Joanna James
Proximity to the main International Airport and being a waterfront city makes Negombo a favourite choice of visitors to the paradise isle of Sri Lanka. However, Negombo is also a city with a historical past and is blessed with many natural resources for visitors to explore and experience.
Spend a morning doing a relaxing boat ride down the Negombo Lagoon to admire the swaying coconut palms stretching for miles, glorious fields of paddy and grasslands against the brilliant sky. Watch the antics of playful monkeys, a random crocodile and the bright plumage of a variety of birds as you glide on. Don't fail to have a long drink of heavenly coconut water to quench your thirst at one of the many Negombo restaurants to hydrate yourself after the ride.
With the initial construction dating back to the 1870s, this beautiful church in the heart of Negombo is one of the largest cathedrals on the island at present. Styled on neo-classical lines this church demonstrates a harmonious blending of European and Sri Lankan art and architecture due to the strong European colonization of Sri Lanka. The alabaster images of saints and the life of Christ as well as the paintings on the nave by a talented local artist L.S Godamanne are awe-inspiring. A must-do visit as claimed by guests at Club Hotel Dolphin to admire its grandeur and feel deeply tranquil.
Wide beaches, foamy waters breaking on the shore, the endless blue sea almost competing with blue-hued skies etched by green palms entice friends, families, honeymooners to their realms of paradise along the vast stretches of Negombo Beach. To revel, relax, rejuvenate and even recapture as people don their swimwear or easy daytime wear in vibrant hues and let their hair down. A place at which lasting memories are made.
A seafarer's life is not an easy one, for fisherfolk it is even more difficult. Get a feel of the life of the fishing community in Negombo. If you approach the main fish market, the first sight is the fishing vessels that seem to line up for miles. In addition to being the market, this is where the catch by boatloads are brought and separated, cleaned and cut up to sell or to dry to make a local favourite termed 'dry fish' the fish is dried and salted to preserve it. The place is noisy and smells fishy, however, the folk are friendly and like to chatter as they work. A great way to learn their way of living.
The old Dutch Canal which was an efficient and fast mode of conveyance for the world-famous 'Ceylon Cinnamon to the seaports are no longer used for such commercial purposes. However, the fishermen use the canal for their fishing activities, and doing a ride with them is an ideal way of getting a glimpse into the lives of villagers around the canal and discovering the structures and dams built by the Dutch in the years gone by.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
