What is the Madu Ganga?

A river and wetland with many small islands and mangroves.

Is it a protected wetland?

Yes, it has been a Ramsar site since 2003.

Where do boat trips stop?

Usually at Kothduwa temple and at a cinnamon islet.

Ambalangoda mask carving workshops and Hikkaduwa's surf beaches.

Are the beaches busy?

They are less developed than Bentota.

Where can I stay near Madu Ganga, Balapitiya?

bookingMentor lists 5 places to stay in Sri Lanka. Rooms start from $82.00 (USD) a night.

Can I ask a question about Madu Ganga, Balapitiya that is not answered here?

Yes. Use "Ask a question" under "Travelers are asking" on this page. The bookingMentor team answers it, and the answer then appears on the page for other travellers too.

When is the best time?

November to April, in the morning before the heat.

How long should I spend at Madu Ganga, Balapitiya?

Most visitors spend 2 hours at Madu Ganga, Balapitiya.

How many species live in the Madu Ganga wetland?

Surveys record about 303 plant species and 248 vertebrate species.

Which airport is closest to Madu Ganga, Balapitiya?

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the airport for Madu Ganga, Balapitiya, about 99 km away in a straight line.

Madu Ganga, Balapitiya

Q: What is Kothduwa?

A Buddhist temple on its own island.

Q: What happens on the cinnamon island?

Families peel cinnamon and distil cinnamon oil.

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Balapitiya, Galle District, Sri Lanka

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In short

The Madu Ganga at Balapitiya, about 88 km south of Colombo and 35 km north of Galle, is a river and wetland of small islands and mangroves, a Ramsar site since 2003, visited by boat with stops such as a cinnamon-growing island. Boat trips are paid. A gentle trip on the water takes about two hours.

Balapitiya, about 88 km south of Colombo and 35 km north of Galle in Sri Lanka, is a quiet coastal town known for the Madu Ganga, a river and wetland with many small islands, mangroves and a cinnamon-growing island visited by boat. The beaches here are less developed than Bentota. It suits travellers who want a gentle half-day on the water.

A Ramsar wetland since 2003

The river rises near Uragasmanhandiya and widens into Madu Ganga lake at Balapitiya, joined by two narrow channels to the smaller Randombe lake, before running 4.4 km to the sea. The wetland became a Ramsar site on 11 December 2003. Surveys have recorded about 303 plant species and 248 vertebrate species.

Kothduwa temple and the cinnamon island

Boat trips usually stop at Kothduwa, a Buddhist temple on its own island, and at an islet where families peel cinnamon and distil cinnamon oil. The Amarapura monastic order is said to have held its first higher ordination on boats anchored on the river in 1803.

Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk Reviewed November 4, 2026 · Updated when rules or prices change

We check practical details such as entry rules, seasons and costs against official government and tourism sources.

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Key information

🌿Status: Ramsar wetland since 2003

📍Distance: About 88 km south of Colombo

🛕Island temple: Kothduwa

💰Cost: Boat trips priced per boat

🕐Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (UTC+5:30)

Explore the area

View in a map

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatcheries 4 km

Bentota Beach 14.4 km

Bentota River and Lagoon 14.7 km

Moragalla Beach 17.4 km

See all about this area

✦ Plan your visit to Madu Ganga, Balapitiya Dates, opening hours and how to get there are below. Booking ahead secures your preferred day.

Highlights Include:

Experiences

Mangrove islands
Kothduwa temple
Cinnamon island
Ambalangoda masks nearby