The River House

Activities

• A boat trip on the Madhu Ganga is a must and can be arranged by the hotel (there's a private boathouse). Expect to see water monitors, kingfishers, eagles and monkeys, as well as the Sri Lankans who live on some of the sixty-four islets going about their daily business. You also visit a working Buddhist temple and a small cinnamon garden (a little touristy, but interesting if you haven't seen it cultivated before)
  
• Take a kayak on to the river and explore on your own
  
• Explore the seven acre garden with a bird-watching book – many colourful species are prolific here and you could forego a trip to the rainforests!
  
• Nearby Ambalangoda is great for antique-hunting, and you can visit a workshop to see skilled craftspeople creating masks. There is also a centre for Sri Lankan dancing
  
• Spend the day on the lovely beach at Bentota, where you can swim, surf or sunbathe
  
• If you prefer more secluded sands, head to the hotel's near-private beach in a small nearby cove
  
• Have a soothing Ayurvedic massage in your suite
  
• Relax by the beautiful pool, or in the shade of the pagoda