Beautiful beaches, untouched nature, ancient temples, deep-rooted traditions, and flavorful Sri Lankan food rich in spices and coconut milk - these were already in my mind before I even landed in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
My flight from Malaysia landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) - also known as Colombo Airport or Katunayake Airport - located in Katunayake, a suburb of Negombo. This is where I began.
Negombo, a coastal city just north of Colombo, is known for its fishing heritage, Dutch-era buildings, and laid-back charm.
Negombo Cuisine
The three meals
I had in Negombo proved that Sri Lankan food is truly something to savour. It
enlivens your palate right away. While Western dishes are available and worth
mentioning, it’s the fish curry, fried chips, rice dishes, and flavour-packed
sides that stood out - all bursting with spices and coconut milk.
Beyond hotel buffets, most local eateries cook everything fresh to order. And the fresh catch from Negombo’s shores? Absolutely unmissable.
Religious Heritage: St. Mary’s Church
Christianity is part of Negombo’s cultural fabric, and this was clearly seen in the 140-year-old St. Mary’s Church, the largest cathedral in the city. Its painted ceiling and alabaster statues were stunning. A wedding was underway, so I couldn’t explore the interior, but even from the outside, the church reflected the strong Christian roots of Negombo.
Ayurveda Treatments
Sri Lanka is
known for its Ayurveda treatments, and I gave it a try too. I opted for a
session in a tranquil, nature-based setting. I chose a stress-reducing oil
massage, which turned out to be excellent.
The traditional wooden sauna, however, was a different experience - boxed in with only my face exposed, I started feeling claustrophobic within ten minutes. Still, it was a much-needed moment of relaxation and reset, and I walked out feeling refreshed.
Negombo Fishing Village
Negombo is, at
its heart, a fishing town. You’ll see boats in the water and fresh seafood
being sold right along the streets. It’s simple, it’s real, and it defines
local life here.
I visited a fishing village at around 6:30 a.m., just as the sun began to rise. Watching the fishermen prepare to head out to sea, chatting with a few in Tamil, and even witnessing a wedding photo shoot along the shore - it was all so meaningful. This is where you feel the soul of Negombo.
Amazing moments, unhurried life, warm and humble people - I truly enjoyed my time in Negombo, Sri Lanka.
Up next: Kandy.
(Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava’s Zen at age 58. With over 22 years of experience as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling every day of the year. She embarks on her ‘Zen Journeys’ whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling work allow her to).
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