Things to do in Negombo – Coastal City, Sleepy Fisher Village: You Decide!

Negombo is still prominent as a fishing village a fact reflected around the sleepy hollows found closer to the rustic beachside. The cosmopolitan town is a far cry from the charms of the villages but is ideal for evening entertainment, shopping and dining. Well, visiting a fisher village is a loved activity amongst tourists who enjoy exploring the thatch roofed huts spread along the beach. Hidden amongst the swaying coconut palms these houses use the beach as their front yard and soon after a catch is brought in you can see how the fish is spread out on mats and sorted for the market, whilst others are kept to dry under the sun; in order to make dry fish. The experience amongst the smiling locals is quite a unique feeling and well received by the curious explorer.

Quite close to the fisher village is the Fish Market; the best times to visit the place is in the early hours of the morning when all the activity takes place. You can see how the fish are auctioned off and on offer are some of the biggest and best fish from the Indian Ocean. If you are planning on a delicious meal of seafood the market is the best place to acquire some ocean fresh produce at relatively cheap prices.

If you are enjoying the comforts of Negombo resorts facing the deep blue ocean you will probably be hankering for a spell on the waves. Hiring a catamaran is just the ticket for satisfying this hunger as nothing beats some tranquil sailing on the huge Indian Ocean. Most of the Negombo beach hotels have arrangements with the fishermen operating the local catamarans and tours are readily organised. The experience is quite authentic in the wooden canoes glide over and through the waves; for an adrenaline pumping sail. On the beach close to Heritance Negombo you will come across many catamaran operators taking tourists on one hour tours; check for all safety regulations before setting off and ensure they come recommended by your hotel.

Negombo serviced by the huge Negombo Lagoon was once the stronghold of the Portuguese and Dutch that invaded the island. The Old Dutch Fort is part of this history and stands sentinel as a reminder to the city's past as a prominent trading port. Built in 1672 the fort is now part of the prison while the adjoining 100km long Dutch canal was once a supply belt especially for the cinnamon trade.

Negombo is lovingly referred to as Little Rome; this is due to the many Christian churches in the area. There are plenty of vintage chapels and cathedrals to explore that boast ancient Dutch and European stylings in the architecture and interior décor.