Sri Lanka’s waterways offer a perspective on the island’s landscapes and communities that no road-based experience can provide. The Madu River mangrove system is navigated by flat-bottomed boat through canopy that closes overhead – a quiet, bird-rich world with cinnamon island stops and river temple communities accessible only by water. The Kalpitiya lagoon’s flamingo channels and the Pottuvil Lagoon adjacent to Arugam Bay complete a range of completely different water-based experiences.