Muthurajawela Marsh

Muthurajawela is a coastal peat marsh of some six thousand hectares between Colombo and Negombo, connected to the lagoon at its northern end, and it is the largest saline wetland in Sri Lanka. Boats run through channels between reed and mangrove, with water monitors, crocodiles, purple herons and kingfishers along the way. It sits at the edge of the capital's sprawl, which is both what makes it accessible and what threatens it.

The landscape

• The marsh channels - waterways through reed and mangrove on the boat route.
• The crocodiles - saltwater crocodiles in the lagoon and channels.
• The birdlife - herons, kingfishers and waders through the wetland.
• The city edge - a large wetland surviving against the spread of Colombo.

When to go

December to April is the driest window. Early morning is best for birds and wildlife. Boats run through the day from the Negombo end.

What to expect

Encroachment and dumping have damaged parts of the marsh badly and it shows in places. Boat operators vary in quality and some go too fast. Mosquitoes are heavy at dawn and dusk.

Nearby

Negombo is north, and Colombo is south.