Muthurajawela Wetlands Sanctuary Visitor Center

Archaeology

Immerse yourself in the stunning biodiversity of the Muthurajawela wetland on this day trip from Colombo or Negombo. Take a boat trip through this area which is home to 40 species of migratory and 85 indigenous bird species. Enjoy light refreshments along the way.  Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation and sit back and relax on the drive in a comfortable and climate-controlled car. Take in views of the countryside on the way to the Muthurajawela wetland. Hop aboard a small boat and begin your wildlife search. Ride thorugh mangrove forests and keep an eye out for by crocodiles and fiddler crabs. Look for birds like herons, egrets, cormorants, cuckoos, parakeets and kingfishers.  Keep your energy up with some snacks. Return to your accommodation in Colombo or Negombo by car at the end of your tour.

07.00 AM - You will be greeted and picked up by our tuk tuk driver and driven you to Muthurajawela Wetlands. 08.00 AM - On arrival to the starting point, our guide will give you a brief introduction about the boat tour and safety requirements. Thereafter you will start your boat ride with the intention of getting spot many birds as much as you can. The Muthurajawela Wetlands supports over 192 distinct species of flora and 209 distinct species of fauna, including slender loris, as well as another 102 species of birds. Some of the identified species have been shown to be indigenous to this beautiful marsh. 10.00 AM - After witnessing one of the priority wetlands in Sri Lanka, you will be taken back to your hotel by our tuk tuk driver. 11.00 AM - You will be dropped off to your hotel in Negombo or Colombo.

Explore the Muthurajawela wetland during your stay in Colombo or Negombo, where an exhilarating birdwatching experience awaits. This coastal ecosystem boasts a rich variety of interconnected flora and fauna. The name "Muthurajawela" originates from the Sinhalese language, commonly spoken by the majority of Sri Lankans, and translates to "Swamp of Royal Treasure" in English. It is said that treasures of ancient kings may have been concealed in this region. The Muthurajawela Marsh is located in the southern part of Negombo.

06.00: Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel, followed by a visit to the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary. 06.15: Arrive at the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary and immerse yourself in this important biological treasure. With its diverse range of wildlife, the sanctuary is home to various habitats, including marsh, lentic flora, reed swamp, short grassland, shrubland, stream bank vegetation, and mangrove swamp. Here, you'll have the chance to encounter 40 species of fish, 14 species of amphibians, 31 species of reptiles, 102 species of birds, and 22 species of mammals among the vertebrate fauna. Notably, there are 17 endemic and 26 nationally threatened vertebrate species among the overall number of species reported. 06.45: Embark on an enjoyable boat tour through the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary, marveling at the diverse flora and fauna surrounding you. The sanctuary's natural beauty and wildlife will captivate you as you explore this exceptional ecosystem. 09.00: Next, you'll proceed to the Negombo Dutch Canal, where an enchanting lagoon boat journey awaits. 09.30: Experience the breathtaking boat journey along the Hamilton Canal, built by the Dutch and fortified by the British in 1802. As you cruise down the canal, you'll witness local fishermen preparing their nets for the day's sail, and the serene atmosphere and cooling breeze will envelop you. Along the canal's edges, you'll admire houses, churches, and a variety of birds, including cormorants, herons, egrets, and gulls, inhabiting the vast mangrove swamps. 11.00: As the boat journey concludes, you'll be taken back to your hotel, cherishing the memories of this delightful day spent exploring the Muthurajawela Wetland Sanctuary and the Hamilton Canal in Negombo.