In a country as bursting with wildlife as Sri Lanka, it would take something special to stand out from the crowd – but the Madu River estuary does just that. You'll pass dozens of islets and also a turtle hatchery.

As you drift through mangrove tunnels and under rickety, wooden bridges, keep an eye out for wildlife – it's prime nature-spotting territory. Monkeys tuck into fruit while perched on overhanging branches and lizards skim through the water. Plant a mangrove sapling, enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea on one of the islands and mingle with locals.

Finally, you'll head to a turtle hatchery where you'll get to meet some of the rescued hatchlings, saved from the sea.