Negombo is a charming beach resort on Sri Lanka’s west coast. The town’s fusion of European architecture and medieval churches makes it a fascinating place to explore.
One of the country’s most impressive churches, St. Mary’s Church, is a must-visit. Its lavishly painted ceilings are a feast for the eyes.
1. St. Mary’s Church
Negombo is known as ‘Little Rome’ because of its abundance of Roman Catholic churches. One of the most prominent of these is St. Mary’s Church, a landmark edifice that sits in the heart of the city.
The church is built in neoclassicism style and features large white columns on its main facade. The walls of the upper levels are fitted with sculptures of religious saints.
What is truly remarkable about this church is the ceiling that is decorated with alabaster images of saints. These unique depictions were painted by a local Buddhist painter named N.S. Godamanne.
The church was constructed between 1874 and 1922, and it shows the blending of European strategies with Sri Lankan art and architecture in the early 20th century. You’ll also find carved statues here that are worth taking home as gifts for friends and relatives.
2. Dutch Fort
If you want to see a bit of Sri Lanka’s colonial history on your holiday, Negombo is the place to go. This coastal town is filled with remnants of Sri Lanka’s brutal colonial era, such as the Dutch Fort, which is located nearby.
The Dutch Fort is a ruined fort that was built by the Dutch during their time in Sri Lanka. It’s close to the lagoon mouth, and there’s a fine gateway that was inscribed with the date 1678.
In front of the fort, there’s a green area called the Esplanade, where cricket matches are held. However, you cannot peek into the fort itself as it’s now occupied by the town’s prison.
It is one of the few remaining buildings in Negombo that are a remnant of its colonial past. It’s crumbling and dilapidated, but is still worth a visit if you’re in the area. It’s also a great spot to take photos of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
3. Negombo Lagoon
The large estuarine lagoon of Negombo, south-west Sri Lanka is fed by a number of rivers and canals. It connects to the sea through a narrow channel to the north. The area surrounding the lagoon mainly consists of rice paddies, coconut plantations and grasslands.
The lagoon has a rich aquatic ecosystem and is home to a variety of wildlife and plants. It is also a protected area that helps protect the biodiversity of the region.
There are many ways to explore the lagoon, including boat tours. These tours provide visitors with an up-close look at the different wildlife and plant species that call the lagoon home.
Another great way to see the lagoon is a Negombo Lagoon Fishing Day Tour. This excursion combines the benefits of a private boat ride with the excitement of exploring local fishing techniques and the mangrove swamps of Negombo Lagoon.
A Negombo Lagoon Fishing Day tour is an ideal way to experience the lagoon and its surrounding ecosystems while enjoying local Sri Lankan culture. You can watch fishermen cast their nets, discover the mangrove swamps, buy fresh fish and try your hand at local fishing.
4. Negombo Beach
Negombo Beach is a famous destination for tourists and a good place to spend your time. The golden sands and the blue water add to its beauty. It is also an ideal place for swimming, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
- There are many good hotels and resorts that are located near Negombo Beach. It is a popular tourist spot for holidaymakers and honeymooners.
- The beach is a great place to spend a few days in Negombo, and you can also do water sports here like banana boat rides, wakeboarding, skiing, and jet-skiing.
- It is also a good place to observe the sunset and sunrise from the sea. It is an unspoiled private beach with luscious golden sands and a beautiful view of the palm tree line.
- The sands of Negombo Beach are super soft, making them great for sunbathing and enjoying the tropical sun. It is also a quiet place, so it is an ideal choice for families and romantic couples.
