Negombo

Negombo is a scenic beach-side tourist town that is situated just a 20-minute drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport. It is a great place to enjoy the sun-kissed beaches and the lapping waters of the Ocean and the lagoon. Since Negombo is a fishing hub, it is famous for the ‘maalu lellama’, the bustling fish market where fishermen unload the freshest catch of the day from their boats and catamarans. Visiting the lellama and exploring another aspect of local life is an interesting experience. You can either walk along the quieter beaches or enjoy the exuberant sight when the fishermen draw in their bounty. Take a boat trip on the lagoon that is teeming with bird life and swamped with lush scenery.

Boasting colonial heritage, Negombo is home to many churches and historical monuments belonging to the colonial epoch. The little beach town is also known as “Little Rome”. The ornate St Mary’s church is one of the prominent religious landmarks in Negombo. The Old Dutch Fort, which was constructed in 1672, now serves as a prison. Muthurajawela wetlands is a bird sanctuary with diverse flora and fauna. Hop on a boat from the Negombo Lagoon, and visit Muthurajawela to spot endemic species of wildlife. The bird sanctuary is known as the largest coastal marshland in the country. Walk along the main beach boulevard that is dotted with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops and fancy boutiques. Negombo is an ideal destination for the first and last nights of a Sri Lankan holiday due to its close proximity to the airport.

Negombo in Sri Lanka
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