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 optionsTravelers 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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
872 reviews
Excellent
364
Very good
264
Average
120
Poor
58
Terrible
66
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
seema60
Toronto, Canada996 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.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the beauty of the Madu River and its diverse wildlife. It sounds like you had a wonderful time spotting birds, monitor lizards, and monkeys, as well as visiting the serene Buddhist and Hindu temples on the islands. The mangroves and bridges are indeed a unique part of the adventure, and taking the boat all the way to where the river meets the sea truly offers a special view.
I’m sorry to hear there was a misunderstanding about the tour duration and additional charges. We always aim to ensure a seamless experience for our guests, and I’ll look into how we can better coordinate with tour companies to prevent any confusion. Thank you again for choosing Madu River Safari, and we hope to welcome you back for another peaceful escape into nature!
Written November 13, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anu. C
Salmiya, Kuwait60 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Try not to get ripped off. We had a tour package and our driver took us to his friend.in our package it was rated 22$ per person(7000 SR) for the boat. Which i feel is also inflated for tourists.
When reaching the ticket counter the cashier asked for 12000 SR.
When we asked our driver to tell them the rate is less he sided with them saying you will have to pay 12000 SR.
We finally paid only 7000 SR. Bargain and the price will be reduced.
There are many such boats available in that area.
The river itself was great. Saw many unique views.
A small hindu temple, buddhist temple, cinnamon manufacture, mangroves, islands,fish pedicure.
Everywhere its overpriced.
The fish pedicure was 400 SR for 10 mins which could have been further reduced.
If you want to get down at the buddhist temple you will need to cover your knees. They do provide Cloth to wrap around your waist.
When reaching the ticket counter the cashier asked for 12000 SR.
When we asked our driver to tell them the rate is less he sided with them saying you will have to pay 12000 SR.
We finally paid only 7000 SR. Bargain and the price will be reduced.
There are many such boats available in that area.
The river itself was great. Saw many unique views.
A small hindu temple, buddhist temple, cinnamon manufacture, mangroves, islands,fish pedicure.
Everywhere its overpriced.
The fish pedicure was 400 SR for 10 mins which could have been further reduced.
If you want to get down at the buddhist temple you will need to cover your knees. They do provide Cloth to wrap around your waist.
Written September 23, 2023
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.
bird
Tamil Nadu, India16 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Had wonderful trip. Hired Lucky +94 78 309 6116 Suresh Luckmar. Lovely guy. It rained during our Safari. Lucky not only ensured that we were protected from rain he compensated by giving 1 hour extra ride. Wish him well.
Written October 4, 2023
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 for sharing your wonderful experience with Madu River Safari by Buddhi. We are delighted to hear that you had a memorable trip with Lucky. It's heartwarming to know that he went the extra mile to ensure you enjoyed your safari despite the rain. Your kind words and well wishes for him are greatly appreciated.
Please note that Lucky has recently resigned from our company. For any future inquiries or to book another adventure with us, kindly call +94 777 698 657.
We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic safari!
Warm regards,
Madu River Safari by Buddhi
Written July 13, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
Laura M
Limassol City, Cyprus30 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Do not recommend! Waste of time and money. Really nothing to see there… Had high hopes for Cinnamon Island but they just showed 3min how to peel cinnamon and gave cinnamon water to drink. Later gave us cinnamon products to buy all wrapped in plastic.
Written April 3, 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 Mam,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are genuinely sorry to hear about your disappointment with your recent experience. At Madu River Boat Safari, we strive to provide a memorable and insightful journey into the rich cultural and natural heritage of our region.
It appears there may have been a misunderstanding, as our tours typically encompass a comprehensive exploration of the Madu River's diverse ecosystem and its local attractions. We focus on delivering an authentic experience that showcases traditional practices, such as cinnamon peeling, in an informative manner.
Nevertheless, your comments are valuable to us, and we will use them to continually improve our services and ensure that each guest receives the exceptional experience we are known for. If you would like to discuss your experience further or give us more details, please feel free to contact us directly.
We appreciate your understanding and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for an enhanced experience with us.
Best regards,
Madu River Boat Safari
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Téo B
Montpellier, France23 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
For 25€ per person you have much better things to do in Sri Lanka.
False advertising, everything on the program costs extra, whether it's crocodiles or fish
In the end the only free thing is an explanation of how cinnamon is produced, with of course at the end the possibility of buying it at full price.
Mangroves? It only lasts 15 seconds and so much, I took a video getting in it all the way out.
In addition, the photos taken are horrible, because the passage is full of boats, far from the photo on their program.
25€ per boat trip is expensive, not a good souvenir in Sri Lanka.
False advertising, everything on the program costs extra, whether it's crocodiles or fish
In the end the only free thing is an explanation of how cinnamon is produced, with of course at the end the possibility of buying it at full price.
Mangroves? It only lasts 15 seconds and so much, I took a video getting in it all the way out.
In addition, the photos taken are horrible, because the passage is full of boats, far from the photo on their program.
25€ per boat trip is expensive, not a good souvenir in Sri Lanka.
Written November 23, 2023
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.
Milind Shah
Ahmedabad, India1,970 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.
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.
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.
AlfredSF
Island of Malta, Malta78 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
There are many boat safari centres along the River Madu. Our guide, Prasad introduced us to No. 07 boat safari. These are a very friendly group of young people who explained to us what the safari was going to include. Our boatman was Sadi who is very knowledgeable. He pointed out the various reptiles and birds seen along the way, besides information about the various islands in this river. The most interesting stops included the place where cinnamon is extracted, the fish massage and the location where the river meets the Indian ocean. Highly recommended experience.
Written September 2, 2023
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
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.