Golden beaches are somewhat of a trademark of Sri Lanka. There are many beaches to explore and delight in the country but the best ones are at least two hours away from Colombo, where the Bandaranaike International Airport is located in. So, if you’re pressed for time there is one town within a mere 20 minutes away that offers more than just a golden beach.
Negombo is a coastal town located in the west of Sri Lanka. The name “Negombo” was given by the Portuguese during colonisation. In the local tongue, which is Sinhalese, it is called Mīgamuva (මීගමුව) which literally translates into “Group of Bees”. According to ancient scriptures, when the great Queen Viharamadevi was pregnant with Prince Dutugamunu, she had a craving for bee’s honey. Her husband, King Kavantissa sent out his army to bring back the best bee honey, which they found on a canoe near the seashore in Mīgamuva, now Negombo.
Today, Negombo is a sprawling city that is famous as a fishing town as well as a holiday resort. Because of the latter finding a good Negombo hotel the likes of the Hotel J Negombo is not a difficult task. When it comes to transport, tuk-tuks are one of the most popular ways of travelling in the country, but make sure the one you get into has a functioning meter as some of the drivers are prone to swindle foreigners by charging ridiculous prices.
So, let’s get to the attractions, which are in plenty. First off course is the beach. There are a couple of centres along the beach that offer lessons in sailing, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing, but make sure the one you check is PADI-certified. You can also go on a boat safari that will take you to sea or the lagoon where there is a verdant mangrove forest to admire.
Other than the beach, Negombo is also famous for the Angurukaramulla Temple and the St Sebastian and St. Mary’s churches. The latter is one of the largest cathedrals in the country. Paying a visit to the buzzing fish market is also worth a visit, but not if you’re going straight to the airport, as you might carry some unpleasant-smelling memories back home!
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
