Muthurajawela

Man-made marshland of Colombo:

Ganga PRADEEPA

Behind the dark green leaves was the Negombo Lagoon... The peaceful exterior waited uninterrupted, with the evening sun glazing its surface... Imagine listening to the chorus of the enchanting creatures, watching the water lilies dance to the morning breeze and rising sun, monkeys swinging on tree tops and the crocodiles moving stealthily in water...

All this sounds like a tropical fantasy. It may surprise you that such beauty and eco diversity still exist on the fringes of the capital city.

Muthurajawela is one of the island’s most important wetland habitats, surrounding 3100ha of marshland and mangrove forest, located inland from the ocean and directly south of the Negombo lagoon.

Of this total, 1000ha is a declared sanctuary and is the seasonal home to many migrant shorebirds and waders. With the interface of marsh, lagoon and riparian zones this is a complex and intriguing ecosystem that provides exciting evidence of the often slight connections between apparently different systems.

Paddy fields

Muthurajawela used to be well-known for its paddy fields during the reign of king Parakramabahu. When the Portuguese laid claim to the country in the 16th century they wanted closer access to the city from their ships that they cut canals, one of which was the Hamilton canal.

This led to salt water coming into the paddy cultivations along the canals. Thus with the devastation of the paddy fields that followed, the area was converted into marshy land and over time led to the eco haven which it is today.

Boat trip

Reaching the Muthurajawela Visitor Centre, I began the boat trip into Muthurajawela. Just starting at the Hamilton Canal from Pamunugama we had a free shower from a sudden rain making us spend 15 minutes under a bridge.

Resuming our journey we slowly proceeded along the old Dutch Canal, passing abandoned paddy lands till we came to Dandagamuwa oya, and then beyond was the sight of the Negombo lagoon. In Muthrajawela, this dream becomes a reality.

Muthurajawela, a name that exudes mystery and romance, is an ‘emerald gem’ with a romantic past that sets the mood right for the eco-tourist to enjoy the beauty and the wonder of this nature’s ultimate escape.

There were kingfishes, Pond Heron and an egret. Further down the canal I was lucky to spot a crocodile, a few water monitors and Sri Lanka toque monkey (Macaca sinica).

Kirala trees

The young nature guide Chaminda Muthukuda explained the air roots of Mangroves and its different varieties. Kirala trees, Kanduru, birds and forest flowers captured my rapt attention. The centre offers a two hour boat ride to view over 200 types of birds, mammals and reptiles in the plant life.

Providing a resting place to several species of migratory birds and the Equestrian Crocodile, the sanctuary is home to 85 species out of 225 residents birds and 69 out of 187 migrant, while 31 reptiles out of 162 in Sri Lanka are also based in Muthurajawela.

Today Muthurajawela marshland is a unique nature reserve. One should visit the Muthurajawela Centre along Pamunugama road to see the wealth of information it provides on this marshland area such as booklets, videos, slides and knowledgeable guide.

The centre is located on the bank of the Hamilton Canal. Take the highway from Colombo to Negombo, 1km north of Ja-Ela, follow the Pamunugama Road. After some 4km, passing the Bopitiya junction, a sign board on your left shows the approach road to the centre.

However, this system is under severe stress due to destructive fishing, encroachment, expanding housing areas, water pollution and social disparity, mainly due to lack of effective management of the resource base by those concerned.

Night camps

“Muthurajawela Visitors Centre was started on 2nd July 1996 by the Central Environmental Authority and the Netherlands government helped develop this marsh. Because of shortage of funds to develop Muthurajawela, people who live there started the foundation called Muthurajawela and Negombo Development Foundation.

Tourists from Netherlands, England and Germany come to see this place and the major income is derived from them. In addition there are also students from schools and universities.

Muthurajawela is also a popular place for family trips and for nature lovers. Nearly 4000 families live in Muthurajawela and their main occupation is fishing. They also make masks made of kanduru wood and ornaments created from bulrush. Kerankoku and Lunuwila are the medicinal trees that grow here well.

The15km boat ride will take 2 hours. Actually this is not merely a pleasurable trip but an educational one as well. If you come to Muthurajawela you can see kadolana, various kinds of birds and a special jelly fish too.

Muthurajawela is best for visiting during September to February because the environment is conducive and there are so many migrant birds which come during this time. We can also arrange night camps on Muthurajawela, said Manager of Muthurajawela Visitors Centre Aruna Weerasinghe.

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 history from now.

Early mornings or evenings are the best times to view Muthurajawela. Late mornings and afternoons should be avoided in order to get rid of harsh sun rays.

The journey was quite memorable.

The Pegasus Reef:

Getaway for leisure near the City

Ganga PRADEEPA

The Pegasus Reef inaugurated in 1970 is located near the golden sands of Wattala. Just a stone’s throw away it offers convenience beyond a city hotel with resort ambiance that would soothe the body and mind of the visitor. Built at the city gates with minimal travel time from the airport, it offers visitors a comforting option second to none.

The Pegasus Reef Hotel is renowned as a get-away for sun, sand and sea lovers. Nestled in a vast coconut grove along a stretch of golden, sandy beach it is not a city hotel but one which is some 20 minutes drive away. Just 20 minutes you can reach to this place. It was quite pleasing to see such greenery and a soothing atmosphere in a hotel so close to Colombo which is also appropriate for any outings.

According to its Resident Manager I.N.Niranjan the hotel is reserved only for peaceful relaxation. “We have a wide range of sports and recreational activities that can be enjoyed and to experience the action, Squash, Badminton, Tennis, Volleyball, Table tennis, indoor games, beach volleyball and cycling too are available for enthusiasts.

“This hotel is well equipped, elegantly designed and offers all comforts in a relaxed, casual atmosphere and wherever you opt to be you will always experience a warm and friendly service, he assured.

“The gym located on the upper level overlooks the pool and ocean with the unique split- level design and there is a special packages for outsiders.

“This is the first five star hotel in Sri Lanka. As a future plan we are going to promote various water sports and build new private cabanas. P.M. Withana is the General Manager of this hotel. This place has ideal picturesque locations for bridal photographic settings. Last month we had 40 honeymoon couples in a single day. We arrange their rooms with a slight difference and we make special romantic nights for them,” said Manager Niranjan.

“Giritale Hotel is our sister hotel and is situated on the highest place of Polonnaruwa. It has a panoramic view of the Giritale Tank and that place is very suitable for jungle tracking, and bird watching” he added.

“The hotel has 107 deluxe rooms in three different wings. The garden, beach and the pool wings faces different directions.” said Sales and Reservation Executive Chaminda Perera.