Glide through the river mangroves of Bentota, looking out for crocodiles and birds of paradise

Within just about 15 minutes you reach Aluthgama, where adventure on the Mallabokka-Ganga (a tributary of the Bentota River) begins. Here you are shown to where you can get on a motorised boat. The ride with a boat guide takes some three hours and, costing approx. 3000 rupees, it is really cheap. In addition, if you pay the drivers a separate tip, they will take you on an extra five-minute thank you ride to the estuary mouth, where you will get a breathtaking view of the beach.

With their eagle eyes, the guides ferret out well-camouflaged reptiles and detect birds in the trees. They show you plants that are poisonous or demonstrate you how mimosa leaves contract when you touch them.

You will see small and big water monitors, measuring up to two metres in length, as well as crocodiles and alligators. In addition, snakes and chameleons, as well as countless bird species such as parrots, bald eagles, herons, cormorants and magnificently blue kingfishers. In the evening megabats fly past, and during the day you can see them hang upside down from the trees.

The spectacle can be admired and photographed risk-free from a safe boat. The three hours pass fast. The relaxing ride without waves is no problem to the seasick either.