Though it’s nowhere near as big as some of the other, more popular beach destinations in the island, Balapitiya is fast emerging as a favourite among those seeking the quiet solitude of a coastal fishing village.

Balapitiya is a well-known fishing village located 80km south of Colombo. The Madu River falls into the Indian Ocean in the vicinity of Balapitya, and the area is home to some exotic mangroves. The lagoon is great for canoeing and paddle-boarding and a number of other water sports options are available the area.

 The Madu River is well regarded among locals as one of the more pristine rivers in Sri Lanka, and is the perfect spot for a quiet dip. One can canoe here for hours on end on the perfectly still waters and the serenity offered by the river and its surroundings have figured prominently in local popular culture.