Bobbing Among the Mangroves at Madu Ganga

It's been awhile and it's strange to be back.

It's strange because it feels petty to be writing about travels and budgeting when I'm still mourning the passing of a loved one.

But life goes on. I see it everyday as the sun comes up, as the children I teach scream and shout and as the crickets start chirping at night.

Captain's Boat House

So here we go.

Unfortunately, I haven't gone #budgetingto anywhere recently. So I had to dust this one off of  my memories and write it out. Excuse any mistakes - I'm as dusty as this experience. Also, I'm not offering the usual cost breakdown because I honestly don't remember. All I remember is that there were 4 of us and it cost us LKR 1500 each at the boat house and about LKR 500 more for other expenses.

On a bright and sunny Saturday, 4 of us decided to grab a car and drive down to Captain's Boat House in Balapitiya, on the banks of the Madu river. If you are Googling it, it will come up as Gangabada Asiriya on the map.

Our sojourn to Maduganga via Google maps

Bobbing along

There are plenty of other places alongside the Maduganga that offers boat rides, but this seemed the most establlished and trustworthy, and we were right; the guy who took us on the ride was careful and very respectful of the flora and fauna surrounding the river and had a s*** ton of knowledge about everything.

We took the Southern Highway, starting early morning. You have to take the Kurundugahahetekma exit (couple of exits before Galle) which leads on to the Ambalangoda road. Keep following the lovely lady on Google to reach your destination :)

ඉස්සෝ කොටු (Shrimp traps) 

Call the 'Captain' a day or two early to give him the numbers so he can arrange lunch. They're used to large parties but are happy to accommodate small groups of friends too. We were swept away on the boat up and down Maduganga and we ended up having fish massage our feet, we saw traditional shrimp traps dripping with soot and coconut oil and we visited 2 small islands on the river where we downloaded some info on the cinnamon trade and visited an old temple.

The trip is more than worth it because it is a side of Sri Lanka we don't get to see very often. The river is calm and quiet, reminding all visitors of what paradise could be like, if only we allow it.

Cormorant

Very ticklish!

All photo credits go to S. Randeniye

*All pictures are subject to copyright © Asuka Randeniye 2017