Joanna James
Negombo is often the transit city, the one where you would end up spending a night or two before or after exploring the rest of the country. Here are some ways to kill time in the city.
Negombo is a popular Catholic city. There are multiple songs in the local tongue about the cheer of Negombo town. If you happen to be in the city during a church feast, you are in for a treat. The sights, the markets, and the cheerful nature of the place are sure to uplift you. Even if that is not the case, there are many churches to explore. True to the nature of the country as a multi-religious, multi-ethnic one, the places of worship in Negombo do not stop at churches. There are Hindu temples as well as Buddhist temples that you can visit. As most of these are found within walking distance of each other, you can easily spend the daytime getting to know the city better. Being a part of the Dutch colonial security system, Negombo, too, had a Fort although it is not as intact as the one in Galle is. However, you should still be able to see some of the ruins and towers of the Fort.
When you are in an area with one of the highest numbers of beach hotels in Sri Lanka, it is a must to spend at least a part of your time on the beach. You could lounge on the sand and simply watch the waves crashing. Or you could wade through the water and let the tropical waves kiss your feet. Sipping a cold drink while watching the sunset is one of the more popular things to do, too. If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can opt to engage in some water sports. Places like Amagi Hotels offer water sports such as jet skiing and kayaking. You can even go for a swim in the ocean. Be careful about the latter, though, as the waters can sometimes be rough. Always talk to the locals before taking a dip and heed their word.
If there is one place the colonizers' love for canals is clearly visible even today, it is Negombo. The Hamilton canal is perhaps the most well-preserved. It extends for 120 km, all the way to Colombo in the south and all the way to Puttalam in the north. You may not want to take a boat all the way to either end, but it is well worth a sunset trip. With the setting sun shining on the water, the boat ride will take you through some of the more tranquil parts of the city where you can catch a glimpse of the local villages and local life. Then there are many birds to see and plants to get to know. A ride down the canal is a good way to end a long day.
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