The city of Negombo, locally referred to as ‘Meegamuwa’, is the largest city in the island’s Northern District of Gampaha, and is the fifth largest city overall on the island of Sri Lanka. Excluding the capital of Colombo, Negombo is the second largest capital in the Western Province, and contains the island’s main international airport. Negombo is mainly known for its enormous fishing industry, and popularity as a tourist destination given the lucrative location on the North-Western area of Sri Lanka, known to contain pristine beaches and some of the island’s most extravagant and luxurious hotels and resorts such as the Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa Negombo.
Excluding the lush beaches and the exquisite Negombo hotels, the coastal town contains some of the most fascinating colonial architecture on the whole island, and one can explore a bountiful treasure of historical locales in one visit to the island’s largest northern city. The most popular of such attractions is the Dutch Fort of Negombo, which was built in the year 1672 and was part of a colonial prison complex. Nowadays the fort is largely in ruin, but there’s one remaining aspect that continues to draw visitors to the historical site, and that is the fine gateway which bears the inscription 1678. Located within the sight of the Dutch Ford is a green called the ‘Esplanade’, an exceptionally popular venue to hold cricket matches.
Littered around the city of Negombo are numerous Old Dutch churches such as the St.Anne’s church, which are still being utilized today, and continue to awe church goers with their unique artistry and architecture. Another notable Dutch fort exists in the region of Kalpitiya, which is currently being utilized as a military base.
If you wish to embark on a voyage to experience serene sights as well as a sprinkling of history, the city of Negombo is definitely a locale worth considering.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
