A journey through the beautiful waterways of Muthurajawela to the serene waters of the Negombo lagoon...

A boat journey that glides pass the rich diversity of waterland plant and animal life to the mangrove woodlands of the negombo lagoon ... A Brahaminy Kite hovering above, the coots, herons and the egrets on their endless quest for food and fisherman at work from their dug out canoes are few of the surprises in store.

Imagine listening to the chorus of the exotic feathered creatures, watching the water lilies dance to the rising sun, monkeys swinging on trees tops and the crocodiles moving stealthily in water... sounds like a tropical fantasy! In muthurajawela, this fantasy becomes a reality. Muthurajawela, a name that exudes mistery and romance, is an 'emerald gem' that breathes freshness to our paradise island. it's historical and romantic past sets the mood right for the eco-tourist to enjoy the beauty and the wonder of this nature's ultimate escape.

Muthurajawela Marsh, Negombo is a place worth seeing in Negombo. The place with its marshy beauty is one of its own kinds and provides adequate enjoyment to the visitors. The place is thus ideal for tourist attraction. The name Muthurajawela has been derived from Sinhalese language which the majority of Sri Lankans use to communicate. The meaning can be translated in to English simply as “Swamp of Royal Treasure”. Treasures of kings in olden days are believed to be buried in that area.

 Muthurajawela Marsh is situated towards the southern part of Negombo. The boundaries span from Negombo lagoon which also helps to create a costal eco system, and Kelaniya River situated at the northern tip of Colombo.

Muthurajawela is in close proximity to Colombo. Muthurajawela Marsh is said to be the island’s largest saline peat bog. It is believed to have originated about 7000 years ago. There are some residuals which extend up to 500 years towards the history from now.

Muthurajawela bears staggering species of flora and fauna. Numerically 192 flora and 209 fauna, excluding 102 species of birds have been discovered. Some indigenous floras and faunas have also been found in Muthurajawela marsh. Visitors may see water birds such as herons, egrets in abundance in the lagoon and the marsh. It is also a residence for 40 different species of fish, of which 15 falls under the category of indigenous fauna. The nocturnal animal, slender Loris, which is believed to be endangered, can be seen once in a blue moon. Muthurajawela marsh has been declared as s sanctuary by the government in 1996 due to its vast bio diversity.