Muturajawela wetlands near Negombo

Muturajawela, also spelt Muthurajawela,  is one of the most recommendable destination for those who spend an afternoon in Negombo. For example, many travellers arriving at Colombo International Airport in the morning and staying the first night of their holidays in Negombo would have time enough to do this excursion.

The marshland of Muturajawela, covering about 20 square kilometers, is located in a river delta at the southern end of the Negombo Lagoon. They form Sri Lanka’s largest saline coastal peat bog. The biodiversity of the brackish mangrove forest and wetlands is inhabited by  192 plant species and 311 animal species, including 102 bird species, many of them seasonal migrants. Crocodiles occur but are rarely seen. Chances to observe water monitors, the world’s longest second largest species of scaled reptiles.  Boat tours in the Muturajawela wetlands start at the Marsh Conservation Centre, which is located further south at the Dutch chanel.