Negombo

A long beach to sit, relax and to take a dive into rough waters of Indian Ocean is what this Sri Lankan attraction is all about. Located just less than 20 minutes away from the Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo is a charming coastal town with gorgeous beaches and some of the trendiest nightlife in Sri Lanka. Thus the town serves as the perfect holiday retreat for the tourist from all over the world. This small town is also full of decent and pocket-friendly hotels and restaurants. Negombo is also referred to as ‘Little Rome’ due to the highly ornate Roman Catholic churches from Portuguese-era found within the township. In fact, the town has several magnificent buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era and still stand tall. Negombo is the traditional fishing town of Sri Lanka and is a paradise for seafood lovers and a foodie should never lea Negombo without experiencing the fresh seafood at one of the fine dining restaurants.

Apart from the wide beaches and calm sea, there are many other tourist attractions in the town like the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672, now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration. The canal is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to explore the country from a different perspective. Muthurajawela Marsh off Negombo lagoon is another popular tourist place visited extensively by eco-tour lovers. Muthurajawela Marsh is a home to rarely seen otters, more than 75 species of birds, crocodiles, pythons and monitor lizards. One can take a boat ride and enjoy the beauty of this marshland which is spread in approximately 6000 hectares. The Katuwapitiya Church and the Grand Street Church are the two biggest parishes in Negombo. Apart from churches ‘Agurukaramulla temple’ is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Negombo bringing Buddhists from all over Sri Lanka to town every year. Take a break from town’s hustle and enjoy the peaceful day on the long quaint stretches of Negombo or buy from the local handicraft shops on the beaches or in the town and take some memories back home.