Negombo, Sri Lanka
Region: Western Province
Geographic Coordinates: 7.211100, 79.838600
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 32.0°C (77°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall, with the wettest months being May to September.
Population: 142136
Language: Sinhala
Negombo is a coastal city situated in the western province of Sri Lanka, Just 37 kilometers north of Colombo. It is renowned for its long sandy beaches, Stunning lagoon and rich cultural heritage. Negombo has a fascinating history that dates back over 500 years and has been an important trading center since ancient times. The most notable landmark in Negombo is St. Mary’s Church, Built by the Portuguese in 1576 which still stands tall today. The Dutch constructed a canal connecting the lagoon with the sea making it ideal for fishing and trade activities.
Negombo’s beautiful beaches are perfect for swimming, Sunbathing or relaxing while enjoying crystal clear waters that are ideal for water sports such as windsurfing or jet skiing. The Negombo Lagoon offers visitors an opportunity to explore mangrove forests and observe various species of birds including kingfishers, Herons and egrets. Boat rides can be arranged to explore this unique ecosystem. Historical sites such as the Old Dutch Fort built during colonial times stands today as a training ground for Sri Lanka’s armed forces.
Muthurajawela Marsh covers over 6000 hectares of wetlands including mangroves swamps, Marshes, Lagoons and canals making it an important ecological hotspot in Sri Lanka. Visitors can experience traditional Sri Lankan culture through food, Dance performances at local temples or attending one of many festivals held throughout the year such as Vesak Poya which celebrates Buddha’s birth enlightenment and passing. Negombo is a unique destination that has something for everyone from its pristine beaches to its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty; it is a must-visit location when traveling to Sri Lanka.
- Negombo Beach is a long sandy stretch with clear blue waters and palm trees.
- St. Mary’s Church is a historic Catholic church built in the 19th century, known for its beautiful architecture.
- Dutch Fort is a historical fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century, which now houses a prison.
- Fish Market is a bustling market where you can see fishermen bringing in their catch of the day and buy fresh seafood.
- Negombo Lagoon is a scenic lagoon that offers boat rides and bird watching opportunities.
- Angurukaramulla Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple with intricate carvings and murals.
- Muthurajawela Marshland is an ecological reserve that is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
- Hamilton Canal is a picturesque canal that was used for transportation during colonial times and is now popular for boat rides.
- Ave Maria Convent & School Museum showcases the history of Catholic education in Sri Lanka through interesting exhibits.
- Negombo Fishermen’s Village Museum showcases traditional fishing techniques used by local fishermen over generations including boats made from coconut tree trunks called oruwa.
- Fishing
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Education
- Health care services
- Transportation services
The town is renowned for its fishing industry that boasts of numerous fishermen and fish markets. It is also a popular tourist destination characterized by beautiful beaches, historic sites and cultural attractions. Agriculture thrives in the area due to the fertile soil that supports the cultivation of crops such as coconut, rice and vegetables. Small-scale manufacturing industries produce items such as textiles, pottery and handicrafts while shops and markets sell everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. Education services are provided by several schools and colleges located in Negombo while healthcare services are offered by various hospitals and clinics within the area. A well-developed transportation system including buses, taxis tuk-tuks (three-wheeled motorized vehicles)and trains connect Negombo with other parts of Sri Lanka making it easily accessible to travelers visiting this beautiful town.
- Negombo was a significant trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries, occupied by the Portuguese in 1505.
- The Dutch took control of Negombo in 1640 and left their mark on the town with their architecture, canals, and churches.
- Due to its history of Portuguese and Dutch colonization, Negombo has a strong Catholic presence. St. Mary’s Church is one of the most notable landmarks in town.
- The fishing industry is prominent in Negombo, dating back to ancient times, with one of Sri Lanka’s largest fish markets located here.
- Muthurajawela Marsh is home to over 100 bird species as well as diverse flora and fauna.
- Notable people from Negombo include Don Stephen Senanayake (Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister), Gamini Dissanayake (politician), Ravi Karunanayake (former Minister of Finance), and Sujatha Attanayake (actress known for her roles in Sinhala cinema).
- Angurukaramulla Temple
- Negombo Fish Market
- Dutch Fort
- St. Mary’s Church
- Muthurajawela Marsh
- Negombo Lagoon
- Ave Maria Convent
- Hamilton Canal
- Negombo Beach Park
- Lewis Place Street
- Negombo Dutch Fort – a 17th-century fort built by the Portuguese and later used by the Dutch and British.
- St. Mary’s Church – a historic Catholic church built in the 1920s with beautiful stained glass windows.
- Muthurajawela Marsh – a vast wetland ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna, ideal for birdwatching and boat tours.
- Angurukaramulla Temple – a Buddhist temple with a giant statue of Lord Buddha and intricate murals depicting his life.
- Negombo Lagoon – a scenic lagoon with mangrove forests and fishing villages, perfect for boat rides and seafood tasting.
- Hamilton Canal – a 14.5 km long canal built by the British in the 1800s, now used for leisurely boat rides and cycling.
- Negombo Fish Market – a bustling market where fishermen sell their fresh catch of the day, including prawns, crabs, and various fish species.
- Old Dutch Canal – a historic canal built by the Dutch in the 1700s, now a popular spot for sunset walks and boat rides.
- Negombo Fishermen’s Festival – a celebration of the fishing community held in August with traditional dances, music, and food.
- Negombo Beach Volleyball Tournament – an annual event held in November where local and international teams compete on the sandy shores of Negombo.
- Seafood – Negombo is known for its fresh seafood, especially the famous Negombo prawns. Some popular seafood restaurants include Lagoon Waves Restaurant and Crab Restaurant.
- Sri Lankan Rice and Curry – A staple dish in Sri Lanka, rice and curry is usually served with a variety of curries such as dhal, chicken or fish curry. Some recommended places to try this dish are Serendib Restaurant and Rodeo Pub & Restaurant.
- Kottu Roti – A popular street food in Sri Lanka made with chopped roti bread, vegetables, eggs and meat (optional). Try it at Beach Hut or I Love Kottu.
- Hoppers – A traditional breakfast food made from fermented rice flour batter cooked in a special pan to create a bowl-shaped pancake. Served with coconut sambol (a spicy condiment) or curry sauce. Recommended places to try hoppers are Lords Restaurant or Dolce Vita Cafe & Guesthouse.
- Fusion Cuisine – There are also many restaurants that offer fusion cuisine combining local ingredients with international flavors such as The Fat Crab or King Coconut Cafe & Bar.
- Fish Market – A bustling market located near the Negombo Lagoon where you can buy fresh seafood and watch fishermen bring in their daily catch.
- Negombo Fisherman’s Village – A traditional fishing village where you can experience the local way of life and see how fishermen make their living.
- Negombo Beach – A long stretch of golden sand beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like surfing and kiteboarding.
- Old Dutch Cemetery – An interesting historical site that dates back to the Dutch colonial era with well-preserved tombstones and monuments.
- St. Sebastian’s Church – A beautiful Catholic church located in the heart of Negombo town with stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows.
- Maha Vihara Temple – One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, with a history dating back more than 2,000 years.
