Tucked away among the swaying coconut trees and the brown sugar sands just 30km from the island capital lies what locals and seasoned visitors call Little Rome. Known as Negombo in English, Neercolumbu in Tamil and Meegamuwa in Singhalese this quaint corner of paradise is a tourist destination brimming with possibilities. Offering visitors a look at the past and present the city embodies urban and rural elements to combine in to a captivating point on the Sri Lankan map.
At first glance, Negombo is a hamlet where sun, surf, sea and sand invade the landscape and as such has proven to be one of the most popular beach holiday destinations in the island. With white powdery beaches as far as the eye can see flanked by towering coconut trees Negombo is a sunbathers dream come true. Travellers can simply sit back and soak up the sun drenched atmosphere or engage in water sports activities such as diving and surfing. Lessons for novices are also available in addition to various sporting gear from a number of vendors and nearby hotels. A childrens park is also located facing one of its most stunning beaches while guests can also witness local fisherman engaged in their livelihood along these pristine stretches of beach shores. Excellent seafood at reasonable prices is also an omnipresent feature of Negombo where fresh seafood is amply available.
Another must-see attraction in the coastal town includes its monumental Dutch fort in the heart of the city. With its gates constructed as far back as 1672 this colonial remnant of the towns history is a potent reminder of its Dutch heritage. Constructed in a pentagonal shape with four bulwarks the fort occupies the landmass between a lagoon and an ocean recess. Partly destroyed by the British the fort ruins are just as captivating as the curious location of nearby Duwas Island. The Dutch Canal built in the 17th century is another attraction which runs from Hendala to Pamunugama. Over 100km long the canal is still in use today and visitors can tour the channel by bicycle or boat.
With an overwhelmingly catholic population Little Rome is also a city with ancient and grand churches at every turn. The most magnificent of which is of course the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the centre of town which was built in the late 1870s. Other architectural wonders include the Most Holy Trinity Church, Church of Our Lady of Remedies, St. James Church and the church of the Holy Spirit. The Angurukaramulla Temple is also worth the visit as its lion mouth entrance to the budhugeya and marble Buddha idol of Burmese origin are simply exquisite.
Tourists in search of the perfect
Negombo hotel nestled on sandy shores should look to none other than the Jetwing Blue for all their accommodation needs. As one of the most popular
Sri Lanka hotels on the countrys coastal belt this stylish rest also offers guests easy access to the Bandaranaike International Airport which is mere minutes away.
