As a country that is surrounded by the glistening ocean on all sides, seafood is bound to be in plenty here. The abundance of the harvest reaped by the surrounding sea gets only too apparent if one visits the Negombo Fish Market, a bustling market place that is bound to thrill any seafood enthusiast from all across the globe.
Located right across the lagoon bridge near the Old Dutch Gate of the city, this fascinating spot referred to as the Lellama by the locals is the second largest fish market in the country. The place is throbbing with life and fresh seafood still very salty from the sea every day except on Sunday and this is where the locals go to find the freshest of the catch at very cheap prices. If one manages to stagger away from the bed around 6am, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the fishing boats returning ashore with their daily catch which is bound to be a truly delightful experience. While here, one can also witness a glorious sunrise accompanied by the numerous boats coming home to a golden hued beach coloured by the rising sun.
On entering the market, expect to be greeted by a rather large commotion as the fishermen will be shouting at the top of their lungs with the aim of selling their catch of the day at the best prices. Clad in colourful sarongs wearing large straw hats, these sun-beaten fishermen are quite a sight while they sit by large mounds of fish and other exotic seafood from their daily catch. The variety of sea food available at this market is astounding indeed. While local favourites such as prawns, cuttlefish, lobster and various species of fish can be found in abundance here, this place is also a popular spot where one can find rare delicacies like shark and large crabs still very much alive scuttling around the place.
The smell can be quite overwhelming and the racket, rather deafening. However, it is all part of the fun. It is advisable that the travellers carry with them drinking water when visiting this spot as the Negombo fish market can get quite hot during noon. Best times to visit are the early mornings when the catch is still very much fresh from the ocean.
Jetwing Sea is a rather delightful Negombo beach hotel in which one can lodge during their stay to this rather remarkable city by the sea. This chic and spacious luxury Sri Lanka beach resort is most undoubtedly one of the most sought after hotels in the country, well known for its charm that extends itself to all areas of its service to its discerning guests.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
