Boating in the Muthurajawela Marsh

Ceylon has undergone some diverse political and economic changes during the last four centuries due to colonisation. While the Portuguese controlled the coastal belt and handed them over to the Dutch in the late 17th century, the Dutch sought to establish their own legal system in the island. Subsequent to the British conquering the island and bringing the entirety of Ceylon under their control in 1815, the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the island were significantly influenced leading to the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka from the latter part of the 20th century. With the development of the economy and infrastructure, Negombo hotels are greatly sought after due to their location and the easy access from the airport facilitated by the highway. While accommodation is available for almost all budgets, for a high-end luxurious stay, opt for Heritance Negombo.

In Negombo, there are a myriad of attractions and activities that would enthral a newcomer to Sri Lanka ranging from the intricate Dutch canal systems and the energetic local bazaars to the Negombo Beach and the Muthurajawela Marsh. The Marsh itself is quite extensive and covers around six thousand hectares including the Negombo Lagoon. Therefore, Muthurajawela is home to a diverse eco-system that sustains a myriad of wild species ranging from water birds and butterflies to crocodiles and pythons.

A boat ride through the Marsh would also allow tourists to see a number of native fish species including some which are endangered, as well as the Star Tortoise. The natural surroundings of the Marsh, particularly due to the lofty flora, provide the area with canopies and a sense of being in a forest. Given this diversity and the breathtaking natural beauty, a boat ride through the Marsh is an activity one should not miss out on when in Negombo.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+