The Dutch Canal of Negombo is indeed an engineering masterpiece. The body of water served as an important ferry way for the Dutch to transport spices and other goods across the country.
An Ancient Waterway
The Canal constructed in the 17th century by the colonists runs a length of 100kms, part of it crossing the town of Negombo. Starting from the town of Hendala the canal runs up to Pamunugama although originally it connected Colombo in the western province to Puttalam which is in the north of Sri Lanka. The canal as mentioned before was an important mode of transport for the Dutch administration. Negombo was most important for the spice trade and this waterway provided easy access to ships.
Top Tourist Attraction in Negombo
The colonists are far gone from the island of Sri Lanka leaving behind masterpiece infrastructure for tourists and locals to enjoy. Today the canal is a top attraction amongst visiting tourists. Easily reached from Negombo based Sri Lanka beach hotels the canal is a source of enjoyment. Boat tours along its expanse are highly popular with many hotels like Jetwing Blue offering transport and scheduled tours of the canal.
Cycle or Take a Boat Trip
You can opt for the more popular boat tours along the canal or try a more energetic mode and cycle along the verdant banks. Either way, the experience is quite a thrill. You get to see all manner of amphibians and reptiles as well as migratory bird species. At some points, the canal crosses the busy Negombo town and is usually full of fishing and tour boats plying its length.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.