Tourist Places to Visit in Negombo, Sri Lanka, Asia
Negombo is the 4th largest city of Sri Lanka located in Western Province at the coordinates 7°12′40″ N 79°50′19″ E. It is the administrative centre of Negombo Division situated about 36 kms away from the national capital Colombo. The Postal Code of Negombo is 11500.
Economy of Negombo:
Negombo is one of the industrial hubs of the country well known for its ancient fishing industry and houses numerous royal hotels, departmental stores, big super markets, comfort pubs and restaurants.
Geography and Climate of Negombo:
Negombo is placed at an altitude of 2 meters and the total area of Negombo is around 60 sq. km. Negombo experiences a tropical monsoon climate.
Etymology and history of Negombo:
Portuguese was first used the name “Negombo”. Portuguese rulers constructed a fort in Negombo during the colonial period and later Dutch conquered Negombo from Portuguese in the year 1646. Dutch Empire built a fort in 1672 and even today remains good in condition.
Landmarks in Negombo:
- Harischandra National College
- Sebastian’s Church
- Dutch Fort
- Negombo Lagoon
Connectivity to Negombo:
The Bus Terminal Complex at Negombo is considered as one of the best bus terminals of the country and the buses to major cities like Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala, Kegalle, Balangoda and Chilaw are accessible with good frequency from here.
Negombo is served by three railway stations situated in Negombo downtown, Kattuwa and Kurana. Negombo Central Railway Station is located 1 km away from the city.
The nearest airport to Negombo is Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo located at a distance of 9 kms.
Culture and Food in Negombo:
Negombo is a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic city is home to Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians. Sinhalese are higher in majority in Negombo. The worship places of different religions include Kali Amman Temple, Negombo Grand Jumma Masjid, St. Sebastian’s Church and Agurukaramulla Raja Maha Viharaya.
Negombo is a city with full of clothes, shoes, handicrafts and ornaments shops. Also houses plenty of different food corners with Sri Lankan, Indian and Western cuisine. Sea Joy is one of the famous food corner offers delicious food at different prices. The Peacock is the bar located in the centre of the city.
Must see in Negombo:
Dutch Fort:
Dutch Fort is the must see place in Negombo, constructed during Dutch colonial period in Sri Lanka in the year 1672.
Lellama:
Lellama is country’s 2nd largest fish market located towards the north side of the town.
Negombo Beach:
Negombo Beach is the prime attraction of Negombo visited by more than lakhs of tourists every year for its stunning beauty.
Muthurajawela Marshland:
Muthurajawela Marshland covers an area of 6,000-hectares.
St. Sebastian’s Church:
St. Sebastian’s Church is the beautifully constructed worship place located in Negombo. The outer structure of the church is really great treat for the eyes of tourists.
Other tourist attractions near Negombo are:
- Mora Wala
- Beach Park
- Agurukaramulla Raja Maha Viharaya
- Katuwapitiya Church
- Sea Street Church
- Grand Street Church
- Ganapathi Temple
- Muththumari Amman Temple
- Negombo Grand Jumma Masjid
- Karumari Amman Temple
Ideal time to visit Negombo:
November to March is the ideal time to holiday Negombo.
Accommodation Options in Negombo:
Well facilitated famous hotels in Negombo City are as follows:
- Dions Guest House
- Star Beach Hotel
- Lachlan Hotel & Suites
- Marine Tourist Guest House
- Silal Fernando Homestay
- Windmill Hotel
- Suriya Arana
- Hostel Negombo Beach
- Blue Horizon Guest House
- Villa Flywing Guesthouse
- Dorset Guest House
- Sha Residence