Muthurajawela wetlands

Situated in the southern region of the Negombo Lagoon, Muthurajawela marshes is a magnificent urban sanctuary covering an area of 7,580 acres and is the largest saline coastal bog in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese title ‘Muthurajawela’ translates to ‘Supreme Field of Pearls’ and is supposed to have originated 7,000 years ago. It is linked to the Negombo Lagoon and the Dutch canal system and accessible mainly via boat.
The region is home to an astounding 192 distinct species of flora; including many varieties of mangroves. The marsh also has 209 distinct species of fauna including vertebrates such as crocodiles, water monitors and monkeys and invertebrates, notably, dragonflies and butterflies as well as 102 species of birds. Stunning migratory birds can be seen between September and April, and close to 80 species of endemic birds which include kingfishers, purple herons and brahminy kites. Some of these species are indigenous to the swamp.
Muthurajawela was declared a sanctuary by the government of Sri Lanka in 1996 owing to its rich and unique ecosystem. Visitors here are guided by the staff of the Muthurajawela Marsh Centre to prevent any damage to the marsh ecosystem.
This marvelous sanctuary is worth the adventure, and could be visited on the same boat excursions that take you through the Negombo Lagoon.