Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour From Negombo and Colombo

The Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour offers nature enthusiasts a chance to enjoy Sri Lanka’s avian wonders. Departing from Negombo and Colombo, this 2-hour experience transports visitors to the captivating Muthurajawela Wetlands, where a guided boat ride unveils a vibrant ecosystem teeming with over 102 bird species. With knowledgeable English-speaking guides, light refreshments, and convenient hotel pickups, the tour promises an enriching encounter with the country’s ecological treasures. But what secrets lie within the depths of this remarkable wetland, and what other surprises await the curious explorer?

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Tours In Sri Lanka.

Good To Know

Key Points:

• The Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour is priced at $49.91 per person and includes a 2-hour guided boat ride to observe over 102 species of birds.
• The tour offers a private group experience with English-speaking guides and includes hotel pickup from Negombo and Colombo.
• The wetlands are home to 192 plant species and 209 animal species, highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich natural ecosystem.
• The boat ride allows participants to spot diverse bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and egrets, while navigating through mangroves.
• The tour is not recommended for individuals with back problems or pregnant women, and proper preparation, such as bringing binoculars and a camera, is advised.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Sri Lanka’s most biologically diverse wetlands.

Priced from $49.91 per person, this 2-hour tour includes hotel pickup, a guided boat ride, and the chance to spot over 102 species of birds.

Led by English-speaking guides, the tour provides a private group experience with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors can expect to see a wealth of flora and fauna, including mangroves, ferns, and indigenous bird species.

With convenient departure times from Negombo and Colombo, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers visiting Sri Lanka.

Itinerary Details

The Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour kicks off with hotel pickups from Negombo and Colombo, where tuk tuk drivers arrive at 7:00 AM to transport guests.

After an approximately one-hour journey, the group arrives at the Muthurajawela Wetlands, where they receive an introduction and safety briefing.

At 8:30 AM, the 1.5-hour boat ride begins, offering opportunities to spot a variety of bird species within this biologically diverse ecosystem.

The tour concludes around 10:00 AM, with a return to the hotels via tuk tuk, ensuring guests arrive at their destination by 11:00 AM.

Wildlife and Ecosystem

Muthurajawela Wetlands stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most biologically diverse wetland ecosystems, supporting an impressive array of 192 distinct plant species and 209 distinct animal species.

This protected area is home to 102 bird species, including many indigenous varieties. Visitors can expect to spot a variety of avian wonders, from the vibrant plumage of kingfishers to the graceful flight of herons.

The wetlands’ diverse plant life, including mangroves and ferns, creates a lush, verdant backdrop for birdwatching.

This vibrant ecosystem is a true testament to Sri Lanka’s natural richness and the importance of preserving such ecological treasures.

Inclusions

The Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour includes a comprehensive package to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers will be picked up from their hotels in Negombo or Colombo by a tuk tuk driver at 7:00 AM and transported to the Muthurajawela Wetlands.

Upon arrival, they’ll receive an introduction and safety briefing before embarking on a 1.5-hour boat ride to spot diverse bird species.

Light refreshments are provided during the tour. All government taxes and gratuities are included in the tour price.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems or pregnant women, who should avoid the boat ride.

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Customer Reviews

According to the available customer reviews, travelers have generally praised the Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour.

The tour received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.

The positive feedback highlighted several aspects of the tour:

1. A traveler from Switzerland praised the helpfulness of the local guides.

2. A traveler from the U.S. noted the successful sightings of kingfishers during the boat ride.

3. Reviewers appreciated the diverse array of bird species that can be observed in the Muthurajawela Wetlands.

4. The tour’s organization and logistics, such as the punctual pickup and drop-off, were also commended by satisfied customers.

Important Information

Typically, visitors are advised to bring binoculars and a camera to make the most of the Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour. These tools will enhance the experience, allowing birdwatchers to spot and capture the diverse avian species that thrive in the wetlands.

Participants should also check the tour’s availability for their desired dates and group size. This ensures a seamless booking process and allows the tour operator to accommodate the group’s needs.

The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems or pregnant women, as the boat ride may pose challenges.

With proper preparation and planning, visitors can enjoy the vibrant ecosystem of Muthurajawela and witness its captivating birdlife.

Pickup and Drop-off

The Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour provides convenient hotel pickups from Negombo and Colombo, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.

At 7:00 AM, a tuk tuk driver arrives to transport you to the wetlands. The journey takes approximately an hour, with arrival at 8:00 AM. Here, you’ll receive a warm welcome and a safety briefing before embarking on the 1.5-hour boat ride to spot various bird species.

After the tour, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel around 11:00 AM, giving you ample time to explore the area further or relax.

The key pickup and drop-off details are:

1. 7:00 AM hotel pickup by tuk tuk
2. 1-hour drive to Muthurajawela Wetlands
3. 11:00 AM drop-off at hotel
4. Convenient transportation throughout the tour

Boat Ride Experience

Upon arrival at the Muthurajawela Wetlands, visitors embark on an exhilarating 1.5-hour boat ride through the serene waterways.

Gliding silently, they’ll spot a vibrant array of birds, from indigenous species to migratory ones. Kingfishers dart across the water, their iridescent feathers sparkling in the sunlight. Herons stalk their prey, while egrets soar gracefully overhead.

The boat navigates the intricate network of mangroves, offering glimpses of the diverse plant life thriving in this unique ecosystem.

Travelers can enjoy the tranquility, listening to the calls of birds and the gentle lapping of the water. It’s a truly captivating experience for nature enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum group size. It offers both private group experiences and bookings for individual travelers. So you can enjoy the bird watching tour alone or with a small group of your choosing.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Specific Birdwatching Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to specific birdwatching interests. Travelers can work with the tour operator to focus on spotting certain bird species or visiting particular habitats within the Muthurajawela Wetlands based on their interests and preferences.

Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Restrictions for Participants?

The tour isn’t suitable for folks with back problems or pregnant women, but there aren’t any age or general fitness restrictions. Participants just need to be able to get in and out of the boat safely.

How Long Is the Drive From Negombo and Colombo to the Wetlands?

The tour operators estimate the drive from Negombo and Colombo to the Muthurajawela Wetlands takes around an hour. The exact travel time depends on traffic conditions, but participants can expect to arrive at the wetlands around 8:00 AM.

Is There an Option to Extend the Boat Ride Duration?

Yes, the tour offers an option to extend the boat ride duration. Travelers can request a longer 2-hour boat excursion to explore the wetlands more thoroughly and increase their chances of spotting additional bird species.

The Sum Up

The Muthurajawela Bird Watching Tour offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Sri Lanka’s natural wonders. With a scenic drive, guided boat ride, and chance to spot over 102 bird species, this tour provides an enriching experience for nature enthusiasts. Complemented by English-speaking guides, light refreshments, and convenient hotel pickup, it’s a must-do activity that showcases the country’s ecological treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: