Joanna James
Negombo is the closest coastal resort to the international airport; well worth spending a few days here as it is home to or close to, many interesting locales. Listed below are the top three.
Located 40kms north of the commercial capital Colombo, the huge Negombo Lagoon covers an extent of 3,164 hectares. One of the top things to do in Negombo is to explore the lagoon which is a haven for nature lovers as it is part of the larger Muthurajawela Wetlands and Mangrove Forests. The waters of the lagoon are relatively shallow with most areas measuring depths of just 2 metres; the only deep point is the northern point of the lagoon that meets the sea. Lagoon crabs and prawns harvested from the lagoon are what make seafood a sought out delicacy in Negombo while tours to the marsh and huge mangrove forest will yield sights of saltwater crocodiles, herons, reptiles and many more species. You can enjoy this enchanting setting by staying at properties that border the lagoon such as Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa Negombo.
One of Sri Lanka's most popular seaside resorts, the town of Negombo is blessed with wide sandy beaches and safe ocean waters. Swim to your heart's content, hire a catamaran and sail into the blue or simply lie on the soft sand and work on your tan. The beach area is home to a bevy of sunny cafes that will serve you the freshest seafood and drinks to sights of the ocean and taste of the salty sea breeze. The possibilities of enjoying fun in the sun are endless at Negombo Beach. Best of all from the convenience of your Negombo beach resort you can easily visit nearby sites such as the 100km long ancient Dutch canal, the ancient kingdom of Yapahuwa and the Anawilundawa Tank and Bird Sanctuary just 1 ½ hrs drive from the beach resort. Another alluring aspect is the fact that your beach hotel will very conveniently organise these tours.
Negombo is known as Little Rome due to the strong Catholic influence and a large number of churches within its folds. Dominating the Catholic arena in Negombo is St Mary's Church; a large impressive structure that exudes grand and generous lines its neoclassical architecture. It is, in fact, a marvellous amalgamation of European art and local culture. The church consists of 3 main levels which you can view from the front of the edifice. The church is found on Grand Street in the very centre of Negombo Town; construction of the complex commenced in 1874 and was only completed in 1922. Within you will find white statues of saints while the upper walls are illustrated with more images of saints. The most alluring aspect is the painted ceiling depicting the life of Christ while the paintings on the nave are described as 'thunderous' a mere reflection of the majestic image this ancient church exudes.
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