Negombo is a fourth major city in Sri Lanka and is situated on the West coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon. Negombo can be identified as one of the major commercial hubs next to Colombo in the country. The city is famous for its long clean sandy beaches and fishing industry that has been prevailing for many centuries. Majority of the people can speak both Sinhala and Tamil. The city is dominated by beautiful and attractive Catholic churches. The city is designated as the replica of Vatican City in Rome as the majority is Catholics. The city definitely a tourist destination and the international airport is situated with in the territory of Negombo.
Top 08 Sights in Negombo City
The Negombo City tour covers number of historical and cultural sites such as
- The Negombo Lellama is filled up with people who are selling, bargaining and buying fish even early in the morning at around 3.00 am. While most of the people are fast asleep. Even though it is early in the morning there is still a vibrant and noise across the Lellama. The Lellama is located in Munnakare. Many tourists gather around Negombo Lellama to enjoy the scenery and to buy fresh fish so that they can enjoy seafood.
- The Dry Fish industry is a part of fishing industry. The beach next to the Dutch Fort is mainly segregated for dry fish manufacture. The whole process of drying fish takes three days. It is an eye-opening scenery where you notice the effort that the fisherman put and the limited income that they earn.
- Negobmo Dutch Fort was a small fort situated on the coastal belt of Negombo and close to the Lagoon. It was built by the Portuguese with the purpose of defending Colombo and later it was conquered by the Dutch after which Negombo city was prominent city like Colombo, Galle and Jaffna.
- Lagoon : A number of small rivers and a canal feed the Lagoon. It is linked to the sea by a narrow channel to the North, near Negombo city. The lagoon is a paradise for a wide variety of water birds such as terns, egrets, herons, cormorants and other waders. Since Negombo is famous for fishing industry, the lagoon fishing is common and popular among the fishing communities. There is a high demand for lagoon crabs and lagoon prawns.
- The Dutch Canal, also known as the Hamilton Canal connects Puttalama to Colombo. The canal was constructed by the British in 1802 and completed in 1804 for the purpose of transporting goods from Puttalam to Colombo. The canal was named after Gavin Hamilton, the Government of agent of Revenue and Commerce.
- Negombo beach is one of the most visited beaches in Sri Lanka as it is closer to the International airport. The city attracts tourists all over the world due to its historical places, picturesque sceneries as well as Dutch characteristics especially its architectures.
- Angurukaramulla Temple is an ancient temple situated in Negombo. It is well-known for the grand dragon entrance and huge marvelous Buddha statue. The ancient architecture is highlighted and admired. The Temple holds its prestige in historical value and skillful architecture.
- The St. Mary’s Church is a Roman Catholic church and famous for its paints and sculpture. It is one of the most beautiful and largest churches in Sri Lanka.
The city is full of breathtaking sights and multiple tourists’ destinations which can be explored and enjoyed by tourists. The tasty of the street food is fantastic and if I try once you will be tempted to have it again and again. Local people are so friendly and ever-willing to help and assist you in whatever way possible. Do not forget to post for photos at important and historical places; take photographs of your epic journey.
NB: please bear in your mind that above all the historical and cultural places cannot be covered in a day tour. Thus, you have the opportunity to select places according to your discretion and we promise to try our best in order to cater your choices. The locations and destinations can be changed basing on the transport mode that you choose to do the one-day tour. We provide both Tuk Tuk and Taxis.
