Explore Muthurajawela Marsh – Adventure in Sri Lanka
Muthurajawela (Sinhalese for ‘Swamp of Royal Treasure') Marsh is a marsh situated in the Sri Lankan city of Negombo. The marsh borders both the mighty Kelaniya River and the famous Negombo Lagoon. The fenland gets its name from the treasures that are thought to be buried here by ancient kings. It is one of the country's largest saline peat bogs and is thought to have originated over seven thousand years ago. The area spans over seven thousand hectares and there is much to explore. Taking a boat ride along the marsh will allow visitors to get close up views of the country's amazing flora and fauna, making this an ideal activity for nature lovers.
Wildlife thrives in the area, and most of them are endemic to the region. Muthurajawela is home to about 192 types of plants and about 209 species of fauna (such as the rare and endangered Loris), excluding over 100 different types of birds. The waters host about 40 types of fish of which around 15 are indigenous species. Bird lovers can always catch glimpses of herons and egrets among much rarer birds like the black-capped kingfisher. Lucky visitors may even spot crocodiles and snakes such as the Indian python and the spectacle cobra.
Due to its rich biodiversity, the Muthurajawela Marsh was declared a protected site in 1996. However, as an area with numerous uses including fisheries, agriculture and shipping, the marsh is still under threat. Thankfully, new conservation efforts aim to reduce the negative impacts of these practices.
Negombo is a town found in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It is around 37 kilometres from Colombo, the island's commercial capital. It is a major commercial hub and has a thriving fishing industry. It is a popular tourist destination and one can still find some spectacular ruins that belong to the Dutch colonial era. The scenic beaches here are also a main draw to visitors. Tourists can try a Negombo beach resort like Jetwing Sea which occupies a pristine stretch of beach. Considered one of the best Sri Lanka hotels in the region, the resort is only a short distance away from the international airport.
Wildlife thrives in the area, and most of them are endemic to the region. Muthurajawela is home to about 192 types of plants and about 209 species of fauna (such as the rare and endangered Loris), excluding over 100 different types of birds. The waters host about 40 types of fish of which around 15 are indigenous species. Bird lovers can always catch glimpses of herons and egrets among much rarer birds like the black-capped kingfisher. Lucky visitors may even spot crocodiles and snakes such as the Indian python and the spectacle cobra.
Due to its rich biodiversity, the Muthurajawela Marsh was declared a protected site in 1996. However, as an area with numerous uses including fisheries, agriculture and shipping, the marsh is still under threat. Thankfully, new conservation efforts aim to reduce the negative impacts of these practices.
Negombo is a town found in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. It is around 37 kilometres from Colombo, the island's commercial capital. It is a major commercial hub and has a thriving fishing industry. It is a popular tourist destination and one can still find some spectacular ruins that belong to the Dutch colonial era. The scenic beaches here are also a main draw to visitors. Tourists can try a Negombo beach resort like Jetwing Sea which occupies a pristine stretch of beach. Considered one of the best Sri Lanka hotels in the region, the resort is only a short distance away from the international airport.
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