Joanna James
Negombo is one of the better-known places in Sri Lanka, often chosen as a place to stay for a few nights as soon as one lands on the island for their extended vacation.
There are many places located in the heart of Negombo, like Tamarind Tree Hotel which can serve as a good place to use as a base to explore this coastal city. Negombo is famous for its churches and its beaches. You can easily make a day trip out of the city, making your way through the numerous churches and streets only to end up at the beach towards the evening. Be careful when you are at the beach, though, as many vendors may approach you with items to sell. As long as you are firm in your no, they should not bother you.
Being among the Colombo airport hotels, the hotel offers short tours and excursions for its visitors to attractions in the vicinity. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is one such attraction. It is highly revered by Buddhists of the island, as Buddha is said to have graced the temple on His third visit to the island. The temple itself has many things for you to explore, including a large shrine that depicts some of Sri Lanka's most famous temple art.
You may not be in a position to cook fish, but it certainly would be an experience to visit the Negombo fish market. You will be able to see shrimp, prawns, cuttlefish and other delicacies being brought in, not to mention crabs scuttling across surfaces. If you are lucky, you might be able to see sharks and other large fish being brought in too. The best time to visit the market is early in the morning, preferably around 6 am.
The coastal belt of Negombo is one of the few places on the island that has a lush growth of mangroves. It is a marshland that keeps the coast from eroding. Protected under the Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka, there are tours organized for you to explore and be educated about this rapidly receding natural resource. It is a good learning opportunity for the entire family, not to mention a good way to see wetland life such as migratory birds.
The best way to understand a country and its culture is to taste its food. Negombo is a good place to do so. Being an island, Sri Lankan cuisine is heavily dependent on seafood and coconut, both of which are found aplenty in the area. Keep an eye out for the spices, though, because authentic Sri Lankan cuisine can be tear-inducing in its spiciness. Try to make it a holistic experience and dig in with your fingertips, following the locals around you to know how exactly to enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry meal. Follow it up with some curd and treacle and you are sure to feel like royalty.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
