How to Experience Negombo, Sri Lanka – An Absorbing Coastal Town
The island nation of Sri Lanka offers many features of interest for the visitor from abroad, such as lovely beaches, cultural attractions, sightseeing highlights, entrancing wildlife and more. One of the captivating coastal cities to visit in Sri Lanka would be Negombo which will offer many engrossing experiences for the visitor. Described below are some of the interesting things to see and do in Negombo that will make a holiday more unforgettable.
Relax at Negombo Beach
Your stay here wouldn’t be complete if you don’t spend some time at the picturesque Negombo Beach. A great way to experience this beautiful shoreline would be to arrive here in the early morning hours for a seaside picnic. You could admire the sight of the boats of the local fishermen returning with their daily catch. There will be several appealing restaurants on the beachfront where you could enjoy a meal or a snack. You could also take the opportunity to purchase some freshly caught fish, lobsters or crabs at the nearby market.
Take a fishing excursion
Negombo initially happened to be a fishing village and even today, fishing plays an important role in the local economy. An interesting experience would be to take an evening stroll through the little fishing villages that you will find in the environs of Negombo. You will also have the chance to undertake a fishing excursion in the Negombo Lagoon with your partner or family. One of these fishing tours would undoubtedly be a captivating experience, providing you with the chance to admire the idyllic scenery and perhaps snare a prize catch. Make sure to take along your camera so that you could capture the memorable images from your absorbing fishing excursion.
Visit St. Mary’s Church
Interestingly, as many as 99% of Negombo’s population are believed to be Christians. Therefore, you will not be surprised that there are an array of attractive churches waiting to be admired. Of these, St. Mary’s Church is considered one of Sri Lanka’s biggest cathedrals, attracting countless Roman Catholics as well as a steady stream of sightseers. You will see that this church’s architecture is magnificent, creating a strong impression in the mind of the observer. You will also notice a myriad of lovely paintings within this entrancing place of worship. A choice of accommodation to consider from which you could easily visit this church would be Club Hotel Dolphin which may be regarded as one of the pleasingly located beach hotels in Negombo, Sri Lanka.
Undertake a canal tour
Canal Scenic tour in Hamilton Dutch Canal, Negombo | Image via by Adam Jones via Wikimedia Commons
During their colonization of Sri Lanka, the Europeans constructed a network of canals to rapidly transport goods between the trading posts. Although these canals are not now used to transport goods, you could still enjoy a pleasant boat ride on these waterways. In fact, you will have the opportunity to undertake a canal tour that will take you past many of the town’s noteworthy sightseeing attractions. On your excursion, you could experience engrossing sights like Fisherman’s Bay, St. Mary’s Church, and Angurukaramulla Temple. This tour which may take up to approximately six hours is sure to be a highlight of your stay in Negombo.
Admire Angurukaramulla Temple
If you appreciate interesting religious attractions, you should undoubtedly take the opportunity to visit the captivating Angurukaramulla Temple. The biggest temple in Negombo, Angurukaramulla Temple happens to be situated in proximity to the well-known Harischandra College. This appealing temple is known for its colossal Buddha statue, while it also features fascinating old paintings and an array of attractive murals too. Culture lovers will be entranced by Angurukaramulla Temple as it will provide them with an absorbing glimpse into the history and culture of Sri Lanka, and the importance that Buddhism holds for many of the island’s people.
