While the south coast of Sri Lanka has gained worldwide fame for its sun drenched beaches and thrilling water sports, the west coast of this island paradise is also fast gaining popularity amongst tourists looking for a change of scenery. Negombo is one such area and is home to idyllic stretches of shoreline, fascinating colonial influences and lush pockets of greenery that provide a picturesque escape amidst some peace and quiet. Nature lovers heading to the region should definitely make time to visit the Muthurajawela Marsh which has become a bird watching hotspot as well.

Located south of Negombo, this ancient marsh area is also where one will find a valuable wetland ecosystem that has been named as a Ramsar Wetland and helps to preserve the delicate balance of the environment here. It is full of life and some estimates date the marsh area as far back as 5000 BC. Spread across an area of approximately 6,000 hectares, Muthurajawela Marsh is also known as being home to the island’s largest peat bog.

Encompassing the Negombo lagoon, the marsh and wetland area is a haven for birds. With a little over 100 species being recorded here including migrants, it is little wonder that bird watchers frequent the area hoping for sightings of a variety of avifauna. Those venturing to the wetland areas have a chance to spot such species as the Purple Heron, Black Bittern, Asian Open-bill, Indian Cormorant, Egrets, the Common Moorhen and the Purple Swamp Hen. Migrants of the likes of the Common Sandpiper, Pintail Snip and Little Tern may also be spotted here.

The best way to explore the area is by way of boat which will take you through the lagoon and marsh, letting you truly experience and explore this lush sanctuary. On your journey of discovery you will come across not just birds, but a variety of flora and fauna which showcase the rich biodiversity of the Muthurajawela Marsh.

Travellers planning tours to Sri Lanka and Negombo where they will find this enchanting marsh and wetland can get the assistance of Sri Lankan Dreams. Offering a variety of Sri Lanka tour packages, this reputed tour company lets you experience an authentic island adventure.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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