Balapitiya
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Balapitiya

Madu River Boat Tour and Cinnamon Garden visit

Madu River Boat Tour and Cinnamon Garden visit

Starting from Balapitiya, embark on a scenic journey down the Madu River, gliding through lush mangrove forests with shaded tunnels and open sunlit areas. Spot diverse wildlife, from crocodiles and water snakes to wild boars and colorful birds, while learning about the importance of mangroves. Discover traditional prawn and shrimp traps in the river’s shallows. Highlights include visiting an ancient Buddhist temple on an island and stopping by a cinnamon plantation, where you can buy fresh cinnamon. You can also opt for a unique fish massage, where tiny fish gently massage your feet. This 1-2 hour tour perfectly combines wildlife, culture, and relaxation—a must for anyone seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience.

From Colombo to Galle Fort and Jungle Beach Day Trip

From Colombo to Galle Fort and Jungle Beach Day Trip

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort and the surrounding area on a full-day tour from Colombo. Discover the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the region with stops at the Kaluthara Temple, Hikkaduwa, and the Madhu River. Start your journey from Colombo and make a stop at the Kaluthara Temple, also known as the Kalutara Bodhiya. This serene Buddhist temple is set against a picturesque backdrop and is famous for its sacred Bodhi tree, believed to be a descendant of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Continue south and make a stop at Hikkaduwa, a beach town renowned for its stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life. Hikkaduwa is famous for its turtle sanctuary, where visitors can participate in turtle feeding and learn about conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent creatures. As you make your way towards Galle, consider taking a safari along the Madhu River. This tranquil boat ride offers a unique opportunity to observe the rich biodiversity of the area. As you glide through the mangroves, keep an eye out for exotic birds, monkeys, and other wildlife that call this area home. One cannot overlook the impact of the 2004 tsunami on the coastal communities of Sri Lanka. A visit to a tsunami village provides a poignant reminder of the resilience of the local population. Many villages have been rebuilt with the support of various organizations, and visiting these areas allows you to understand the community's journey towards recovery and resilience. Upon arriving in Galle, the Galle Fort is undoubtedly the highlight of your journey. This well-preserved fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, showcases a blend of European and South Asian architectural styles. Walking along the ramparts, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the charming streets filled with cafes, shops, and art galleries. The fort's history is palpable as you explore its cobblestone streets, museums, and historic buildings, all of which tell the story of its past. Another captivating spot near Galle is Jungle Beach, a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds. This secluded beach, surrounded by lush jungle, provides a perfect opportunity for relaxation, swimming, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. If you’re interested in traditional fishing practices, be sure to witness the famous stilt fishermen along the southern coast. This unique method of fishing, where fishermen perch on stilts embedded in the shallow waters, is a sight to behold. Lastly, a visit to the Wawurukannala Viharaya adds a spiritual dimension to your journey. This temple, known for its large Buddha statue and intricate murals, is a serene place to reflect and learn about Buddhism.

Galle Private Day Tours with Sea Turtles visit & Boat Safari

Galle Private Day Tours with Sea Turtles visit & Boat Safari

Embark on an Enchanting Galle Day Tour! Discover the beauty of Galle, a city rich in history and stunning coastal views. This exciting tour includes a visit to a Sea Turtle Conservation Project, Turtle beach visit, a scenic boat safari, and the historic Galle Fort—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Package Highlights: ✔ Free Pick-Up & Drop-Off from galle/hikkaduwa/unawatuna/habaraduwa/ahangama/weligama/mirissa/matara/hiriketiya/tangalle/hambantota/yala/tissamaharama/udawalawe/ella areas ✔ Inclusive Private Transport from hotels and all locations ✔ Refreshing Beverages – Water & cool drinks provided ✔ Scenic Boat Tour – Explore Sri Lanka’s serene waterways ✔ Sea Turtle Conservation Project – Witness and learn about these incredible creatures ✔ All Entrance Tickets Included – No hidden fees! ✔ Expert Drivers – Safe and knowledgeable guides Experience the magic of Galle with our low-cost, high-quality safari service!

From Bentota: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

From Bentota: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

09.00 am: Embark on a delightful journey with a pick-up from your hotel, heading towards Balapitiya. 09.30 am: indulge in a mesmerizing River Safari at Madu Ganga, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka's Southern Province. The Madu Ganga River Boat Safari takes you through the serene beauty of the Balapitiya neighborhood and the pristine 915-hectare coastal wetland environment, where the river meets the Indian Ocean. During the boat journey, you'll witness kraal fishing structures and fishermen in rowboats, as well as the graceful flight of pond herons and blue kingfishers, among other wetland birds. Explore a cinnamon island, pay your respects at Temple Island, and experience fish treatment during this enchanting boat excursion. 11.30: Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, where you can witness the conservation efforts for these majestic creatures. Learn about their life cycle and how the hatchery works to protect and release them back into the ocean. 12.00: your eventful day concludes as you proceed back to the hotel where you were picked-up, cherishing the memories of the scenic river safari, the turtle hatchery visit, and the enchanting experiences in Balapitiya and Kosgoda.

From Kalutara: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

From Kalutara: Exclusive Madu River Safari & Turtle Hatchery

09:00 AM: Start your day with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, heading towards the picturesque Balapitiya. 10:00 AM: Enjoy a scenic River Safari at Madu Ganga, one of Sri Lanka’s top eco-tourism destinations in the Southern Province. The Madu Ganga River Boat Safari offers a tranquil experience through 915 hectares of pristine coastal wetlands, where the river meets the Indian Ocean. During the boat ride, witness traditional kraal fishing structures, local fishermen in rowboats, and a variety of birdlife, including pond herons and blue kingfishers. Visit the famous Cinnamon Island, explore Temple Island, and enjoy a unique fish therapy experience during this captivating boat tour. 13:00 PM: Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda to observe the conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered sea turtles. Learn about their life cycle and the hatchery’s vital role in preserving these majestic creatures by safely releasing them back into the ocean. 14:00 PM: Conclude your enriching day with a return to your hotel, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the scenic river safari, turtle conservation visit, and the natural beauty of Balapitiya and Kosgoda.

Negombo: Turtle hatchery, River safari, moon stone & Galle

Negombo: Turtle hatchery, River safari, moon stone & Galle

Embark on an enriching Galle day tour, a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. Begin your day at a turtle hatchery, where you'll witness the remarkable conservation efforts dedicated to sea turtles. Engage with the hatchlings and learn about their inspiring journey to the open sea. Continue your exploration to a moonstone mine, immersing yourself in the fascinating world of these precious gems. Gain firsthand knowledge of the extraction process and the cultural significance of moonstones, appreciating their natural allure. Next, visit the Tsunami Museum, a poignant tribute to Galle's resilience in the face of natural disasters. Explore exhibits that narrate the community's strength and the impact of the 2004 tsunami, emphasizing the importance of remembrance. Conclude the tour by discover Galle, a city also on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for Galle Fort, the fortified city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th-century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting the Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. See Galle lighthouse standing on the fort’s southeast tip. 

Bentota: All Inclusive Galle Dutch Fort & Madu River Safari

Bentota: All Inclusive Galle Dutch Fort & Madu River Safari

07:00 AM: Start your exciting day with a pick-up from your hotel and head towards the historic city of Galle. 09:00 AM: Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Dutch Fort, a remarkable structure built by the Portuguese in 1588. This architectural gem, with its 14 bastions, blends European and South Asian styles. It is the best-preserved example of a European-built fortified city in Asia. Key highlights include the Utrecht Bastion with its lighthouse, built in 1883 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, and the Protestant Church, built in 1775. 12:00 PM: Proceed to Balapitiya for a scenic experience. 02:00 PM: Embark on a mesmerizing Madu Ganga River Safari, one of Sri Lanka’s top eco-tourism attractions. The 915-hectare Madu Ganga wetland is a serene natural haven where the river meets the Indian Ocean. You’ll encounter kraal fishing structures, local fishermen, and a variety of wetland birds such as pond herons and kingfishers. Explore Cinnamon Island, visit Temple Island, and enjoy an immersive fish therapy experience during the boat ride. 04:30 PM: Visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda and learn about efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. Discover how the hatchery protects the eggs, nurtures the hatchlings, and releases them back into the ocean. 05:00 PM: Conclude your unforgettable day and return to your hotel, cherishing the memories of the Galle Dutch Fort, Madu Ganga Safari, and Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery

From Colombo/Negombo: Galle, Madu River, and Turtle Hatchery

Discover the highlights of the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka on a private day trip from Colombo or Negombo. Take a boat safari on the Madu River, visit a turtle hatchery, and enjoy a walking tour of Galle Fort. Start your day with pickup from your hotel in Colombo or Negombo. Travel to the Southern Coast and stop at the Madu River in Balapitiya for a boat safari. Admire the lush mangroves and spot wildlife as you cruise along the river. Next, head to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and learn about the conservation efforts to protect the endangered sea turtles. Continue to Unawatuna for lunch and take photos of the traditional stilt fishermen. In the evening, explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort on a walking tour. Visit the Galle Museum and enjoy some free time for shopping. After your tour, return to your hotel in Colombo or Negombo.

City Tour: Discover Aluthgama with Thrilling Adventures

City Tour: Discover Aluthgama with Thrilling Adventures

1 - Kande Viharaya Aluthgama 2 - Safari 3- Brief Garden - Bevis Bawa Beruwala 4 - Madu River Boat Safari Or Bentota River Boat Safari 5 - Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation 6 - Bentota Beach [Ventura Beach] Or Moragalla Beach 7 - Water Sports - *Banana Ride 3km round *Sofa Ride 3km round *Jet Ski 3km round *Lay Down 3km round *Speed Boat round *Fly FIsh 3km round *Tube Ride 3km round *Conoeing one hour *Paramotoring Discover the best attractions in Aluthgama, a coastal town in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Visit the Kande Viharaya Temple, the Madu River, and the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. Start your tour at the Kande Viharaya Temple, home to one of the world's tallest statues of the Buddha. Admire the 48.8-meter-tall sitting figure of the Buddha, which has been erected in the temple north of the river. Next, head to the Madu River, a minor watercourse that originates near Uragasmanhandiya in the Galle District of Sri Lanka, before widening into the Madu Ganga Lake at Balapitiya. The river then flows for a further 4.4 km before draining into the Indian Ocean. The Buddhist Amarapura Nikaya sect had its first upasampada on a fleet of boats anchored upon it in 1803. The Buddhist Kothduwa temple is situated on an isolated island in the lake. Together with the smaller Randombe Lake, to which it is connected by two narrow channels, it forms the Madu Ganga wetland. Its estuary and the many mangrove islets on it constitute a complex coastal wetland ecosystem. It has high ecological, biological, and aesthetic significance, being home to approximately 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and to 248 species of vertebrate animals. Finally, visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, a small coastal town located in the Southern Province in Sri Lanka. The area of Kosgoda is home to a population of nearly 3,000 people. It is approximately 72 kilometers south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1 meter above sea level. The area is becoming one of the most vibrant tourist areas in Galle District in Sri Lanka due to the locations beautiful beaches, Kosgoda Lagoon, and the Turtles and Turtle hatcheries.

Balapitiya: Madu River Boat Safari and Cinnamon Garden visit

Balapitiya: Madu River Boat Safari and Cinnamon Garden visit

Embark on a peaceful boat safari along the scenic Madu River, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s stunning wetlands. Cruise through lush mangrove forests, tranquil waters, and diverse ecosystems. Spot a variety of wildlife, including exotic birds, water monitors, and sometimes even monkeys. The Madu River is home to several small islands, and some of them feature traditional fish spas and local villages. Ideal for nature lovers, the boat safari offers a relaxing way to explore Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty. Cinnamon growing and Processing tour is a bonus and you can buy best cinnamon in the world for lowest cost.

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