Highlights
- Muthurajawela Boat Safari
- Services of a Professional Bird Guide
About The Muthurajawela Birdwatching Safari
This boat safari gives you an opportunity to watch the avifauna of Muthurajawela, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Go on a wonderfully relaxing boat ride on the lagoon of Negombo. See the complex ecosystem of the marshlands. Watch the many water birds and others through your binoculars. Get the assistance of your professional bird guide to identify and learn more about them. Enjoy a picnic breakfast as you drift along
the lagoon surrounded by nature.
Overview
You will be starting your tour shortly after dawn, at 7:00 am, near the Boatyard in front of Muthurajawela Sanctuaries. If you select the evening tour, on the other hand, you will be starting at 3:00 pm. However, keep in mind that the morning slot gives you an increased chance of seeing rarer birds. Your boat will pick you up along with your bird guide.
Muthurajawela was an area that used to be prime farming land which produced some of the best rice in the country. But with the building of the Dutch Canal, it is believed that there was some seawater seepage into the lands and they became uncultivable. The lands were then abandoned and Mother Nature took over, making them into one of Sri Lanka's most biodiverse wetlands. The wetlands were proclaimed a priority wetland and sanctuary in 1996. Now spread over 6230 hectares; the marshes have over 190 species of plants and over 200 species of wildlife, including over a hundred species of birds.
As you pass along the banks of the waterway, you will notice the diversity of the marshes with the various types of lush plants that line the banks, such as mangroves, palms, various lactic and marsh flora. While watching quietly, with minimal disturbance to nature, you will be able to see the many species of birds flocking to the water to quench their thirst, catch fish or eat the fruit and seeds of nearby plant life. You will be able to consult your nature guide on their identification and information.
Some of the birds that you may catch sight of are the water birds such as the various species of herons, bitterns, egrets, storks, cormorants, swamp hens, water hens and moorhens; as well as terns, sandpipers, snips and of prey such as sea eagles, harriers, kites and shikras. While some of these species are residents, many migrate for the winter. You will also be able to glimpse much other wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys, water monitors, slender loris and etc.
In addition to these sightings, the Muthurajawela Reserve boasts some wonderful views that truly bring home the majestic beauty of nature. You will be able to eat your picnic breakfast surrounded by calm and quiet; just occasionally interrupted by the screeches and calls of wildlife
What's Included
- Professional Bird guide and his service
- Bottle of water
- Boat Ride in Muthurajawella Lagoon
- Food and Beverages
- Gratuities
Photo Gallery
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation, No Show and Refund Policy Cancellation must be in writing and sent by you/your travel agent who made the booking. Cancellations take effect from the date the written notice is received. No refund in full or in part will be given for unutilized services in the package(s) once you commence using the product or service. • Up to 24 hours before the Activity starts – Fixed processing fee of USD 30.00 and the balance will be refunded. In case of a refund to be made via an international bank transfer, all bank fees to be borne by the guest. A refund to the credit card is subject to above processing fee only. • Less than 24 hours and in case of “No Show” – No Refunds. • No refunds will be entertained under whatsoever condition once the guest arrives in Sri Lanka. • We reserve the right to cancel your holiday because of unforeseen circumstances.
