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+

Sailing in Negombo

Known as one of the vibrant cities in the West coast, sunny beaches in Negombo are perfect to engage in water sports. There are many conveniently located Negombo hotels which let you make the best of your beach getaway to this coastal city. Jetwing Beach is a great option available to the travellers looking for comfortable Sri Lanka beach hotels to have a good time. One of the popular outdoor activities you can engage in if you are staying at a beach-fronted hotel in Negombo is sailing.The experience is unique to Negombo as you will not be able to find these locally assembled fishing boats known as “proa” in anywhere else in the island. If you head down to the Negombo beach early morning, the spectacular sight of the proa boats reaching the land after night fishing would leave you speechless and make you yearn to try out. These impressive vessels, mostly handled by the experienced local fishermen would certainly offer you an adventurous sailing experience in the Indian Ocean.

 

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Bird Watching in Anawilundawa

Anawilundawa found near Puttalam is one of Sri Lanka’s wetland sanctuaries that afford plenty of space for nature lovers to encounter numerous species of birds. Home to both migratory and native birds, the area can easily be reached by staying at one of the Negombo hotels nearby. Jetwing Beach which is one of the most sought after of Sri Lanka beach hotels would be a good place to consider staying at during your travels.

The rich ecosystem of Anawilundawa comprises of an assortment of canals, marshes, grasslands, home gardens, beaches, mangroves and water gardens that are simply stunning to look at. However it is the species that live amongst these conditions that are worth the visit. The premises is best suited to a host of birds species that call the area home. If one is lucky one could savour the thrills of capturing the Purple Coot walking on water on your camera while the Peasant Tailed Jacana resting near water plants would add to the experience of an outdoor adventure here in Anawilundawa. The Brahminy Kite is another species that you are bound to encounter. Patience must be your forte in wanting to see a majority of these birds who reside here for it will be a stunning display of colour all at once.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Boating In Negombo

Looking for an interesting excursion while in the city of Negombo? This charming coastal town, situated a few miles away away from the Colombo International airport offers curious tourists an exciting array of activities for some quality cultural immersion. However, boating is a popular and much-loved excursion here and should be a “must-try” addition to any cultural itinerary.

Fishing boats are available for hire and take visitors on rides through the small fisheries and villages scattered along this fishing village. Sailboats take around one hour while charter boats can be hired for half-day or full-day tours on board these vessels under the helm of an experienced captain. Although the fishing experience is exciting, steering down the Kalu Ganga is a boating experience not to be missed while in this historic coastal city. Make your way past lush greenery, and witness exotic birds both migratory and native, as well as mammals and lizards, while admiring the lifestyles of the residents that is weaved around the river, for a boating experience here that is nothing short of a true adventure.

The breathtaking Negombo Lagoon is a main attraction, with its prolific mangrove swamps attracting numerous birds and sea gulls, along with an intriguing shipwreck that has formed an artificial reef for the exotic fish that swim here. Boating on the lagoon is an unforgettable experience, and visitors are able to choose from either boating on the small rivers that connect to the lagoon or on the canal. And while you indulge in this relaxing experience you can also indulge in a bit of angling firsthand, and catch some sail fish, tuna, and many more species for a seafood extravaganza to be enjoyed later on.

Graced with some of the best beaches on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Negombo will no doubt keep you coming back for more. Whether you want to indulge in a bit of fishing with the balmy sea breeze bushing your skin, sail away on a fishing boat or explore the deep blue waters of the lagoon, Negombo will not disappoint you. Book into a renowned Negombo Hotel that offers the best of Sri Lankan hospitality, which is what you’ll discover at Jetwing Blue. From the minute you walk into its premises, this is one such Beach Hotel Negombo has to offer that promises to pamper all its guests. Equipped with the finest amenities and friendly staff who would gladly assist you with arranging excursions, this hotel will certainly add to an unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.