Joanna James
The coastal town of Negombo is located on Sri Lanka’s western coast, providing visitors with a memorable blend of culture, natural beauty and history. In fact, there are plenty of unique experiences to be enjoyed in this coastal town during a single day. Here are a few of them that are worth trying.
The Hamilton Canal or the Dutch Canal is one of the town’s historic waterways that not only provides a glimpse into the past but also treats you to picturesque sceneries of nearby villages that line its banks. The canal was built by the Dutch colonial forces that saw vast potential in a few waterways for the easy transportation of spices.
The canal now has two main parts, the Northern route that reaches the edges of Puttlam and the Southern route that reaches Colombo. One of the best ways to explore the canal is on a boat ride which you can enjoy if you’re staying at a conveniently located Negombo beach hotel.
This 10-kilometre-long lagoon is fed by Negombo’s Dutch Canal and is connected to the sea via a mouth at the North end. The lagoon is ideal for kayaking adventures and scenic boat rides which are the best ways to explore its picturesque landscapes, thick mangroves and calm waters. It is also home to several vibrant bird species that flit among the trees and foliage on the banks.
This open-air fish market is one of the best places to enjoy the vibrant charm of Negombo, with colourful fishing boats dotting the nearby waters and local fishermen selling their daily catch. As always, it’s those first to arrive who get the best picks of the lot. Negombo’s fish market opens early in the morning before daybreak and once the crowds start to arrive, the place comes to life with the sights and sounds of trade by the coastlines.
The ruins of this historical landmark are reminders of the island’s colonial past and trade history. Initially built by the Portuguese, the fort was thereafter rebuilt by the Dutch and British forces to safeguard the cinnamon trade in the country. Although most of the fort no longer exists, the fort’s clock tower, prison and arched gateway still stand, not far from nearby hotels like Sentido Heritance Negombo.
With Sri Lanka being a multi-religious country, Negombo features various places of worship from different faiths. However, the town was a favoured spot among Christian missionaries during Portuguese and Dutch colonial times resulting in it becoming a predominantly Christian town with several beautifully built churches and cathedrals.
Notable among these is St Mary’s Church, a magnificent building that seamlessly blends European and Sri Lankan architecture, intertwining spirituality and local heritage. Other significant churches worth visiting include St Sebastian Church Wellaweediya and the Church of Our Lady of Good Voyage, which is said to be a favoured place of worship among sailors before they set out on the waters.
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.
