Protected by the gleaming waters of the lagoon, Negombo is a quaint little fishing town just over 37 kilometres from the commercial capital of Colombo. A short ride from the country’s main international terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Negombo offers guests a multitude of experiences. Thriving on both industries of tourism and fisheries, Negombo has plenty of beautiful coastlines that attract thousands of travellers each year.
Starting with its golden beaches, this coastal town is home to a beautiful beach commonly known as the ‘Negombo Beach’. A tourist-friendly coastline, this beach attracts many visitors thanks to its friendly seas which are safe for swimmers almost all-year around. While on the beach one can catch a glimpse of fishermen getting back on the island with their catch after long tiring hours at sea. The town’s beach brings in much revenue through the countless tourists it attracts from across the globe while many Negombo hotels such as the ideally located Jetwing Beach also benefit from it.
Having spoken of its beaches, the lagoon too is a must visit attraction. While the lagoon’s banks are dotted with many thatched houses of fishermen, fishing is another fun filled activity favoured by many curious tourists. Some of the best catches come from September through to April.
The town has a long history which can be traced back to the days of the Dutch. Even to date, many colonial structures remain as some of the main attractions to its visitors. The Dutch Fort in Negombo is one such attraction in the region and was built during Portuguese rule; later it was used as a major seaport during the Dutch Colonial times, hence its name.
St. Mary’s Church in Negombo is yet another famous attraction in the area. From early days, most parts of the coast including Negombo were heavily popularized by Christians most of whom were Portuguese or Dutch. The building having been built in the early colonial days seems to have incorporated sophisticated architecture and to date stands as one of the most visited churches in the island. It consists of three stories which are easily identifiable from a distance.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
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