Joanna James
Balapitiya serviced by the Madhu Ganga is a sleepy little fishing village loved for its beach and quiet charm. Adjoining the best south coast attractions it's an amalgamation of fun & relaxation.
A bio-diverse area, the Madhu Ganga or river is a lush sanctuary to explore. Accommodation options in the region such as Shinagawa Beach by Asia Leisure give guests the chance to book a river boat cruise that will tour the river covering all attractions. The Madhu Ganga consists of verdant banks and tiny stone islets that dot the waters. Along the way you will pass a sacred shrine on a small stony outcrop; believed to be centuries old no one knows the deity to which the shrine is dedicated. There are lush mangrove forests creating little tunnels through which your boat will glide through smoothly. The crocodile farm encouraging you to hold a baby critter and cinnamon plantations on little islands, showcasing the extraction of the sweet bark and oil are attractions to enhance your tour of the river.
This is a vintage Buddhist temple that's a treat to explore when in Balapitiya or the surroundings. The place chronicles the life of the Lord Buddha through a series of life-size colourful statues. Enjoy the serene ambience of the place and spend some time in reflection. You can hire the services of a local guide who will give you a comprehensive tour and background update of the temple. There are no entry fees but a reasonable donation will be accepted. Mind you dress in accordance to the modest locals and pay respect to this cherished Buddhist sanctuary.
Bentota is a hop, step and jump away from Balapitiya; it is the southern coasts most popular resort town and ideal for indulging in all manner of water sports. Ask around and you will realise that Bentota water sports are amongst the main draws for thrill seekers. The place is ideal for chilling out on the large expanse of sandy beach and indulging in the latest water escapades from adrenaline-pumping jet ski rides to thrilling banana boat tours. The place is well serviced with a bevy of seafood, local and international restaurants for treating your taste-buds. Best of all due to its close proximity to Balapitiya you can look forward to heading back to tranquil settings after an energetic day on the water.
There are lots of Turtle hatcheries along the south coast; there certainly will be one quite close to your Balapitiya resort. The turtle hatcheries are mostly non-profit organisations relying on your donations to safeguard and conserve the sea turtle population around Sir Lanka. You will see how eggs carefully gathered from the beach are hatched, cared for and released back to sea as baby turtles. Home to turtles of varying ages these sanctuaries also harbour maimed or deformed turtles unable to survive alone at sea.
Once you are done with your daily tours there is always the wide expanse of Balapitiya Beach to head back to. If you choose a resort on the beach there will be nothing more pleasurable than to wake up to sights of the Indian Ocean and enjoy long walks on the soft sandy beach.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
