Glide in a boat on a 12km journey along the Mahamodara River (Kepu Ela) up to the Wakwella bridge. The Mahamodara river is a major tributary of the mighty Gin Ganga, which originates from the Rakwana hills and heads south via the Sinharaja World Heritage Site, finally falling into the sea just outside the city of Galle. In fact, the Mahamodara tributary falls into the sea almost at the doorstep of the hotel.

 

This safari, meandering through lush vegetation, will doubtless be a memorable and rewarding experience for every nature lover. The placid waters of the river are home to numerous species of water birds, butterflies, and water monitors, as well as habitats of mangroves and variously colored lilies. Sri Lanka is home to about 19 species of mangroves, and one could easily observe about seven of these species during this excursion. These highly adapted, salt-tolerant woody plants are found in saline areas such as mudflats of lagoons, estuaries, and deltas.

 

Numerous water plants can be found in this area. Among these, Hairy Water Lilies (Nymphaea pubescens) and Scared Lotuses (Nelumbo nucifera). Both these water plants are valued in Ayurvedic medicine and some underground parts are also used for culinary purposes. Among the trees on the river banks is Sea Mango (Cerbera mangas). Softwood from this tree is used to carve masks - a traditional livelihood of the southern area. Enjoy the serenity, tranquility, vegetation, and fauna of this wide, unspoiled river. After the boat ride, take a gentle, beach walk at Mahamodara.