The Negombo lagoon placed within the Gampaha district is quite possibly the biggest estuarine lagoon in South-west Sri Lanka. Negombo is Located only a one-hour drive away from Colombo and is a major tourist hotspot of the country due to the regal cutch architecture, the majestic churches, the beach of course the iconic Negombo lagoon.
The hotel road is known for its numerous choice of restaurants, bars and seaside hotels such as Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, thus guaranteeing you a comfortable stay during your trip to Negombo. Things to do in this city range from lazing out by the beach, visiting the historical monuments in the area and going on a Lagoon safari.
The lagoon meets the sea via a small channel towards the north of the Negombo town. With an area of 3164 hectares the lagoon is surrounded by Mangroove swamps. A safari is usually a tour around the lagoon and the neighbouring Muthurawajawela Marsh. This marsh together with the lagoon forms a much larger coastal wetland ecosystem.
A range of safari providers can be found for affordable prices in the proximity of the lagoon. Some hotels also organsie safaris for in-house guest. Pick a suitable based on your convenience.
Apart from the densely populated mangroves the lagoon has small grasslands situated incidentally. The waters of the lagoon contain exotic aquatic life, exclusive to mangrove ecosystems such as; the Mangrove Jack. It is also an ideal spot for bird watching as it is home a variety of bird species such as; Terns, ‘Cormorants’, ‘Gulls’, ‘Egrets’, ‘Herns’, ‘Bitterns’ and ‘Common Moorhens’. Saltwater crocodiles are said to pass through the waters when travelling towards the inland. If you are lucky you may be able to catch a glimpse of Toque monkeys hoping on branches in adjoining mangroves as it is rare species that might appear in the area from time to time.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
