Question 1

How can I redeem the booking voucher?

Accepted Answer

Once you book your safari tour, you will receive confirmation of its availability within 1 business day. You will receive your active voucher via email, which you can print or carry on your phone to be presented at the time of the trip. The date and time mentioned on the voucher are non-transferable.

Question 2

Is there any tourist attraction which we can see during river safari?

Accepted Answer

During the trip, your guide will be making several stops along the way to show you around many tourist spots of historical and cultural significance. You will be paying a visit to the Kothduwa Temple, which is a 200-year old establishment with great historical significance. The safari also includes a tour at the turtle conservatory and hatchery at Kosgoda.

Question 3

What activities we can do with Balapitiya River safari?

Accepted Answer

Apart from the actual tour on the Madu River which lasts for 2 hours, guests can also enjoy other fascinating activities during the safari. A trip to the local cinnamon cultivation farms is also on the itinerary which offers you insight into one of the most thriving local industries of Sri Lanka. Apart from that, tourists can also enjoy lunch at a quaint local cafe at Bentota and enjoy the sights and scenery on the trip.

Question 4

Which river is famous for river safari in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The Madu River is the most famous river in Sri Lanka for river safaris. It has one of the last remaining tracts of pure, uninterrupted mangrove forests and the famous and historical Buddhist temple in Kothduwa.

Question 5

Are kids allowed on motorboat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are allowed on the motorboat. Children below the age of 0-1 do not require a ticket if they are not occupying a separate seat on the boat. Children between the ages of 2-12 qualify for child tickets which can be purchased along with your own.

Question 6

Which is the best month for Balapitiya river safari in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit is between May to September, since the weather during this time on the West Coast of the country, where Colombo is located, offers the perfect sunny and pleasant environment for you to enjoy a river safari.

Question 7

Is river safari safe?

Accepted Answer

The Balapitiya River Safari is one of the safest activities you can enjoy when you are travelling to Sri Lanka. Apart from a punctual pick up and drop from your hotel in Colombo or Bentota, you will also be accompanied at all times by an English-speaking local guide who is well-formed and trained to handle any crisis.

Question 8

Is food included in the package?

Accepted Answer

The Balapitiya River Safari package includes a stop at a local cafe at Bentota at around 1:00 pm where you can enjoy lunch prepared in accordance with local cuisines, surrounded by scenic views.

Question 9

Is hotel pickup included in the package?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hotel pickup and drop is included in the package when you book a Balapitiya River Safari. After the booking process is complete and you receive your voucher via email, you will receive a phone call from an operator who will confirm your date and time of booking and the itinerary for the safari. You can choose your pickup point (whether it is your hotel or somewhere else that is convenient). It is recommended that you be at the pickup point 10 minutes before your driver is scheduled to pick you up. After the safari is completed at approximately 5:00 pm, you will be dropped back to your hotel or wherever else convenient. There might be minor delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

Question 10

Can I reach the Madu river on my own?

Accepted Answer

Although there are easy ways to get to the river yourself, it is recommended that you utilise the pickup service that is provided when you book a river safari through the Madu River. The boats that are supposed to take you for the safari are lined up near the mouth of the river and is easy to spot and accessible from the mainland.

Question 11

Is there any separate charge for turtle hatchery?

Accepted Answer

There is no separate charge for the turtle hatchery. It is included in the Balapitiya River Safari when you book it. You can not only see baby turtles but also talk to members of the facility to learn more about the efforts being made and the steps being taken to help the local turtle community thrive to prevent the species from becoming extinct.

Question 12

What should we wear? Is there special clothing required for temple or safari?

Accepted Answer

For the safari, it is recommended that you wear light, cotton clothes to be able to endure the tropical weather comfortably. However, since visiting the ancient Buddhist temple at Kothduwa is part of the itinerary, you have to dress appropriately for that leg of your visit. Women cannot enter the temple without covering their arms and legs so it is recommended that you wear long sleeves and full pants. All visitors are also advised to carry a scarf in case you visit places where you need to cover your head. A scarf also works well to combat the humid tropical weather.

Question 13

Can I also stop at Bentota and roam around?

Accepted Answer

The safari does include a short stop at a local cafe in Bentota. However, the safari has a planned schedule with several other activities and stops already included in the itinerary. It is recommended that you visit any other sites and local attractions after your river safari are complete to remain on schedule and have a hassle-free experience.

Question 14

Can I go solo or I have to join a group?

Accepted Answer

The Balapitiya River Safari services offer the facility to travel in groups as well as to take a private tour if you wish. If you are travelling with a large group of people, you can book a plan that will allow you to travel with your group exclusively. You may also choose a package which can allow you to take the tour with other visitors. Irrespective of the size of your group, and whether you are taking a private tour or not, you will be able to utilise all the services that the tour provides, without any exclusions or changes in timing.