Explore
The village tour begins by crossing a man-made reservoir on a traditional wooden catamaran. It provides a quiet view of local wildlife and agricultural landscapes.
Hiriwadunna Wewa (reservoir) acts as the starting point for most village tours. You spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes on the water before reaching the farmland. The standard tour package, costing $25 to $35 USD, includes this boat transfer.
Apply mosquito repellent before arriving at the lake. For your safety, remain seated during the crossing and do not walk into the surrounding scrub jungle without your guide.
30-45 minutesBird and crocodile spotting
This scenic man-made reservoir is covered in lily pads and bordered by thick scrub jungle. It acts as a primary water source for local farmers and a habitat for regional wildlife. Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to photograph diverse bird species. Keep a lookout near the muddy banks, as you might spot occasional crocodiles basking in the sun.
30 minutesTwin-hulled wooden oruwa
You cross the reservoir using a traditional twin-hulled wooden boat known as an oruwa. A local villager navigates the shallow waters using a long wooden pole. Do not make sudden movements or stand up during the ride to maintain balance. The boatman often crafts small souvenirs, such as hats or necklaces, from freshly cut lotus stems.
