Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The marsh is under threat from a proposed high-speed rail line linking the airport to Co-
lombo.
Muthurajawela Visitor Centre
BIRDWATCHING
( 011 403 0150;boat trip per person Rs 1000)
The Muthurajawela Visitor Centre is at the southern end of the road along Pamunugama,
next to the Hamilton Canal. It has some moth-eaten displays and a 25-minute video on the
wetland's fauna; but much more interestingly, it also runs two-hour boat trips through the
wetlands. It's a very good idea to call and reserve a boat ride in advance as it can get busy
at weekends and on holidays.
Negombo
031 / Population 141,000
Negombo is a modest beach town located close to Bandaranaike International Airport.
With a stash of decent hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets, a friendly local commu-
nity, an interesting old quarter and a reasonable (though polluted) beach, Negombo is a
much easier place to get your Sri Lankan feet than Colombo.
The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it, and then captured it
again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a struggle. Negombo
was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are
still reminders of the European days.
The busy centre of Negombo town lies to the west of the bus and train stations. Most
places to stay, however, line the main road that heads north from the town centre, running
almost parallel to the beach.
Sights
