Birdwatching at Muthurajawela Marsh from Negombo

This boat safari gives you an opportunity to watch the avifauna of Muthurajawela, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Go on a wonderfully relaxing boat ride on the lagoon of Negombo.

Highlights:

• Boat ride in Sri Lanka‘s largest marsh and saline coastal peat bog
• 120 species of birds
• 40 species of fish
• 14 species of reptiles
• 22 species of mammals
• 190 species of vegetation

During this tour, you will visit the following points of interest in the specified order.

1. Negombo
2. Muthurajawela Marsh
3. Negombo

Experience:

This boat safari gives you an opportunity to watch the avifauna of Muthurajawela, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Go on a wonderfully relaxing boat ride on the lagoon of Negombo. See the complex ecosystem of the marshlands. Watch the many water birds and others through your binoculars. Get the assistance of your professional bird guide to identify and learn more about them. Enjoy a picnic breakfast as you drift along the lagoon surrounded by nature.

Muthurajawela was an area that used to be prime farming land that produced some of the best rice in the country. But with the building of the Dutch Canal, it is believed that there was some seawater seepage into the lands and they became uncultivable. The lands were then abandoned and Mother Nature took over, making them into one of Sri Lanka’s most biodiverse wetlands. The wetlands were proclaimed a priority wetland and sanctuary in 1996. Now spread over 6230 hectares. the marshes have over 190 species of plants and over 200 species of wildlife, including over a hundred species of birds.

As you pass along the banks of the waterway, you will notice the diversity of the marshes with the various types of lush plants that line the banks, such as mangroves, palms, various lactic and marsh flora. While watching quietly, with minimal disturbance to nature, you will be able to see the many species of birds flocking to the water to quench their thirst, catch fish or eat the fruit and seeds of nearby plant life. You will be able to consult your nature guide on their identification and information.

Some of the birds that you may catch sight of are the water birds such as the various species of herons, bitterns, egrets, storks, cormorants, swamp hens, water hens, and moorhens; as well as terns, sandpipers, snips, and of prey such as sea eagles, harriers, kites and shikras. While some of these species are residents, many migrate for the winter. You will also be able to glimpse much other wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys, water monitors, slender loris and etc.

In addition to these sightings, the Muthurajawela Reserve boasts some wonderful views that truly bring home the majestic beauty of nature. You will be able to eat your picnic breakfast surrounded by calm and quiet. Just occasionally interrupted by the screeches and calls of wildlife.

Notes:

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour.

Quick Facts:

• The Preferred starting time of the tour is Morning:7.30 a.m. or Evening: 4 p.m.
• Duration – Two hours
• Possible period – All around the year

Includes:

• Hotel Pickup & drop-off from/to Negombo.
• Naturalist and his service
• Bottle of water
• Boat Ride in Muthurajawela Lagoon

Excludes

• Food and Beverages (were not specified)
• Gratuities (Optional)
• Expenses of personal nature