Starting from: Negombo
Time Duration: Approximately 2 ½ – 3 hrs
(Morning 8.00 am to 10.30 am / 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm)
Meals: Not Included
Muthurajawela Marsh is notable for its unique and highly diverse ecosystem and is 12th in the list of priority wetlands in Sri Lanka. The term “Muthurajawela” means “Swamp of Royal Treasure” This marsh is found in the southern region of the Negombo lagoon, 30 km north of Colombo, 7580 acres in area and the country’s largest saline coastal peat bog.
It is a popular tourist attraction for both locals and foreigners for sightseeing and boating tours.
Its origin is believed to be 7000 years ago and in 1996, 4390 acres of Muthurajawela marsh was declared a wetland sanctuary by the government under the Flora and Fauna Protection Act in recognition of its vast biodiversity, some species being indigenous to the marsh.
The region encompasses 192 distinct species of flora and 209 distinct species of fauna as well as another 102 species of birds. The staff of the Marsh Center leads the tourists through the sanctuary areas to protect the marsh ecosystem.