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Experiencing the real Sri Lanka by exploring the Beauty by Water
Due to the rich greenery, calm water bodies and extensive bio-diversity, Sri Lanka has number of boat trips which are ideal for travelers to enjoy the island’s attraction from water. No matter if it concerns gliding along such meanders as rivers, or more passive moving through calm water territories like islands, or paying respect to some historical shrines – boat tours are guaranteed to be an exciting plan. In this guide, you will be discovering some of the best boat tours in Sri Lanka – what you’ll learn, what you should expect to see, what to take with you, and how to get the most out of the journey.
Sri Lanka has options of boat ride across the islands and across the sea, through its rivers and lagoons. Now, ranging from the 64 islanded Madu River to the Bentota River and the Negombo Lagoon, the boat safari caught in the middle of nature tourism. There are Delft Island, Nagadeepa Island and colorful Pigeon Island Marine Park as the history and culture spot, Muthurajawela Wetlands and Tricomalee to witness the wildlife as well asboat trips to watch the whales making Sri Lanka the perfect boating destination.
One of such natural beauty spots is the Madu River in the southern province of Sri Lanka and is one of the ecosystems rich in biodiversty. The river is beautiful because it passes through mangrove forests, and tourist expecting to see animals and birds, will get to see crocodiles, water monitors, and different species of birds. It is also full of a number of small islands with temples and cinnamon gardens.
Nestled in the Galle District, the Madu River Boat Safari offers a tranquil escape into nature. The river is home to 64 islands, large and small, each with its own charm and appeal.
Some Interesting Facts about Madu River that tourists should be aware of before take a ride:
Ancient Trade Route: The Madu River was historically a significant trade route. Ancient traders used it to transport goods such as spices, ivory, and precious stones, making it a vital part of Sri Lanka’s trade network1.
Biodiversity Hotspot: The Madu River is home to over 300 species of plants and around 250 species of wildlife, including 111 bird species. This makes it one of the most biodiverse areas in Sri Lanka1.
Mangrove Forests: The river is surrounded by extensive mangrove forests, which are among the most pristine in Sri Lanka. These mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion and providing a habitat for numerous marine species2.
Ramsar Wetland: The Madu River Wetland is recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This designation highlights its critical role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting a wide range of flora and fauna2.
Temple Island: Within the Madu River lies an island that houses an ancient Buddhist monastery. This island, known as Temple Island, offers a serene retreat and a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka2.
Floating Market: The Madu River is home to a unique floating market where local vendors sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional Sri Lankan delicacies from their boats. This market provides a vibrant cultural experience for visitors2.
These fascinating facts not only highlight the ecological and historical significance of the Madu River but also enhance its appeal as a must-visit destination for tourists.
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Historical Information: Madu River has been an essential waterway for centuries, supporting local fishing communities. The surrounding area is also home to ancient Buddhist monasteries, making it a site of both ecological and cultural importance.
Location: Nilaveli, off the coast of Trincomalee
Experience: Officially known as Wreck and Reef Snorkel and Dive Park, the Pigeon Island National Park is a world-class snorkeling and diving destination. Its rich corals, swimming wildlife including reef sharks, turtles and colourful fishes make this point one of the most attractive marine destinations in Sri Lanka. It is an island for conservation and recreation with special focus on marine life.
Some Interesting Facts about Pigeon Island that tourist should be aware of before take a ride:
Colonial Shooting Range: During the British colonial era, Pigeon Island was used as a shooting range for training soldiers. This historical use adds a unique layer to the island’s past1.
Dual Islands: Pigeon Island consists of two separate islands, known as Large Pigeon Island and Small Pigeon Island. The larger island is fringed by a coral reef, while the smaller one is surrounded by rocky islets1.
Marine National Park: Pigeon Island was designated as a sanctuary in 1963 and later upgraded to a national park in 2003. It is one of only three marine national parks in Sri Lanka, highlighting its ecological importance1.
Coral Reefs: The coral reefs around Pigeon Island are among the best-preserved in Sri Lanka. They host over 100 species of corals and 300 species of coral reef fish, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers1.
Rock Pigeons: The island gets its name from the Blue Rock Pigeon, an endangered bird species that nests within the island’s rocky crevices. Protecting these birds was one of the primary reasons for the island’s initial sanctuary status2.
Tsunami Impact: Pigeon Island was one of the protected areas affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Despite the devastation, the island’s ecosystems have shown remarkable resilience and recovery
These fascinating facts not only provide valuable information but also enhance the allure of Pigeon Island for potential tourists. If you need more details or further assistance, feel free to ask!
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Historical Information: Pigeon Island was declared a sanctuary in 2003 due to its fragile ecosystem. During the colonial era, the island was used by the British navy, adding historical significance to its natural beauty.
Location: Palk Strait, Northern Sri Lanka
Experience: Delft Island has not been commercialized, therefore, an ideal combination of nature and history of colonization is found here. Delft Island is well known for freewheeling ponies, which the Portuguese settlers forgot on the island; there are ruins of Dutch colonial buildings on the island.
Experience world-class beauty treatments amidst the breathtaking southern landscapes of Serandib Island
Some Interesting Facts about Delft Island that tourists should be aware of before taking a ride:
Wild Ponies: Delft Island is home to a unique population of wild ponies, which are descendants of horses left by the Portuguese in the 17th century. These ponies roam freely across the island, adding to its charm1.
Coral Walls: The island features ancient coral walls, some of which date back to the Dutch colonial period. These walls were constructed using coral stones, showcasing the island’s historical architecture2.
Baobab Trees: Delft Island is home to several baobab trees, which are native to Africa. These trees were introduced by Arab traders centuries ago and have since become a distinctive feature of the island2.
Growing Rock: One of the island’s most mysterious attractions is the “Growing Rock,” a stone that locals believe increases in size over time. This natural phenomenon has intrigued both residents and visitors alike2.
Queen’s Tower: The island houses the ruins of the Queen’s Tower, a lighthouse built during the Dutch colonial period. This structure was used to guide ships navigating the Palk Strait2.
Ancient Inscriptions: Archaeologists have discovered coral slabs with ancient Tamil inscriptions on the island. These inscriptions date back to the 14th and 15th centuries, providing a glimpse into the island’s historical significance2.
These fascinating facts not only provide valuable information but also enhance the allure of Delft Island for potential tourists. If you need more details or further assistance, feel free to ask!
What to Bring:
What to Avoid:
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Historical Information: Delft Island features ancient coral walls, remnants of Dutch forts, and old Buddhist temples. The island is a time capsule of Sri Lanka’s colonial past and a living example of how nature and history intertwine.
Location: Jaffna Peninsula
Experience:Nagadeepa Island or Nainativu is famous religious place for Buddhist as well as Hindus. The island remains popular for religious tourism; tourists get to pray at both the Nagapooshani Amman Temple and Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya shrines.
Some Interesting Facts about Nagadeepa (Nainathivu) Island that tourists should be aware of before taking a ride:
Ancient Pilgrimage Site: Nagadeepa is one of the sixteen sacred places in Sri Lanka mentioned in the ancient chronicle, the Mahavamsa. It is believed that Buddha visited the island to settle a dispute between two Naga kings over a gem-studded throne1.
Gem-Studded Throne: According to the Tamil Buddhist epic, Manimekala, the island is home to a gem-studded throne and a stone with Buddha’s footprints. Pilgrims from India used to come and worship these sacred relics1.
Conch Shell Trade: Historically, merchants traveled to Nagadeepa to buy conch shells harvested in the warm, shallow waters around the island. These shells are essential for certain Hindu and Buddhist rituals, and a perfect specimen can fetch a high price1.
Naga People: The name “Nagadeepa” alludes to the Naga people, who are believed to be the island’s ancient inhabitants. The Naga were a semi-mythical race of serpent-worshippers mentioned in both Tamil and Buddhist literature2.
Dual Religious Significance: Nagadeepa is unique in that it is a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. It houses the Nagapooshani Amman Temple, one of the prominent 64 Shakti Peethas, and the Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya, a revered Buddhist temple2.
Ancient Inscriptions: Near the Nagapooshani Amman Temple, there is a stone inscription by King Parakramabahu I from the 12th century. This inscription details the protection of foreign merchants and the handling of shipwrecks, highlighting the island’s historical importance as a trade hub1.
These fascinating facts not only provide valuable information but also enhance the allure of Nagadeep Island for potential tourists. If you need more details or further assistance, feel free to ask!
What to Bring:
What to Avoid:
What to Wear:
Behavior:
Historical Information: Nagadeepa is one of the 16 sacred sites of Buddhist veneration in Sri Lanka, where the Buddha is believed to have visited. It is also a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, with the ancient Nagapooshani Amman Temple dedicated to goddess Parvati.
In addition to the four popular boat rides listed above, there are other locations where tourists can enjoy the serenity and thrill of boat rides in Sri Lanka.
The Bentota River offers calm waters and is ideal for relaxing boat rides. The safari allows you to explore Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna while passing by scenic villages and small islands. The ride also includes stops to see local crafts, such as toddy tapping (palm wine extraction).
Koggala Lake, located near Galle, offers boat rides to its numerous small islands, including one with a Buddhist temple and another with cinnamon plantations. The ride also provides a chance to see diverse birdlife, making it a peaceful getaway for nature enthusiasts.
The Gal Oya National Park boat safari offers a unique opportunity to see elephants swimming between the islands of the Senanayake Reservoir. This safari is one of the few in Sri Lanka where you can observe wildlife from the water, adding a unique dimension to the experience.
Regardless of the location, here’s a checklist of essential items to bring for your boat rides:
Yes, boat rides are generally safe. It’s always advisable to use life jackets and follow the instructions of the boat operator.
Yes, boat rides are generally safe. It’s always advisable to use life jackets and follow the instructions of the boat operator.
While some boat rides, like safaris, are better booked in advance, others can be arranged on the spot, especially in popular tourist areas.
Most boat rides are suitable for all ages, but it’s good to check with operators, especially if traveling with young children or elderly individuals.
It depends on the operator. For longer safaris, bringing snacks and water is a good idea, but always check beforehand.
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication or wear sea bands. Staying hydrated and focusing on the horizon can also help.
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