The Golden Sandy Beaches and the famous fishing city Negombo

The coast North of Colombo is where the main destination called Negombo is located. The name “Negombo” was first used by the Portuguese, a corruption of the Sinhala name Meegamuva.
The city is situated by the shores of a lagoon of the same name, and was a trading port during the periods of Portuguese and Dutch colonization. Negombo first flourished as a center for cinnamon production along the western coast of Sri Lanka. The Moors (Muslims) began trading the spice prior to the 13th century, the quality of which attracted the Portuguese who ousted the Moors in the late 16th century, constructed a fort in Negombo and took over the trade to the West. It was during the Portuguese occupation that the Karawa, or traditional fishing clan of Negombo embraced Catholicism almost without exception. The fishermen who are based at the Negombo lagoon live in the villages along the water’s edge. For generations the lagoon has provided the fishermen with a plentiful supply of crabs, shrimp and many of the native species of fish.

Negombo is an ideal place for those who want quick access to and from the country’s international airport. The 100 km long canal network running through the town is still used, and outrigger canoes and modern water-craft ply this route daily, for trade and tourist purposes. Remains of colonization include the Dutch fort built in 1672, as well as centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch houses, administrative buildings, and churches. Negombo is also home to the country’s second-largest fish market, the Lellama, at the north end of the town’s lagoon. There are daily fish auctions in the morning hours, which give tourists a chance to meet the area’s fishermen and even organize fishing trips into the lagoon and the ocean beyond. Negombo area is also the heartland of Christian Sri Lanka, as borne out by the enormous churches and flowery wayside Catholic shrines scattered about the town and its surroundings.

This lovely quite fishing village (now a main city) is filled with love and caring. Every person you meet will have that unforgettable smile all the time. No matter who you are or what profession you are from the respect will remain the same. You should also visit the small hotels to try out a “Plain Tea” and a “Roti”. Hmmmmmm mouthwatering when I think about it. The saree shops along the Main Street where you get beautiful and colorful sarees and different variety of clothes to suite your budget. May be try out some wedding sarees (if you are getting married soon !!!!).

My visit to the local market was awesome, vegetables kept very neatly, fruits including. Fish kept separately, crabs still trying to escape from the net, tiger prawns, cuttle fish and many more variety of fish can be found for sale in this market place. Dry fish stall is separately located and the owner will be screaming out to sell his products and to attract the customers. What a lovely sight to see. No where in the World you will get this kind of a lively experience. In this small town Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims do their business without any disturbance. A good example for the fellow countrymen.

Negombo town is so lively, all day long and in the night the beach road, is happening throughout (as we call it) and plenty of bars/restaurants that will suite your taste buds. You name the food you want and you will get  from Chinese to German, Indian, typical Sri Lankan,  Sea Food are famous in this area. Enjoy a lovely drink at any of these restaurants and a meal. I guarantee one will always return. Souvenir shops, Gem shops are always stand by to welcome you to do shopping.

There are heaps of accommodations in Negombo and Jetwing group has 4 hotels from a small luxury hotel to 5 & 4 star respectively. Jetwing Beach is my favorite, awesome food, friendly staff and how they make you feel pampered like a baby is an experience of a life time. A member of the small luxury hotels in the World, they offer guests 75 spacious luxury rooms with simple interiors and a range of facilities to make your stay memorable. Jetwing Beach Negombo also houses 3 luxury suites with a large open courtyard, an open rain shower and a Jacuzzi. Deluxe room facilities include cement flooring and dark teak furniture, individual air conditioning, telephone and IDD facility, hair dryer, magnifying shaving mirror, mini bar, tea & coffee making facilities, safety locker, cable television, CD DVD player, in–room dining for a couple, Beach Barbeque for a couple or small group. For all day dining, guests can head towards “The Sands” restaurant and if you prefer dining on the terrace, “Al fresco” would be ideal. Offering guests an exciting a la carte menu, the “Black Coral” provides a fine dining experience. The “Centre Point” beach restaurant presents snacks and various pizzas. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the Terrace Bar. Signature dining can be experience by the romantics while you can also learn to cook spicy sea food and local specialties within Jetwing Beach Negombo. The food is awesome, they have the best Chef’s and the best menus’. Try their Black Pork curry, White rice, Dhal curry and the Crab curry. Simply amazing and out of this World. Before Dinner why not ask for a Blue Lagoon Cocktail enjoy the Breeze from the Indian Ocean relax your mind and body and you will feel like heaven.

Not forgetting the out of the World experience using the Spa, It has two Single Treatment rooms, one Thai & Shiatsu Room equipped with a Jacuzzi and a Rama / Sitha Room also equipped with a Jacuzzi, and a steam room. I tried the pedicure and the foot massage and 30 minutes in the steam room made my body so relaxed. You may try this when you are in the hotel next time!!!

All in all this is the perfect place for those with a fondness for the simple pleasures of a seaside holiday.