Sightseeing in Negombo

Sightseeing in Negombo
Negombo is a town approximately 30 km north of Colombo in Sri Lanka. Negombo is located at the mouth of the Negombo canal and is a small port. Sri Lanka's major international airport is approximately 9km out-side of Negombo. It is an ideal tourist destination and most of the hotels here are crowded with tourists through out the year. Be it a honeymoon, a family vacation or a business trip Negombo provides an ideal setting for all.

This lively town is mainly inhabited by the fisher-folk., located along the picturesque Negombo lagoon. Here visitors will find quaint fishing boats, an interesting Dutch fort and other sights worth seeing. Excellent seafood eateries and reasonable shopping too attract visitors. Most of all though, it's the sea, sand and sun that bring visitors to its shores and if you are seeking true tropical destination, then Negombo is a good choice.

Some of the tourist attractions of Negombo are:

Old Dutch fort gate, Negombo is an Old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 and now it is a part of the prison

The Dutch Canal starting from Hendala to Pamunugama was constructed by the Portuguese in the 17th century. They even established a fortress in Negombo overlooking the spice fields rather than fortification. It is now used as a prison.

Muthurajawela Marsh off Negombo lagoon just south of the town is a unique wetland habitat and the largest marsh in Sri Lanka popular with eco enthusiasts.

Buddhist Temple at Kelaniya, Negombo is a unique structure where beautiful statures depicting various Buddhist events built beneath a giant Buddhist statue.

Negombo Beaches are not very crowded. The stretches are superbly maintained by the hotels while some are always busy with fisherman and their equipment. Equipment for water sports such as diving, wind surfing are available at most hotels and private vendors. There are few schools offering reasonable diving courses.