed our tour. The dealing is fair n could also see few birds, animals n mangrove caves.

I visited Madu River in Balapitiya two days ago, and it was a mesmerizing experience. The boat tour through the mangrove forests was serene, and the biodiversity, including various bird species and vibrant flora, was captivating. The boatmen were knowledgeable, sharing insights about the ecosystem. The stop at Cinnamon Island was informative, showcasing traditional cinnamon processing. Overall, Madu River offers a tranquil escape with nature's beauty and cultural richness.

Great experience, highly recommended but i fell it was a little over priced. We were charged $50 / person

Amazing experience ! Thank you Buddhi. They were professional. Recommending to anyone who would like a wonderful ecological experience in Madu River with Buddhi Safari.

Wonderful service and experience. We booked last minute, but they still accommodated us last minute We took the package 3, which included fish spa and temple visits. One negative, is that we weren't aware we had to pay extra to the people showing us the crabs , alligators, cinnamon etc... beyond the package fees.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Madu River Boat Safari, and I must say it exceeded all my expectations. The boat ride was excellently organized, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of the Madu River. The staff members were not only friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable, enhancing the experience with their insights. The safari was nothing short of fantastic – a true adventure for nature lovers like me. Every moment felt highly worth the money spent, as the journey unfolded through captivating landscapes and unique wildlife. If you're seeking an unforgettable and enriching experience, the Madu River Boat Safari comes highly recommended.

Overall, I had a great experience on the Madu River Safari. The website was well-designed and informative, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the tour was amazing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Sri Lanka, whether you are a Sri Lankan or a foreigner.

We did this tour as our driver recommended this. It was a great experiment. Our guide/boat driver was really amazing. His name was Jaylath and he was the coolest guy. He explained everything perfectly and made us feel really good. He took pictures from us at Nice places and was just genuinely nice. I would recommend this 💯 %

Must go. Try not very hot time. Take fruits on way. Best thing to do in Sri Lanka

Madu River Safari must do activity in Srilanka, which includes 1.5 hours Boat Ride, Temple visit, Village Visit, Cinnamon tea making process, fish massage etc. It was wonderful experience on the way we saw Kingfisher, Big Dragon Lizard twice, baby Crocodile and Biggest Squirrel of my life in village. Must do during your srilanka trip. Charges vary from company to company, always book package which includes all and after bargain in rates.

Had a fantastic time on the river safari, got to do so much for our money and our guides were funny and really lovely. Would definitely recommend anyone to do it, well worth it while you're in Sri Lanka

The Madu River Safari, is an absolute gem that left me mesmerized! From the moment I stepped onto the boat, I was greeted by a warm and friendly crew who ensured my comfort throughout the journey. The river itself was a picturesque paradise, with lush mangroves, exotic bird species, and tranquil waters that seemed to transport me to another world. The highlight was undoubtedly the chance to witness incredible wildlife up close, from graceful monitor lizards to playful monkeys. Misran's expertise and passion for the river shone through, making this safari an unforgettable experience. Contact him on WhatsApp at +94777404707 and prepare to be captivated!

I initially wasn't too excited about this but so happy I decided to go. It was much more pleasurable than I expected it to be. Our guide was super friendly, patient, and accommodating. We stopped by cinnamon Island and a temple island which had these 2 monks living there... I started touching this stone piece and the monk waited until after I touched it to tell me they used it as a bathroom! Honestly, it gave me a good laugh after 😄 would recommend this safari !

The Madu River boat ride offers excellent value for money, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience for visitors. The friendly staff on board provide a warm welcome and exceptional customer service throughout the journey. The boat ride itself is a scenic and relaxing adventure, taking passengers along the picturesque Madu River. The serene waters and lush greenery create a tranquil ambiance, allowing travelers to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the Madu River boat ride is highly recommended, offering a great combination of affordability, hospitality, and natural splendor.

We had a lovely lagoon cruise today. The lagoon is absolutely beautiful and our boat driver was friendly and knowledgeable. We learnt a lot about local culture and the making of cinnamon. My son especially loved the fish spa. I would 100% recommend this company.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tour!! Got to see a Huge Water Monitor Lizard, Bats, Crocodiles (baby ones, didn't get to see the mama!) , fed the monkeys coconut, went to the Spice Garden where they will sell you overpriced herbal stuff , and ate at a wonderful seafood restaurant along the river called Ayesha! Overall a rly fun experience , highly recommended 👍

Nice time in Madu River 😀

Amazing experience.

(Translated by Google) Wowwww climate (Original) Wowwww climate

Great experience. Quite a long ride for around 1 hour. Enjoyed the guide and boat ride!

It's a unique tour. Might feel touristic. But there is no other place to get that experience.

This is the most relaxing experience.. it rejuvenates you completely.. the cinnamon gardens , prawns farming and fish foot massage. 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. 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. This is the most relaxing experience.. it rejuvenates you completely.. the cinnamon gardens , prawns farming and fish foot massage. The boat rides are offered by a few private players on river madu.

Must go. Beautiful locations. Wonderful experience.

Good experience

😃😃

Great boat safari

Nice and adventures

Best for the people who love mangrove, river safari, cinemon garden etc. This safari will offer you variety of experiance like, fish foot massage, budha island trip, nice experience of mangrove, nostalic feeling while crossing bridges, prawn net, cinemon garden demo experiance etc.

LONG GUIDED MOTOR BOAT RIVER SAFARI. EXPERIENCE GOOD NATURE. BOATS PASS BELOW LOW LEVEL BRIDGES. VERY RISKY FOR TOURISTS. BRIDGES MUST BE LIFTED BY 6 FT MIN

Great and unforgettable experience. So peaceful and calm.

Good place we spend good times

Nice place, great view, nice staff

Excellent place to visit. 1 to 2 hour trip, beautiful environment, fish therapy, experience about how cinnomen is made, cup of cinnomen tea, cinnomen products to buy and visit to kothdoowa temple. It's about 3500 per 15 person boat.

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.

Good

Good educational tour for children and adults

Sail through mangroves, get to see a small island with cinnamon plantation, some giant monitor lizards. But expensive @4000/- pp.

A strange experience 🐟🏝️🌳🚣

Can't see and wildlife, it's just a boat ride

Best boat safari experience in Sri Lanka.

(Translated by Google) Silly tour in the mangroves. Very good the kitchen of the attached restaurant and its staff. (Original) Insulso il tour nelle mangrovie. Molto buona la cucina del ristorante annesso e il suo personale.

(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) ممتازين

(Translated by Google) Honey River Boat Safari (Original) Madu River Boat Safari

Very nice place

Excellent place

Really enjoyable boat safari. Takes around 2 hours. Try to start the journey as early as possible.

(Translated by Google) A wonderful experience, the best fish massage, cinnamon island and temple 👍👍👍 (Original) Nádherný zážitek, nejlepší rybí masáž, skořicový ostrov a chrám 👍👍👍

A one-of-a-kind river safari. The boat ride covers multiple tiny islands in the locality. Beautiful sceneries along the ride. Cinnamon island, temple island, mangroves, fish spa, island where birds come to sleep are all worth mentioning. We took the safari around 6PM so the sunset was amazing.

Very nice they will stop in 3 incredible places and the boat safari will go for more than 2 hours

Good

It was wonderful and there are river stop which are wonderful.. fun ride.