Unveil the top 7 must-experience activities in Negombo – Journeys that captivate

Evidencing the colonial influence of the former European rulers, the famed setting of the Dutch Fort will be worth the time and effort. Although its interiors are inaccessible, owing in part to the fact that it presently functions as the city prison, the outer portions of this stronghold reveal stories that date back centuries. Initially constructed by the Portuguese, this heritage site was later modified by the Dutch and upon entry, patrons will be able to capture scenes of an arched gateway and ruins of ramparts; some of which have been swallowed up by lush greenery, which scatters the immediate vicinity of the fort.

While you will need to rise with the lark so to speak in order to view the daily goings-on, time spent at the Negombo Fish Market will grant you valuable insights of how life unravels in these parts of the country. The dry market, which is a sight for sore eyes itself can be found adjacent to the wet market where the day’s catch is laid out on mats made of coconut fibre for the purpose of drying. However, arrive here at around 6 am and you will have the best seat in the house to witness fishmongers arranging their prized possessions in a manner that has been attracting buyers since time immemorial.

Strolling along Grand Street will bring you to the magnificent site of St. Mary’s Church, thought to be one of the largest cathedrals in all of Sri Lanka. Built in accordance with the neoclassical style, a task that commenced in 1874, this Roman Catholic church features colossal white columns on the main façade. Move inside and look up towards the alabaster ceilings where paintings of saints are found before shifting your gaze to the upper-level walls that are dominated by detailed sculptures.

Associated with myth and deep-rooted ties to Buddhism, the serenely appointed Angurukaramulla Temple is a “must-visit” whenever your travels lead you to Negombo. Characterised by a dragon head through which devotees must pass in order to gain access to the temple coupled by a 6-metre-tall statuette of the Buddha, the said attraction boasts impressive murals that bring to light Gautama Buddha’s path to enlightenment.

Come into contact with an ecological haven known as the Muthurajawela Marsh during your time in the city. Situated at the southern tip of the Negombo Lagoon, this impressive natural attraction is best explored by boat and in turn, paves the way for visitors to feast their eyes on a slew of floral and faunal species that thrive here. Rated as the biggest saline wetland in the Emerald Isle, the Muthurajawela Marsh is where you can easily spot crocodiles, kingfishers, cormorants and purple herons. Thus, to the avid birdwatcher and nature lover, the wetland will serve as the perfect playground to while away a few hours of your time.

Yet another reason to charter a boat and cover the very essence of Negombo’s scenic appeal, the historic and laidback environs of the Dutch Canal will have you excellently positioned to view the city from the perspective of the local fishing community. Glide along at a pace of one’s choosing through dense vegetation, which flanks the banks of the waterway and be fed with insights that echo an era when the Dutch settlers utilised the canal to facilitate the transportation of cinnamon.

Found a short distance from Sentido Heritance Negombo, which is one of the better beach hotels in Negombo to be at, the wide expanses encompassing Negombo Beach would be simply too good to miss out on. Go on long walks, join the locals and enjoy some cricket or swim to your heart’s content.