Negombo is known as one of the top leading tourist destination in Sri Lanka. It offers a convenient proximity to Colombo International Airport, also is a promising experience to offer dynamic memories to your stay. Check the following and find out the best appealing site to add your travel plans.
Negombo Beach
Negombo is all about a modest little beach town highlights west coast of the island, and so as the beaches get a considerable attraction from the visitors.
The beaches at Negombo are recognized as simply stunning. The golden sandy shores always beam by the hot sun promising to keep your thoughts and vibes warm. There are a lot of reasons what make the tourists arrive in Sri Lanka picks Negombo and one of the most popular among is the proximity to beach towns from Colombo international airport.
There are plenty of water based activities that you can enjoy at Negombo. From the list catamaran ride, jet ski ride etc are the most popular. If you would like to spend some relaxing time by beach at dawn and dusk hours Negombo would be one of the most fascinating places available for you to enjoy some relaxing time.
You will also find a great variety of nice hotel options at the beach fronts which will allow you to capture the best of beach memories.
Negombo Lagoon
From the list of “things to do in Negombo” Negombo lagoon tour is the most famous and the top in lead. The destination is all about relaxing by beaches but for those who would add some memories to the stay then surely lagoon tour is must you explore.
Sunset and sunrise moments are the best to capture best of the lagoon tour. Negombo lagoon is connected to small channels and rivers in which you will sail thorough towards the lagoon exploring to fascinating Indian Ocean.
The lagoons spares to about 35 square Km and the water body highlights a great variety of bio diversity nestling. numerous flora and fauna. And the most eye catching from the list is the mangrove community that you get to explore and it will be a great experience for you to make in west coast island.
The lagoon tour is not just about admiring nature and enjoying some relaxing time, but you are also allowed to learn about the local culture that is connecting to fishing communities in Sri Lanka. Fishery is a popular industry centering Negombo lagoon.
Also, the waterways surrounded by sprawling paddy fields, agricultural grounds, vegetations, grasslands, coconut plantations and many more. Hence, lagoon tour is a great glimpse to the island life. The boat ride starts from Dutch canal and will take you to lagoon.
St. Mary’s Church
Negombo has recognized as a dynamic destination compared to most other destinations that you get you see in Sri Lanka because it has multihued by different faith and practices. You will see a great variety of beautiful churches around and St. Mary’s Church has become one of the most popular religious, cultural and tourist significances in Negombo.
St. Mary’s church is a Romanesque church based and an iconic cathedrals in the city. The church is great resemblance stands to represent the vibrant catholic community based on west coast of the island. The church has designed in neoclassical architectural features where you will get to see plain walls and columns.
A visit to the church will allow you to admire its immaculate alter which has imported from Europe and fascinating paints, also you may join the locals for a sermon session as well. Apart from the immense cultural and religious significance highlighted by the church it has also recognized as a historical heritage as well for the incredible history bringing up with great architectural characteristics.
Dutch Fort
From the list of the things to explore in Negombo. Dutch Fort also earns a considerable admiration by both local and foreign tourists. Touring in Sri Lanka you will come across different historical forts in Jaffna, Galle. Colombo etc and Negombo Dutch fort is also one of the best remnants of colonialism.
As per the chronological reports the original structure was built by Portuguese and standed as a mere Fort is not more than a four wall basic fortification sheltering a fewer number of soldiers. Latter on It was invaded by Dutches in the year of 1640.
The remain 3 years were continuous battles happened between Portuguese and Dutches reclaiming the heritance of the fort. Portuguese won the battle and claimed the fort which made fortify them later on, however Dutches reclaimed it a month latter.
The fort was owned by the British colonial government during their ruling without no opposition and later it was converted for a prison in late 1800. This is a little guidance for its immense historical value, and today the fort has become an iconic tourist landmark in Negombo.
Hamilton Canal
Hamilton canal features as another historical and tourist attraction in Negombo. Hamilton canal is also known as Dutch canal. It’s know as the longest canal structure in Sri Lanka as well as produces an incredible chronological value.
The waterway stretches along about 14.5 kilometers, while it borders by the two cities of Puttalam and Colombo. The Dutch constructed the canal for two purposes, first to drain the salt water from paddy fields and other vegetations. Second is believed to conduct the barges between the forts.
Today the canal has become a popular tourist attraction in Negombo and Negombo lagoon tour sail through the canal.
Negombo Fish Market
Exploring the local community and culture would offer an incredible exposure to the island life. If Negombo has included in your plans make sure you keep some times in your time to make a visit to the thriving fishing community as well.
If you are happy to get an experience of fishing community to get a fresh glimpse, you may heading to fishery village and the boats leaves as early around 4.00 am to get the fishing harvest.
Apart from the experience that you can get about boat departures you can also see the different local fishing methods used in drying the fish, salting and arrange to distribute to all across the island.
Exploring Negombo would be a great experience that you can add to your travel diaries in paradise island Sri Lanka.
