Caliope Sage
Renowned as Sri Lanka's Little Rome, Negombo is a coastal hamlet that is popular with tourists and locals. Littered with engaging attractions here are some of city's must-have experiences for first time visitors.
As a seaside hamlet with a colonial past Negombo is littered with historic point of interest dating back to the days when the city was under Dutch and Portuguese rule. A boat ride along the Dutch Canal is the perfect way to uncover this history as the tour takes visitors on a colonial trading route that is still used to this day. Stretching across 100km the boating excursions lets visitors explore Negombo from a different vantage point. The Dutch Fort is another highlight as the 1672 built fortress is an architectural gem in its own right.
Find out why Negombo is affectionately dubbed the Little Rome of Sri Lanka on a tour of its most prolific religious edifices. With more churches per square kilometer than any other city in Sri Lanka this one-stop spiritual epicentre is home to the iconic St.Mary's Church which is among the largest catholic cathedrals in the island. The equally revered Angurukaamulla Temple is another must-visit highlight as the ancient paintings and exquisite murals of this Buddhist temple hark back to the city's golden era.
Tipped to be the island's most accessible diving Mecca, Negombo truly packs in a punch when it comes to the sheer number of diving sites within its confines. With vibrant marine species littering its sea beds this beach haven is a diver's dream come true. Highlights include Barracuda Reef where Yellow Jacks, Oriental Sweet Lips and Travellys occupy the waters. Shipwrecks such as the Asian carrier that drowned in the 80's is also found off the coast of Negombo while the Derena Gala dive site is the best venue to spot lion fish, goldline spinetreks and blue stripe snappers. Other popular dive sites in Negombo include The Shark Pit, Mutian Gala and Pearl Reef while the Kammala Coral Reef is perfect for snorkellers and novice divers to hone their skills. Selecting a beach hotel Negombo counts among its most strategically located rests when it comes to the venue's proximity to famed dive sites is also advantageous.
Reputed as a seafood haven like no other the regional cuisine of Negombo is a must-sample component of Negombo culture. Home to the second largest fish market in the island the city of Negombo is literred with fresh sea food curries hotspots that will leave one begging for more with each bite. Experience Negombo cuisine at its best in restaurants the likes of Salwa and Amerhula where local fair reigns supreme. Barbeque fanatics on the other hand can opt for a catamaran dining cruise while fusion lovers can enjoy culinary delights that were shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences at Lords Restaurant. King Coconut and the Pearl Restaurant are other must-dine hotspots with succulent sea food menus whereas pub specialties are available at the Rodeo Pub.
Infested with surfers from May to October Negombo is a one-stop surfing haven for water sports enthusiasts. Blessed with calm waters and idyllic weather conditions for most of the year the windy confines of Negombo beaches are perfect expert and novice surfers of any age group. Surfing equipment and expertise is available through beachfront vendors and rentals while other popular water sports in Negombo include wind surfing, kite boarding and kite surfing. Visitors can inquire about water sports activities available nearby from their base hotel whether it is Club Hotel Dolphin or any other reputable establishment in Negombo.
