Excurtions

Embark on a soul-stirring journey along the tranquil waters of Maduganga, just 17 km from Bentota. As your boat glides gently across the serene estuary, you’ll feel as though time slows down. The river, which merges into the majestic Madu Lake before meeting the sea at Balapitiya, unveils a magical world where nature and history intertwine.

This 915-hectare coastal wetland, shared with Randombe Lake, is a sanctuary of life. It shelters 303 species of plants—including 19 found nowhere else on Earth—and 248 species of vibrant vertebrate fauna. As you drift past lush mangrove islets and through narrow water channels, the beauty of biodiversity comes alive around you.

But Maduganga is more than just nature’s masterpiece—it is sacred ground. In 1803, history was made here when the Amarapura Nikaya held its first higher ordination ceremony on boats gently floating on the river, blending spiritual reverence with the rhythm of nature.

Let the Maduganga boat ride awaken your senses, calm your spirit, and remind you of the deep, sacred harmony between man and the wild. It’s not just a journey—it’s an experience that stays with you forever.

Along the peaceful shores of Induruwa, a beautiful story of protection and renewal unfolds at the Induruwa Sea Turtle Conservation Center. Dedicated to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s endangered sea turtles, the center nurtures rescued turtles, protects eggs from predators, and educates visitors on marine conservation. It's a place where compassion meets action—a beacon of hope for future generations of turtles.

By night, the beach transforms into a sacred stage for one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. Under the starlit sky, you may witness sea turtles slowly emerge from the ocean to nest—a timeless journey back to where life began. Watching this ancient ritual in silence fills the soul with wonder and reverence.

A visit to Induruwa offers more than just a glimpse into marine life—it’s a chance to connect, reflect, and be part of a greater mission to protect our planet’s fragile beauty.

Step into a living masterpiece at Lunuganga, the enchanting country house of world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Nestled by the tranquil waters of Dedduwa Lake near Bentota, this serene estate is a poetic blend of architecture, art, and nature. Every pathway, sculpture, and view is thoughtfully curated—offering a harmonious escape from the everyday.

Wander through lush gardens, past serene courtyards and reflections of Italian, English, and Asian influences, where nature is not tamed but celebrated. Lunuganga is not just a home; it’s a vision brought to life—an invitation to slow down, reflect, and find inspiration in stillness.

Here, creativity breathes in every leaf and stone. A visit to Lunuganga is more than a journey—it’s a gentle awakening of the soul.

Step into the heart of Sri Lanka’s spice heritage with a visit to a traditional cinnamon plantation, where time-honored techniques and the rich aroma of cinnamon awaken your senses. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this immersive experience reveals the deep connection between nature, culture, and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Witness the fascinating process of cinnamon peeling, where skilled hands gently strip the delicate inner bark of the cinnamon tree. With simple tools and practiced movements, the bark is carefully curled into the familiar golden-brown quills, releasing a sweet, warm fragrance that lingers in the air.

Beyond the bark lies another treasure—cinnamon leaf oil. Using traditional distillation methods, farmers extract this potent essential oil by steaming fresh cinnamon leaves over open fires. The process is slow and rhythmic, a tribute to patience and authenticity. The resulting oil is valued for its healing properties, used in Ayurveda and aromatherapy around the world.

Every part of the tree is respected, and nothing goes to waste. As you walk through the plantation, you’ll hear stories of heritage, feel the passion of local farmers, and gain a new appreciation for this humble spice that once drove empires.

The cinnamon plantation experience is more than a tour—it’s a celebration of Sri Lanka’s living traditions, where simplicity meets sustainability, and every step is steeped in history, scent, and soul. Come curious, and leave inspired, carrying with you the warmth and wisdom of this ancient craft.

Journey into the depths of Sri Lanka’s gem heritage at Meetiyagoda, home to the world’s finest blue-tinged moonstones. Here, tradition and nature unite in a delicate dance as local miners use age-old techniques to unearth these mystical gems. Descend into narrow, hand-dug shafts supported by wooden beams, where miners carefully extract moonstone-bearing earth using basic tools, guided by instinct and experience.

Once brought to the surface, the rough stones are gently washed, sorted, and hand-polished to reveal their soft, ethereal glow—believed to hold calming and spiritual energy. Watching this process is like witnessing alchemy in motion.

A visit to Meetiyagoda is not just about gemstones—it’s a glimpse into human patience, respect for the earth, and the quiet beauty of craftsmanship passed down through generations

Step into a world of color, culture, and creativity in Ambalangoda, the beating heart of Sri Lanka’s rich folk art. Here, centuries-old traditions come to life through the hands of master craftsmen who carve, paint, and breathe soul into vibrant wooden masks used in rituals, dance, and storytelling.

Witness the process from start to finish—watch as raw blocks of light kaduru wood are hand-carved into expressive faces, each one telling a story of myth, healing, or protection. Intricate patterns and vivid colors are painted with natural dyes, reflecting generations of cultural wisdom.

As you immerse yourself in the experience, you don’t just observe—you connect. You’ll feel the energy of legends, the spirit of artistry, and the pride of a craft preserved through time. Ambalangoda offers more than souvenirs—it offers an unforgettable journey into Sri Lanka’s cultural soul.

In the coastal town of Ambalangoda, where culture beats strong, you’ll find the enchanting world of traditional Rūkada—Sri Lanka’s beloved string puppetry. These handcrafted wooden puppets, brought to life by skilled puppeteers, perform age-old stories filled with humor, wisdom, and moral lessons.

As drums beat and strings dance, each performance becomes a vivid spectacle of color, rhythm, and storytelling. You’ll witness not just a show, but a living tradition passed down through generations—where art meets folklore and community spirit shines.

Watching a Rūkada performance is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural experience that awakens joy, preserves heritage, and reminds us of the timeless power of storytelling. Let the puppets move you in more ways than one.