Bird Watching Boat Safari down the Mahamodara River
Glide in a boat on a 10km voyage along the Mahamodara Lake and Kepu Ela up to the Wakwella Bridge. The Mahamodara River is a major tributary of the Gin River, which starts from the Rakwana hills and heads down south via the Sinharaja Rain Forest, finally dipping into the Indian Ocean just outside the city of Galle.
This safari, meandering through lush mangrove 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 mud flats of lagoons, estuaries and deltas. These are highly productive areas where numerous water plants can be found.
Among the trees on the river banks is Sea Mango (Cerbera Mangas). Soft wood from this tree is used to carving masks - a traditional livelihood of the southern area. Enjoy the serenity, tranquility, vegetation and the fauna of this wide, unspoiled river.
Mahamodara Boat Safari | Tour itinerary
Among the trees on the river banks is Sea Mango (Cerbera Mangas). Soft wood from this tree is used to carving masks - a traditional livelihood of the southern area. Enjoy the serenity, tranquility, vegetation and the fauna of this wide, unspoiled river.
Time and Duration
Option 1: Sunrise Cruise - Start from the boat yard near Mahamodara bridge at 06.00 am and return at 08.00 pm.
Option 2: Sunset Cruise - Start from the boat yard near Mahamodara bridge at 03.30 pm and return at 05.30 pm.
Distance You Go
About 5km, approximately 02 hours.
What is included
Boat and boat fee, Experienced Naturalist, Water Bottle, Life Jackets, Binoculars, Sri Lankan Bird Guide Book.
What is not included
Breakfast and Soft Drinks (available on pre reservations)
Recommending - What to wear / Bring
Comfortable earth-colored clothes, hats/caps, insect repellent, sun block, camera.
What can be seen
Birds
• Yellow Bittern
• Purple Coot
• Purple and Grey Heron
• Large and Little Egret
• Little Cormorant
• Indian Darter
• Pheasant Tailed Jacana
• White-breasted Kingfisher
• Stork Billed Kingfisher
• Common Kingfisher
• Spotted Dove
• Pompadour Green Pigeon
• Bee-eater
• Rosed Ringed Parakeets
• Greater Coucal
• Barbet
• Brahminy Kite
• White-bellied Sea Eagle
Mammals
• Purple-faced Leaf Monkey
• Eurasian Otter
• Flying Fox
• Palm Squirrel
Reptiles
• Water Monitor
• Green Garden Lizard
• Crocodile
