Muthurajawela Marsh
Negombo Rd., Seeduwa, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s largest salt swamp, Muthurajawela Marsh, is a protected sanctuary in the western Negombo region that covers 7,580 acres (3,068 hectares). The coastal region is a biodiversity hot spot: It's home to almost 200 varieties of plant life and even more fauna, from monkeys and water monitors to crocodiles. Birders can try spotting some 100 avian species.
The basics
Muthurajawela Marsh is visited by boat, and you must be accompanied by onboard guides to protect the sanctuary’s fragile coastal ecosystem. You can arrange shared boat rides in person at the visitor’s center, and they typically last about 90 minutes. Muthurajawela Marsh is included on full-day or multi-day private tour itineraries, some also visiting Negombo Lagoon and Dutch Canal. Themed birding tours focus exclusively on bird-watching, highlighting everything from kingfishers and herons to kites and sea eagles.
Things to know before you go
Though boats are covered, you'll want to bring sunscreen and a hat or visor. The marsh area can attract mosquitoes, so pack insect repellant, too.
One bonus of having a guide accompany you is that your guide will take the lead in scouting birds and animals.
Bring a camera, ideally with a zoom lens, as wildlife is generally easy to spot and photograph, even in rainy or overcast conditions.
Do your part to not disturb the pristine sanctuary—take any garbage with you, and do not feed the birds or animals.
How to get there
Muthurajawela Marsh is about a 30-minute drive from Negombo. Independent travelers can reach the salt swamp by taxi, rideshare, or auto-rickshaw. Be sure to agree on the price upfront. Hotels can also arrange round-trip transfers. Transportation is typically covered on guided tours, often with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
When to get there
If you want to maximize your animal sightings, aim for the early morning when Muthurajawela Marsh first opens. That’s when wildlife is most active, especially birds. Boat rides depart through early or mid-afternoon. Afternoon excursions are less popular as they happen in the hottest part of the day, but they also have fewer crowds.
Exploring Negombo’s other waterways
Muthurajawela Marsh is connected to Negombo Lagoon, though they’re generally considered two separate sites. Many boat excursions include visits to both—plus the Dutch Canal, a picturesque boat-lined jetty reminiscent of the famous river passageway in Amsterdam. Monkeys and a variety of birdlife can be spotted in Negombo’s other waterways as well, making these all great options for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s wildlife.
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