If you have already done the main Bentota River Safari and found it a bit too busy, there is a secret waiting for you. Just a few kilometers inland lies Dedduwa Lake. Unlike the main river, which buzzes with jet skis and banana boats, Dedduwa is silent. It is a vast, mirror-like body of water covered in lotus flowers and surrounded by sleepy villages. It is so beautiful that the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa chose to build his country estate, Lunuganga, right on its banks. But the real treasure here isn't just the view, it’s a tiny island in the middle of the water where the world’s finest spice is born: Cinnamon Island. Here is why this hidden gem deserves a spot on your itinerary.

The Journey to Cinnamon Island

To get there, you take a small motorboat from the banks of the lake. The ride itself is therapy. You glide past floating water lilies and ancient mangrove trees. Because the lake is wide and shallow in parts, big commercial boats can’t come here. It feels private and exclusive. After about 20 minutes, you dock at a small, rustic jetty. Welcome to Cinnamon Island. This isn't a factory; it is a family home. A single family has lived on this island for generations, dedicating their lives to the art of cultivating Cinnamon.

The Demonstration: An Ancient Craft

Once you step ashore, the islanders will welcome you with a cup of cinnamon tea (spicy and sweet!). Then, they show you the magic. You will watch a skilled peeling demonstration.

The Cut: They take a fresh green branch from the tree.

The Scrape: They scrape off the rough outer bark.

The Peel: Using a specialized brass tool, they expertly peel the inner bark in one long, paper-thin scroll.

The Quill: These scrolls are dried in the shade, curling up to form the "Cinnamon Quills" you see in supermarkets. It is mesmerizing to watch. The smell of fresh cinnamon oil fills the air, a scent you will never forget.

Not Just Spice: Rope & Oil

The islanders waste nothing. After seeing the spice, they will show you how they weave durable ropes from Coconut Coir (coconut husks). You can even try spinning the wheel yourself, it’s harder than it looks! They also distill pure Cinnamon Oil right there on the island.

• Cinnamon Leaf Oil: Used for aches and pains (smells like cloves).
• Cinnamon Bark Oil: Used for cooking and digestion (smells sweet). Pro Tip: This is the best place in Sri Lanka to buy souvenirs. The oil and sticks here are 100% pure and much cheaper than in the Colombo shops.

Dedduwa vs. Madu River: What’s the Difference?

Many tourists get confused between Dedduwa Lake and the Madu River (in Balapitiya).

• Madu River: Very popular, crowded with tourists, larger boats, "Fish Spa" stops, and can feel a bit commercialized.
• Dedduwa Lake: Quiet, nature-focused, focuses on Bawa history and Cinnamon. If you want a party vibe, go to Madu. If you want peace, culture, and nature, choose Dedduwa.

The Perfect "Slow Travel" Excursion

For guests at wellness resorts, we recommend Dedduwa Lake over the busy tourist traps. Why? Because it doesn't break your "Zen." The gentle boat ride, the smell of medicinal spices, and the interaction with a local family align perfectly with the philosophy of slow living. Dedduwa is only a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from most Bentota hotels.