The coastal wetlands of Muthurajawela are a tangle of mangrove swamps, reeds, and marshlands that converge at the Negombo Lagoon, creating a biodiversity hotspot that shelters over 102 species of birds as well as plenty of other butterfly, reptile and plant varieties. With lush greenery, calm waters, and guaranteed animal sightings along the way, this boat safari promises the adventure of a lifetime for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Historical records reveal that the wetlands were named after Muttu Rajah—a royal commissioner who supervised paddy cultivation for King Parakramabahu the VIII (1484-1518). Today, the wetlands form a sanctuary that is home to egrets, moorhens, kingfishers, pelicans, and other bird species that make it a paradise for birdwatchers. You may even spot monitor lizards, crocodiles, fishing cats, and other animals in action.

On the other hand, the shrimp, mud crabs, seabass, and other aquatic animals in its waters are a vital source of income for the fisherfolk, who have built their houses around the lagoon. You may observe them paddling on their boats, casting their nets, and lying in wait to reel in their catch of the day by sunset.

A boat safari in the Muthurajawela Marsh begins with a short trip to one of the partially submerged islands in the area, where you can sit down and enjoy some fresh fruit as the water laps against your heels. Once you have eaten your fill, you will be taken to the famed Monkey Island, and your guide will ask you to place some of the leftover fruit on the deck for the toque macaques to feed on.

While it is generally not recommended to feed wild animals like this, it is a necessity for Monkey Island, where the macaques have nothing to eat. Their daily meals come from the fresh fruit that is provided to travellers during these boat safaris, so this practice is completely ethical and enjoyable, especially for younger children.

A boat safari through the wetlands may take 1 to 2 hours to complete, and it is best to begin your tour at 5PM. Doing so will give you the opportunity to watch the sunset along the way, and you can admire how the fishermen blend into the backdrop of fiery skies and overgrown mangroves.

Please note that you will be provided with life jackets before boarding the boat, which can carry around eight adults at maximum capacity.

Centuries before beer and wine were brought over to Sri Lanka by foreign captives and colonial powers, the ancient kings that ruled over the island consumed raa or toddy—a sweet, mild, and pungent beverage with an alcohol content of four percent.

Of the three types of toddy that are produced around the island, pol raa is the most common in Negombo, and it is obtained from the sap of the coconut tree. On the other hand, kithul raa and thal raa come from the kithul and palmyra palms that are found in other parts of the country.

The art of collecting toddy is complex and dangerous. Toddy tappers climb coconut palms that are connected by a tightrope, and balance themselves with ease as they beat the coconut flowers with a small club. This process continues for three days, after which they collect the sap in a bottle or pot. The sap then undergoes natural fermentation within hours to become toddy.

Toddy is generally collected on-demand as it becomes vinegar when it is stored for too long. Since it is somewhat easy to obtain in Negombo, you may even have the opportunity to watch as toddy tappers scale the trees and gather the sap in small quantities.

If you would like to try this beverage during your stay in Negombo, you may ask your hotel staff or tour guide for some assistance. They will be able to make the necessary arrangements for you to enjoy toddy before you move on to the next part of your tour.

Over the years, Negombo has established itself as a prime location for the production of clay tiles, and today, it continues to supply tiles to different parts of the country. Visiting one of its many factories is an eye-opening experience for travellers to observe how the locals employ traditional methods to create their roof tiles. 

The demand for clay tiles in Sri Lanka has always been high, partly due to their aesthetically pleasing appearance, but mostly because of their tendency to reflect the heat. To keep up with this demand, many factories were opened in and around the region. 

A trip to the nearest tile factory will only take a few minutes of your time. You can watch as the clay pulp is prepared and pressed with old machines to form the shape of a tile. These shaped tiles are then stored to get rid of any excess humidity before they are warmed, baked and cooled in a firewood kiln. 

Although many of these factories could speed up the production process with the latest technology, most choose to reject modernity and embrace tradition. 

A tour of a tile factory is self-explanatory, and you will not require the assistance of a guide to understand what is going on. However, you can inquire about the process from the locals who are at work, and they will be happy to explain the role they play in producing each tile. 

With plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and spas scattered along the coastline, Negombo’s nightlife caters almost exclusively to tourists, and its laid-back ambience makes it easy to swing by for a cocktail or a snack anytime. Under the kaleidoscope of lights and live music in the tourist zone, you can choose from local, international and fusion cuisine, and enjoy guest performances from local artists until midnight.

Negombo’s nightlife also extends to the streetside boutiques and little shops that make up a part of its tourist zone. Most of them provide an opportunity to browse and shop for traditional paintings, devil masks, handloom fabrics that are soft to the touch, and all kinds of other souvenirs that will help you recall your island adventure when you are back home. 

However, please note that if you wish to enjoy the best of Negombo’s nightlife, you must stay within its tourist zone. This is because the main town becomes extremely quiet after 10PM, which is when most of the shops have closed for the day and the residents in the area have turned in for the night.